Bletchingley Guide price £4,850,000

Steeped in history, this commanding country home provides exceptional accommodation, whilst securely tucked away in the beautiful Surrey countryside. Boasting 11 acres (STJMS), nine bedrooms, seven reception rooms, a gate lodge, cottage and annexe, Sandhills offers private and modern living all within an easy commute to the heart of London.
The Story
As they approached the splendid property up the drive, it slowly revealed itself to them – when they climbed out of the car, they found a magnificent house with spectacular views.
It was a beautiful place but at the same time was not so imposing that it was overwhelming, she said. We knew we would want to renovate it. But we were able to do that while also keeping all the character.
Since then, they have enjoyed relaxing at Sandhills, looking out over the stunning Surrey country, and celebrating a number of special occasions.
This is where my husband proposed to me, she remembered. We were also married here, with all our friends attending.
SENSE OF TRADITION
Dating back to 1890, the impressive and expansive house has featured in books for its exquisite style and wonderful character. Today it still features many of its original wainscots, cornicing and fireplaces.
A lot of thought went into planning the renovations so we could keep the sense of history of the house in tact. We looked at every room and considered what we wanted to do with it, she said.
It took two years to carry out the work. The aim was to create a look that was largely traditional but within rooms that had high levels of contemporary comfort and style as well.
STYLISH KITCHEN
Throughout Sandhills, spaces are now sumptuous and roomy. Some have high ceilings and are filled with light while others are cosier, offering more informal areas for relaxation.
The kitchen here was quite small so we knocked three rooms together to create one large space, she said. We wanted a cooking area in the kitchen but also an entertaining area so we installed a wood-burner.
We chose granite work surfaces, with beautiful curved ogee edges instead of straight edges. We ensured there was great attention to detail.
EXCEPTIONAL ROOMS
With so much space at the house, it is easy to accommodate visitors. Two of the bedrooms are simply outstanding, she stressed.
One is huge and has a barrelled ceiling. It has wonderful views, as well as a fireplace, bathroom and dressing room. We have a four poster bed in there.
The master suite has a sitting area and two bathrooms – my bathroom is the size of a double bedroom! It has long windows overlooking different views and I have a cupboard where I can keep up to 150 pairs of shoes!
FORMAL ENTERTAINING
Entertaining is also easy as there is such superb reception space at Sandhills.
The good thing is that when there are a lot of visitors, people can spread out and find themselves some space in a room out of the way.
She said: In a traditional Victorian style, as you open the front door, the drawing room is to the left and the dining room to the right.
We like being in the drawing room in winter, when we have the open fire going. It is a formal area for entertaining but at the same time feels homely.
We use the study as a snug and in the summer we use the smaller sitting room, where we can open the French windows and enjoy views out across the Surrey Weald.
She added: These views are just wonderful and they are protected so they will always be there.
Accommodation
Ground Floor Accommodation
From its commanding red brick elevations, the house is entered via a solid wooden door into an entrance vestibule and beyond to impressive reception rooms. The stunning drawing room incorporates a vaulted ceiling and rich wood panelling, while the floor to ceiling windows allow natural light to wash over the room, drawing attention to the magnificent open fireplace. Large double doors lead from the drawing room through to the dining room which retains much of the original detail in the form of decorative cornices, picture rails and another striking fireplace.
The accommodation moves seamlessly from old to new with a bespoke, hand-crafted kitchen resting at the heart of the home. Solid oak doors and fitted cabinets have been paired with bevelled granite work surfaces, while integral appliances include wine coolers, fridge, freezers and dishwashers. The same high standards are continued in the utility room where there are matching oak cabinets.
From the kitchen, the stunning atrium is filled with natural light and is currently used as a breakfast room/informal dining room, while the spacious sitting room opens out onto the courtyard and boasts exposed timber beams and a fireplace that heightens the warm ambience. Completing the ground floor are the library, study, gym and staff bedroom.
First Floor Accommodation
Boasting nine bedrooms in total, eight of the rooms are on the first floor incorporating charming suites that all benefit from excellent views, a fantastic amount of space, an abundance of built-in storage and en-suite facilities. The master bedroom is a particular highlight with ‘his and her’ bathrooms and dressing rooms. The principal bathroom has a central focal point in the form of a wonderful free-standing slipper bath and there is a private sitting room and a generous storage room dedicated to shoes. The guest suites are by no means any less impressive with the principal suite on the mezzanine level benefitting from possibly the best view in the house over the courtyard and beyond.
The playroom/gamesroom is on the second floor offering a luxurious amount of flexible space.
The Lodge
Situated at the opening of the drive is the gate lodge. Constructed of brick and exposed timber, the lodge comprises two bedrooms, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and family room. The lodge also has a private terraced garden.
The Cottage
To the rear of the house sits a beautiful red brick cottage. The cottage has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment and restoration project. The accommodation comprises three bedrooms, shower room, kitchen with dining area and a superb reception room with high ceilings and views across the countryside beyond.
The Annexe/Garage
Beyond the cottage lies a three double-bay garage. The garage has been restored and developed to create a large games room/office or studio above. In addition to the living accommodation and car ports you will find a workshop, coal house and separate bedroom.
Additionally, there are a series of garden stores and a potting shed that backs onto the walled garden. These structures have a wide range of uses from dog kennels to general garden storage.
Setting the Scene
From the entrance gate a sweeping driveway bends around a corner shielding the house behind a multitude of specimen trees and shrubs. Azaleas and a Chilean Fire Bush are the first notable inclusions.
The house sits beautifully in its grounds. Leafy and mature, these blend seamlessly into their surroundings and offer places that are ideal for summer entertaining.
In spring, the meadow is filled with snowdrops, primroses, daffodils and bluebells, said the owner. We also have a croquet lawn with a pavilion on it.
It is lovely being outside here. It is a fantastic area for anyone who loves walking, riding or shooting.
Within easy Reach
The house is ideally placed for commuting to London via the accessible road network. There are also regular train services to London Victoria and London Bridge from Redhill and Oxted.
My husband works in London and commutes very easily from here. It takes him just 25 minutes by train.
And she added: We are just 10 minutes drive from the M25 and 20 minutes from Gatwick Airport.
DIRECTIONS:
From the M25 leave the motorway at Junction 6 and take the B2235 and A25 through Godstone towards Redhill. After 2.5 miles, close to the centre of Beltchingley, turn left into Outwood Lane. Continue for 0.3 miles where the gates to Sandhills can be found on the right hand side.
For those with satellite navigation the postcode for the property is RH1 4LS.
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