10 bed detached house for sale Folkington, Polegate, East Sussex BN26

There has been a house on this ancient site since The Domesday Book, but the existing graceful manor house dates back to the 1830s, when it was built for a prominent local family, some of whom went on to become important political figures in the area. Built from a beautiful and unusual knapped flint under a traditional slate roof, the house has been restored and the internal layout altered to create a very comfortable private family home.Approached over a long private carriage drive (with no footpaths), the house faces north with south-facing gardens. There are 6 reception rooms, a fabulous new kitchen/ breakfast room, 7 bedrooms, and 5 bathrooms. Further outbuildings have potential for an indoor pool, for which an application has been submitted.The estate includes an entrance lodge, guest cottage, and 2 staff flats, together with a traditional stable yard with up to 20 loose boxes, an outdoor manege, and the Flint Halls - a superb private party barn suitable for a commercial venture or a venue for weddings for which the estate has a licence.The gardens are beautiful and the South Downs provide a breathtaking backdrop to the house.Folkington Manor occupies an enviable sheltered position at the end of a long carriage drive surrounded by the South Downs, forming an impressive backdrop. The drive continues to a quiet lane to the hamlet of Folkington, with its charming Grade I listed church and direct access to the South Downs National Park.The historic county town of Lewes is 11 miles away and has a good range of local amenities together with a direct train service to London Victoria or London Bridge. The nearest shops are in Polegate, about 3 miles away, and both Eastbourne and Brighton have a wide range of services and amenities.Schools: The area has some excellent schools within easy reach, including Eastbourne College, Brighton College, Hurst, Roedean, Lancing College, St Bede's at Upper Dicker, Moira House, St Leonards, Mayfield, and St Andrew's Prep.Recreation: The south coast provides excellent sailing, the South Downs are renowned for walking and riding, and there are racecourses at Plumpton, Brighton, Fontwell, Lingfield, and Goodwood. The world-famous Glyndesbourne opera house is nearby.