In the village of Charlwood near Horley, Drummond House — currently on the market via Knight Frank at a guide price of £2.5 million — provides a unique opportunity in that the vendors are already halfway through renovations and planning permission for a significant extension and remodel is in place, including heat pumps and solar panels, not to mention a new pool house next to the existing swimming pool.
The task in hand is by no means small: rooms have been gutted and the debris is currently piled up in the garden.
However, it doesn't take a trained eye to see the potential that this house has, and a transformation into something really special seems easily attainable — budget permitting, of course.
Once complete, it will be a handsome and sizeable family home, with five bedrooms and five reception rooms on four acres of sweeping lawns, specimen trees and a pond with a fantastic tree house.
The romantic gardens and surrounding landscape are already breathtaking. Willow trees stoop over the lawn and the pièce de résistance is without a doubt the magnificent stilted tree house that stands over the large pond.
Then there's that outdoor pool, in a beautiful setting, and the views. This is an already special property that is half way through its journey into becoming a sensational home.
Drummond House is currently on the market via Knight Frank at a guide price of £2.5 million — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Norwood Hill: What you need to know
Location: The rural hamlet is located in-between Dorking, Reigate (approximately 6.7 miles) and Horsham (approximately 11 miles). Central London is just over 30 miles and trains run into London from Norwood Hill station via the Gatwick express and from Redhill station. London Gatwick airport is less than five miles away and Heathrow is 32 miles.
Atmosphere: The quiet hamlet enjoys a peaceful, rural atmosphere whilst benefiting from excellent transport links into the capital and further.
Things to do: The nearby towns of Dorking, Horsham and Reigate provide excellent shopping and recreational facilities. A range of sporting facilities can also be found in the surrounding area and further afield with racing at Brighton, polo at Cowdray Park, golf in Dorking and for sailing and water sports, head to Chichester or Brighton.
Schools: Downsend School, Reigate Valley College (rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted), Charlwood Village Primary School, Reigate Grammar School, St Bede's School and Epsom College are amongst the vast list of schools in the area.
See more property for sale in the area.
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
-
Five years, 10,400 miles and a boatload of stories: Mark Ashley-Miller on the Country Life PodcastMark Ashley-Miller, the man who sailed to every harbour in Britain and Ireland, joins the Country Life Podcast.
-
Country Life 17 September 2025Country Life 17 September 2025 looks at the best homes for sale in the Cotswolds, indulges in country kitchens and examines Britain's Roman legacy.
-
A 500-year-old cottage in West Sussex that's as beautiful as you could ever hope to see, with a pool ringed by flowers, stables and a croquet lawnJames Fisher was in need of some balm for the soul when he came across Woodshill House.
-
A Clarkson's Farm of one's own: Five properties with just enough farmland for you and your family, from under £1 millionMoving to the country is one thing; moving to the country and being able to grow and rear all your own food is another level entirely, and all these properties offer exactly that.
-
Six superb homes, from chocolate box cottages to grand Tudor mansions, as seen in Country LifeOur regular round-up includes charming home counties houses and superb grand country house in Ireland.
-
A billionaire's thatched cottage is for sale in Surrey, once owned by the oil magnate J. Paul GettyChestnut Cottage is a joyous little home — albeit one with the most unusual bedrooms to acreage to price balances we've ever seen. Toby Keel takes a look inside.
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castleFrom hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
-
How to buy a house at auctionBuying at auction can mean you secure your dream property for a bargain price, but preparation is the key
-
The homes of two 1980s TV icons are both up for sale at the same timeThe houses where Bob Monkhouse and Sir Terry Wogan spent decades of their lives are currently on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
-
Living on the edge? A lighthouse for sale on a clifftop on one of the most remote islands in BritainBressay Lighthouse was built by the father and uncle of the 'Treasure Island' author.
