Bungalow Haywards, Strada Ripida, Crowborough, Tn6 3 Rx

What the owners say:

“We bought the converted stables about 15 years ago as we fell in love with the position, the views and the fact it truly offers the best of both worlds — the peace and quiet of the countryside combined with easy access to towns, trains and good food. At that time it was literally a shell — the previous owners had stripped everything back — so we had the rare joy of a genuine blank canvas upon which to create our unique home. We took great pleasure in sourcing reclaimed and characterful materials to bring depth and individuality back into the building, while also incorporating all the essentials of modern living such as bespoke lighting, CAT-5 cabling and fast fibre-optic broadband. We also love that we are within walking distance of Crowborough station, the outstanding Beacon Academy, a great pub and Tesco — it is exceptionally rare to find a rural character property with such modern comforts and countryside peace that also allows you to walk to so many amenities.”

Crowborough, the largest and highest inland town in East Sussex, lies only a short drive away and is rich in history with attractive period buildings. It provides useful amenities including supermarkets such as Waitrose and Tesco, a number of independent shops, and a selection of cafés and pubs. Education is well-catered for with a number of good primary schools and the local Beacon Academy, which is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Highly regarded independent schools such as Mayfield and Ardingly are also within easy reach. Crowborough station provides services to London Bridge in just over an hour, while trains from nearby Tunbridge Wells reach London Bridge in as little as 44 minutes. The A26 provides swift access to the A21 and M25, making travel connections excellent.

For leisure, Crowborough offers recreation grounds such as Goldsmiths with its swimming pool and miniature railway, as well as golf, tennis and football clubs. Annual community events include a carnival, Guy Fawkes celebrations, and summer and Christmas fairs. For the more adventurous, Bowles Outdoor Centre in Eridge offers a dry ski slope, with rock climbing also available nearby. Bewl Water provides sailing and watersports, while the 6,500 acres of Ashdown Forest are on the doorstep for walking and riding.

The historic spa town of Tunbridge Wells is also within easy driving distance, with its theatres, cinema complex, and a superb range of shops from well-known high street names to independent boutiques. The Pantiles is famous for its Georgian colonnades, cafés and music, while the town also offers a wide selection of excellent schools including Bennett Memorial Diocesan, St Gregory’s Catholic School, Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar and Skinners’ Grammar. Independent schools such as Rose Hill, The Mead, Kent College, Holmewood House and Beechwood provide further choice, while Uckfield College is also rated Outstanding by Ofsted.