A magical country home in the High Weald AONB, where great gardens and period charm combine
It’s hard not to be charmed by Old Barklye in East Sussex. Draped in Wisteria and accessed through a dramatic arched hedge way, this bucolic family home offers the ultimate hidden sanctuary, with wonderful interiors and even better gardens. James Fisher takes a look.


Enveloped by the picturesque countryside of the High Weald AONB, wisteria-clad Old Barklye sits in a semi-rural position between the charming villages of Broad Oak and Burwash Common.
It’s now on the market via Hamptons for £1.395 million.
Exuding period charm, the property offers four bedrooms over its two floors, but the real magic comes from the elegant garden and grounds, which extend to more than an acre.
The focal point is the swimming pool, around which are arranged various outbuildings that currently serve as barns, workshops, studio spaces and storage facilities, but could easily be converted with the necessary consents.
The surrounding gardens are awash with colourful flowerbeds, shrubs and hedgerows, as well as a wooded glade with a path mown through it and an elegant pond with overhanging trees.
Internally, the accommodation is bright and immaculately presented, with tasteful renovation works used to elevate the spaces. A cream wood burner sits within an inglenook fireplace with windows in the dining room, whilst the kitchen exudes country farmhouse charm with dark wood units, tiled floors and exposed beams.
Situated between two villages, the property enjoys a level of tranquillity, yet is only two and a half miles from the town of Heathfield where there are a range of amenities.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
The High Weald Area of Natural Beauty surrounds the property, providing endless walks and exceptional views, and good transportation links mean the nearby coast and surrounding towns are easily reached.
Old Barklye is currently on the market via Hamptons for £1.395 million — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for

James Fisher is the Digital Commissioning Editor of Country Life. He writes about motoring, travel and things that upset him. He lives in London. He wants to publish good stories, so you should email him.
-
What the hedge can tell us about the countryside, with Richard Negus
The hedge is much more than just a barrier between one field and the next. Richard Negus joins the Country Life Podcast to discuss his work, his latest book and how he's being tapped up to switch cricket clubs.
By James Fisher Published
-
Country Life August 20 2025
Country Life August 20 2025 is the Scottish Issue, featuring glorious Glamis Castle, 47 pages of the best Scottish property for sale, John Buchan, and the Glasgow Boys
By Country Life Published
-
A 17th century farmhouse in Surrey with one of Britain's oldest squash courts
Fords Farm is on the market for the first time in over half a century.
By Penny Churchill Last updated
-
The 15 best-value commuter towns for people working in London, according to new research from one of Britain's top estate agents
Savills have released their list of the best-value commuter towns in Britain. But do the sums add up? Toby Keel takes a look.
By Toby Keel Published
-
What everyone is talking about this week: Where are the new Cotswolds?
The appearance of American Vice President J. D. Vance in the Cotswolds is a sure sign that they're saturated, but where else can you escape to that has the same charm?
By Will Hosie Published
-
19 outstanding country homes, from £450,000 to £20 million, as seen in Country Life
A spectacular country house in Yorkshire and an enormously impressive Channel Islands retreat are among the stand-out homes on the market this week.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Three homes down by the Thames, perfect for those who love messing about on boats
This summer’s scorching temperatures will no doubt have endorsed the perennial appeal of Thames-side houses with frontage and private access to the river. Penny Churchill and Toby Keel pick out some prime examples.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A pavilion, pool and pleasure gardens at this Devon country house 'with not another building in sight'
Ebberly House is a majestic country house in Devon built by one of John Soane's pupils — and as it comes to the market, it's a place Penny Churchill knows well.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Take over the world or throw a great big party on this private fort for sale in Pembroke
Thorne Island, dubbed the British Alcatraz, has been a £2 million labour of love. Now it could be yours.
By James Fisher Published
-
The perfect summer house? A country home, beach house and rural escape rolled into one in a prime spot in Sussex
If there's a finer house than Grangewood House in which to enjoy the summer, we'd love to see it. Penny Churchill takes a look.
By Penny Churchill Published