A medieval mansion with exquisite gardens has gone on sale in Tunbridge Wells for £3.95 million.
Court Lodge is historically-rich and was once part of a medieval manor house in Udimore, East Sussex, with the manor being owned for hundreds of years following the Norman Conquest by the Etchingham family.
It is thought to have been built by Sir John Elrington, second husband of Margaret de Etchingham, who also owned the manor at Dixter near Northiam and was granted a licence to fortify both estates by King Edward IV in 1479.
When the house was seen in 1912 by Lawson Wood, a famous artist of the day, it was a rare surviving example of its kind in the south east of England. The owner was only willing to sell the building to Wood, not the land which was being farmed, so Wood carefully dismantled the building with an Eastbourne architect and reassembled it 30 miles away in Groombridge, an extension being added in 1919 and the Arts and Craft gardens around the house being laid out at the same time. He also used the current drawing room as his art studio.
In the 1950s the house was owned by Dorothy Kerin, who founded a spiritual sanctuary on the adjoining Burrswood estate and built a chapel in the grounds of Court Lodge.
The house sits in an idyllic position with views over its beautiful south-facing gardens and grounds. The main house is constructed in an L-shape, of brick, exposed timbers and part tile-hung elevations under a tiled roof.
The 6,000 sq ft of accommodation extends over two floors and boasts much of its character features, while being sensitively updated for modern day living. The open-truss vaulted timber ceilings are particularly impressive, and the main reception rooms have relaxing views over the gardens.
There are six bedrooms to choose from, making the perfect home if you're a keen entertainer and host.
To the east of the house is a timber-framed garage and workshop together with a chapel, which could be used as a studio or gym.
Gardening fans will be in heaven. Each area of the garden has been carefully designed, bringing a richness of colour and interest. Specific areas include a parterre garden, Japanese knot garden and an abundance of beautiful herbaceous borders, with topiary box and yew hedging, providing further structure.
The gardens also include everything associated with country living, including a heated swimming pool with pool house, a hard tennis court and large lawned area. There is also a pond and a paddock suitable for horses.
Savills property agent, Will Peppitt, says: 'It is hard to believe how close you are to London when sitting on the terrace admiring those views.'
The house is for sale via Savills for £3,950,000.
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18 garden furniture sets perfect for your outdoor space
House by John Lewis Salsa 4-Seat Round Garden Table & Chairs Set, Coral
A pop of colour is a must in the garden and we're obsessed with this coral design from John Lewis' garden furniture collection. As part of the retailer's Salsa range, the four-seater dining table and chairs set is both durable and weather-resistant, thanks to its steel and rattan construction, so you can even leave it outside throughout the year.
Tap into the rattan trend with this super stylish side table with 2 chairs. Perfect for small gardens and balconies, the chairs have a deep seat, which is ideal for relaxing.
Relax in style with this 6-piece dining set. With steel frames and a wave glass table top, this is strong and sturdy and the chairs can be folded for easy storage. It also comes with a parasol to shield you from the sun's glare.
We love this rustic, weathered grey solid wood garden furniture set. The bench-style table and accompanying seats are all foldable too, so they can be easily stowed away when not in use. Even better, it's FSC-certified.
A key feature of this dining set is the round dining table which boasts a large gas fire pit in the centre. It's great for using well into the evening, adding light and heat to your outside space.
Sleek, stylish and good value for money, this set of 2 comfortable armchairs with adjustable backrests, 2 footstools, and a coordinating side table, will help you to kick back and relax.
Looking to elevate your garden and transform it into an alfresco dining hotspot? This bar table is a great place to start. Small enough to fit into even the most compact of spaces and crafted in weatherproof teak, we especially love the galvanised steel trough that can be filled with ice and drinks or small plants.
No other colour will bring a bigger smile to your face, so there's no better way to brighten up your garden than with a pop of yellow. This set is great for compact spaces as you can fold the table and chair.
Kit out your patio for all the family with this lovely outdoor set from Argos' garden furniture collection. With a glass table top and 4 chairs and 4 stools all neatly tucked under the table, it won't clutter your outdoor space either.
This design by MADE is incredibly sleek. With a minimalist, streamlined look, it's perfect for any contemporary garden.
If you want to bring holiday vibes straight to your garden, this outdoor sun lounger set is a good start. It also comes with a side table to prop your drinks on. For ease, the loungers have wheels at the head, making them easy to move.
Looking to kick back and relax in your garden? Argos is selling this hand-woven, rattan effect mini corner sofa set with a cushion-top table that doubles as a footrest. Plus, it's a bargain.
Boasting powder-coated aluminium frames with a bronze finish, this charmingly pretty bistro set is perfect for a courtyard or cottage garden. Bonus: the chairs are stackable.
With a round tempered glass top table and 2 PVC coated sunshine yellow polyester chairs, this compact bistro set has been designed for quick and easy assembly.
Garden furniture doesn't have to be fussy. If you're looking for a simple design, invest in this sofa set from Very. With 2 armchairs, a 2-seater bench and a coordinating coffee table, it's perfect for any modern garden.
If you've got space for a garden sofa set, invest in one like this. The curved design is the real selling point here and it's great for entertaining. Aside from the sofa segments, the set includes 1 coffee table, 5 back cushions, 5 seat cushions and 5 pillows.
Switch it up with this stylish bench set. This is great because it accommodates for more seating space, plus it reminds us of peak summertime – sandwiches, Pimms and sunshine!
