An extremely impressive contemporary eco house set in a delightful rural area of outstanding natural beauty with gardens and grounds of about 11 acres.
This is the eco property house of the future, the ultimate in the conservation of energy.
Elfin Hollow has been designed and built by the current owners to an exacting standard creating what will be witnessed by many people as a dream home. The blend of ultra-contemporary, high-tech style with some traditional aspects and environmentally friendly, low carbon design provides a unique country home with a breathtaking blend of light and space.
The house offers the rare potential for further development such as swimming pool, tennis courts and garage which could add significant value to the property.
The house is essentially arranged over three floors with further mezzanine’ levels cleverly designed into the roof space of two of the first floor bedrooms. On entering the house you are immediately taken in with the impressive proportions of the open-plan living space. Triple-glazed windows and doors overlook and take in the surrounding gardens, woodland, opening onto the decking which surrounds the house. A centrally located oak staircase helps to create a natural divide between the living area, kitchen and dining areas which all subtly link to each other. The bespoke kitchen provides well planned storage and work space with attractive lapis blue worktops with an island unit together with breakfast bar giving wonderful views over the garden and woodland. It is equipped with a Falcon range cooker with induction hob, Neff microwave/convection oven and dishwasher. A self-contained utility room is equipped with storage units and plumbing for a washing machine and a dryer. Beyond the kitchen is a further sun room.
The lower floor has been cleverly designed not to be visible from the front of the house. This very practical and versatile space could be converted into a separate living area or annexe. It incorporates a large games room, which currently has a full size snooker table, office and two bedrooms, both with en suites. There is a separate luxury bathroom and rooms designed to incorporate a sauna or steam room. Most rooms open out to the garden and gravelled patio area.
The first floor is flooded with light and has a huge vaulted roof with long skylight windows with self-cleaning glass. The landing provides a useful study and/or seating area and gives access to the bedrooms and well-appointed luxury bathroom. The master bedroom, like the other rooms in the house, boasts fabulous views over the gardens and has a dressing room, impressive en suite bathroom and steps up to the galleried’ mezzanine level which can be used as a further bedroom or private TV room. There are two further bedrooms at this level, one of which also incorporates a galleried’ mezzanine/potential bedroom.
Some of the latest technology, energy efficient and low carbon features include:
- structural insulated panels (sips), reducing heating costs by 60%
- air-source heat pump
- under floor heating
- solar panels (heat hot water)
- rainwater harvester (not currently in use)
- triple glazing
- air circulating system with heat exchange
- contemporary glass-fronted log burning fire
- Lutron intelligent lighting system
- tilt and turn doors
- central vacuuming systems
- self-closing WC’s throughout
Outside
The house is approached by a gravelled driveway which leads to a parking and turning area for a number of cars. The house is surrounded by the garden on all sides, mainly laid to lawn enclosed by light woodland to the north and south side of the house; a stream naturally divides the two acres of gardens and woodland from a nine acre (approx) field which lies to the west immediately behind the house. A newly constructed bridge gives access from the wood across the stream to the field.
Local facilities
Vines Cross is a friendly English village with farm shops, garage and popular pub, The Brewers Arms. Old Heathfield has a pub, church, primary school, secondary school, cricket club and community centre. Horam (1.8 miles) offers a number of small shops, doctors surgery, a butcher, football and tennis clubs and access to the Cuckoo Trail (disused railway for walking and cycling). Comprehensive shopping: Heathfield (2.1 miles approx), Tunbridge Wells (17 miles approx), Eastbourne (17 miles approx), Brighton (30 miles approx).
Railway Stations: Stonegate (London Bridge/Charing Cross), Buxted (London Bridge/Victoria).
Schools: There are a high number of well-regarded state and private primary and secondary schools in the area. Private primary schools include Skippers Hill Preparatory School, Moira House and St Bedes (Eastbourne). Senior schools include St Bedes – The Dicker (7 miles approx) which has an area dedicated to specializing in sports and also dyslexia, St Leonards (Mayfield) and Eastbourne College (16 miles approx). Buses run to all private schools in the area. State schools include All Saints and St Richards, Maynards Green and Park Side. There is an excellent nursery, Huffle Nursery, just up the road in Old Heathfield.
Services: Mains water, electricity and drainage.
Local Authority: Wealden District Council Band H
Situation
The property is situated approximately 15 miles equal distance between Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne and two miles of Heathfield. Set within a wonderful and much admired rural location on the outskirts of Vines Cross between Old Heathfield and Horam, it is well positioned for transport, shopping, schools and many other amenities and there are convenient footpaths for walking in the area.
Viewing strictly by appointment with Winkworth on 01892 519 600
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