COUNTRY HOUSE FOR SALE £795,000
DESCRIPTION
Meadowbank is so secluded that few visitors to Pulborough are aware of its existence despite the fact that the outline of both the “farm barn” and the “piggery barn” can be seen on one of the first maps of Pulborough over a hundred years back – see picture – house and piggery are just to left of Puttock’s Farm. It is believed that the site of the Main House was originally a stone Farm Barn which was demolished about a century ago and then rebuilt as a dwelling house with oak timbers brought from other farm barns. It is evident that many of these came from oak sailing ships. It was first constructed on a split level design with a double height lounge at one end and double floored accommodation at the other. Successive owners have altered, modernised and extended the property, whilst retaining its character as a part tiled Sussex Barn House. One of the previous owners is known to be Allan Brown, a prominent British Formula One driver in the era of Stirling Moss and Jack Brabham. The property is not listed, which has permitted a great deal of modernisation, but in keeping with the character, such as full double glazing, mostly in diamond leads to keep its original appearance.
An extention to the west side is most unusual, being a hexagon shaped en suite guest bedroom with a pointed roof and ceiling. A further extention on the opposite side is an attached cottage which can be used integrated (e.g for noisy teenagers!) or separated (e.g as granny annex or as an office as used currently). The current owners installed a separate gas boiler for this part.
The Main House has a traditional cedar shingles roof which was renewed by the current owners in 2008. They also took the opportunity of installing 4 solar light tubes into the new roof, which bring a surprising amount of natural daylight into the house, even on overcast days.
The “Piggery” sits to the South of the plot. It was originally a home for the swineherd and his pigs. Most of this was built in locally quarried Codmore stone. The bigger part has a high hipped roof while the smaller section has a lower flat roof of more modern construction. Both roof sections need attention. This building offers a development opportunity – subject to planning consents. The current owners intended to convert it into an office but then opted to use the annexe instead. Thus the “Piggery” is left as a “blank canvas”!
Meadowbank is approached over a private driveway. 5 exec houses share the driveway and its maintenance costs – although there have been no costs during the 9 years of occupation by the current owners. One then arrives at stone pillars holding two electrically operated steel gates nine feet high. The gates are also covered by CCTV from inside the house as the property’s own driveway continues some distance to the large parking area. This area is overlooked by a wall with wrought iron railings, statues, palm trees and espalier apple trees.
Click here to see a floor plan.