7 bedroom detached house for sale

This substantial Grade II listed country house is situated in an enviable position in beautiful grounds, with far-reaching southerly views over the surrounding countryside to the rear. The main house dates from the late 1920s, when it was built for Sir Frederick Rowatt, the former Governor of the Bank of Egypt. It was acquired from the family by the current owners in 2001 and is now on the market for only the second time in its history. Its extensive well-appointed accommodation is arranged over three floors, providing a versatile layout which is ideally well suited to the needs of modern family life as well as for entertaining on grand scale. The house is beautifully presented and has many original period features including wood flooring, dado and picture rails, working fireplaces, a superb oak staircase, oak doors, and stone windowsills. The elegant principal reception rooms are spacious and comfortable. The grand dining hall has French doors to the rear terrace and a large stone fireplace. Sliding oak pocket doors open up to the superb triple aspect drawing room, with notable partial oak panelling, a grand fireplace and further French doors to the rear terrace. A study, which could be used as a home office lies off the side hallway, which leads past the cloakroom and pantry. The kitchen/breakfast room is open plan, and has underfloor heating and bi-fold doors to the loggia which in turn leads on to a side entrance hall, and a TV/ family room. On the first floor, the principal suite has a fireplace, a pair of fitted dressing rooms, and an ensuite bathroom; there are three further bedrooms (two en suite) and a family bathroom, together with a laundry room and cleaning closet. There are three further bedrooms (one en suite), a bathroom and a WC on the second floor reached via the secondary staircase and suitable for guests or staff if required.OutsideElenge Plat is enclosed by a tall wall to the front and a mix of mature trees and hedging with post and rail fencing to the side and rear. It is approached via electronically operated gates which open to a wide gravelled driveway, flanked by landscaped lawns and clipped hedging. To the side is a timber framed car barn with adjoining secure garage/machinery store and a first floor studio. Steps lead down to the plant room, and a substantial lower ground floor measuring approximately 30ft x 28ft at its widest points. This area could be converted and would make a cinema/hobby room or extensive wine cellar. A large stone terrace spans the wisteria clad south-facing rear elevation, which features Doric columns flanking the drawing room doors and supporting the loggia. There are elegant brick alcoves at either end providing shelter and creating a perfect spot from where to the enjoy the gardens. An archway leads to the side rose garden; the remainder of the garden stretches to the south and is mainly laid to level lawn. To the south west lies a large pond, an all-weather tennis court, and a detached summerhouse, which has power connected and currently doubles up as a home office. Beyond is an old and original summerhouse which is currently used as an open garden store with tiled roof, and at the end of the wall is another entrance from the road to a dilapidated garage building, which offers potential for recreating a workshop, storage or garage (for which planning permission has previously been granted, but since lapsed and will need to be reinstated), or subject to the necessary planning permission, further independent ancillary accommodation.SituationSituated on a rural lane on the southern outskirts of Colgate, a village to the east of Horsham in the High Weald AONB with a gastro pub, church, nursery and primary school and community village hall. Horsham and Crawley (each five miles) offer a good range of shops and restaurants, theatres, cinemas and leisure centres. Sussex offers a wealth of leisure and cultural activities, with sailing at Ardingly and the coast, golf across West and East Sussex, including Mannings Heath Golf and Wine Estate (two miles), Cottesmore Golf Club (2.4 miles), and local athletics and sporting clubs at all levels across the county. Woodside Equestrian (three miles) offers excellent equestrian facilities. There are many footpaths and bridle paths across the surrounding countryside, and St Leonards Forest is accessible directly from the property. Local spa and country house hotels include South Lodge, Alexander House and Ockenden Manor. The area has excellent transport links. Faygate (three miles, approximately seven minutes’ drive) offers regular services to London journey time from 59 minutes. Three Bridges (5.7 miles) offers regular fast trains to central London, journey time from 35 minutes. To the east, the A23/M23 gives access to Gatwick airport (10.6 miles, also offering fast rail services), central London (30 miles) and the south coast. There are many highly regarded state and private schools in the local area including Colgate primary school, Cottesmore Prep School, Handcross Park Brighton College (which provides a bus from Pease Pottage), Millais School, Christ’s Hospital, Farlington and Worth. Property Ref Number: HAM-62814Additional InformationLocal Authority: Horsham District Council Council Tax: Band H Services: Mains water and electricity, drainage to a septic tank, oil-fired central heating.