COURTHOPES

Courthopes forms a major part of the main house on the old Whiligh estate in Wadhurst. The estate belonged to Lord George Courthope, a Justice of the Peace, M.P. for Rye, Baronet and Peer and was in the Courthope family for several centuries. The Grade II* Listed country house is predominantly Georgian, although the original house was erected in 1586. It was divided in the mid 1980s to provide two houses, Courthopes forming the western portion. The estate is renowned for its magnificent array of oak trees, timbers from which were most notably used in the construction of the roof of Westminster Hall and again in its reparation after World War II.

The property has been lovingly updated by our clients during their time at Courthopes and is stylishly, whilst sympathetically, presented to embrace and enhance the abundance of period features found throughout.

Striking, solid oak front doors open into the 19th Century gabled entrance porch, with a further oak door opening into the reception/ dining hall. The impressive dining hall features oak panelling, window shutters and box beams to the ceiling. The bay window to the front and leaded light casement to the side flood the room with natural light. There is a magnificent open fireplace with stone surround, wooden mantle and woodcarving above. Concealed behind doors in the panelling are two storage cupboards and a door to the side entrance hall, leading through to the utility room. The utility room also gives access to the “his and hers” water closets (one Royal Doulton).

The handsome drawing room has almost full height shuttered windows and a set of French doors leading out onto the paved terrace to the side of the property with views over the grounds, ideal for outdoor entertaining and dining. This room also has an open fireplace, deep skirting boards and beautiful decorative cornicing.

Originally the library, the kitchen/breakfast room to the front of the house was refurbished three years ago with large bay window and seating looking across the fields towards the natural ponds on the estate. The kitchen is fitted with a range of wooden fronted wall and base units providing good storage and lots of preparation space, with a large central island and breakfast bar for more informal dining. Incorporated within the kitchen is an Aga, attractive butler sink and a range of integrated appliances.

The split level first floor is home to four of the five double bedrooms. The principal bedroom sits above the drawing room, enjoying a similarly impressive bay window with the wonderful elevated views, through the large sash windows, with bank of fitted wardrobes and ample room for further furniture. The adjoining bathroom with freestanding bath and separate shower also has antique twin sinks by John Bolding & Sons, Grosvenor Works, London restored by our clients and set within a marble top.

Bedroom two has enchanting colour washed panelling with built-in wardrobe and a shelved cupboard. It also has a feature fireplace, bay window and window seat with views over the estate to the front and a partially domed ceiling. Bedroom three also enjoys a view over the parkland to the front of the house and has built-in wardrobes and a fireplace. Bedroom two and three are served by the highly stylish family bathroom. Bedroom Four is found within a peaceful and private wing of the house which is ideal for guests allowing them complete privacy. This suite enjoys a bank of wardrobes, seating area, double bedroom and shower room.

The second floor houses the fifth bedroom, where the dormer window provides an exceptional view to the front of the house, with a small staircase leading to a door into the very useful and accessible attic storage space.

The house also benefits from substantial cellarage incorporating storage rooms and two lockable wine stores. This can be accessed via an external door to the front of the property as well as a hatch in the dining hall floor. The cellars have power and lighting.

Outside: Courthopes is accessed via a long private drive with a gated, gravelled, parking and turning area to the side of the house, with a central fountain and detached double garage. There is also a large area of designated parking to the front of the house.

The private grounds which amount to approximately 1.5 acres comprise an area of woodland including some of the estate’s beautiful mature oaks and a gently sloping formal gardens with glorious views over the valley and surrounding countryside towards the village centre with the spire of St Peter and St Paul Church in view.

Our clients have informally converted the double garage to create a games room/studio, ideal for today’s working from home needs, or teenage hideaway, with an adjoining decked terrace from which to take in the wonderful surroundings.

Courthopes also has easy access to delightful countryside walks, including access to Bewl Reservoir through the estate via public footpaths.