Fontridge Lane, Etchingham, East Sussex

Socknersh Manor occupies an idyllic, private setting near the attractive village of Burwash, in the heart of the Sussex countryside. Approached along a long driveway, the house sits in an elevated yet sheltered position overlooking a peaceful wooded valley and lake, well away from major roads and towns.

Dating from the early 16th century and Grade II listed, Socknersh Manor is a house of notable architectural and historic importance. Sensitively maintained and refurbished, it retains a wealth of period detail, including grand fireplaces, panelling, wide oak floorboards, 17th-century doors, leaded lights and moulded mullion windows. Of timber-frame construction with herringbone brick infill beneath a tiled roof, the house also features distinctive carved figures known as ‘baby eaters’, including on the gabled doorway overlooking the valley.

The principal reception rooms and most bedroom suites enjoy far-reaching southerly views across the gardens, lake and woodland. A comprehensive refurbishment and modernisation programme included reroofing the main house and barn, repairing leaded windows, rewiring with new lighting throughout, installing a 3-phase electricity supply, modernising plumbing, boilers, Megaflo units and the treatment plant, and updating the kitchen and most bathrooms. The result is an exceptional country house combining elegant entertaining spaces, comfortable family living and extensive leisure facilities.

Coach House: A short distance east of the manor is a substantial two-storey brick and stone coach house, retaining its original character while providing impressive leisure accommodation. The ground floor includes a party room with barn-style space, entertainment room, cinema and cloakroom/shower facilities. Above are a large gymnasium, mezzanine and a self-contained one-bedroom apartment with its own private ground-level entrance. An implement store is attached.

Stone Barns: The driveway sweeps into an initial courtyard flanked by substantial listed stone barns, providing secure garaging for up to six cars and a large attached tractor barn, also suitable for stabling or use as a party barn. Nearby is a concealed underground 2,500-litre petrol tank, diesel and red diesel tanks, an emergency generator, further storage and log stores.

Games Room: Set above the main house and discreetly positioned, the games room provides excellent additional entertaining space, with a large games room and bar, snooker room, fully fitted kitchen and two WCs.

General-Purpose Barn: Beyond the main drive is a steel portal-framed barn of approximately 25m x 15m, positioned on the western edge of the lake. With electric doors, insulation, lighting, power and floated flooring, it is suitable for a wide range of uses.

Gardens and Grounds: The gardens and grounds have been thoughtfully designed to create a series of distinct areas, each with its own character and outlook. Lying mainly to the south and east of the house, they have been extensively replanted and landscaped in recent years.

A south-facing terrace leads to a formal walled garden, while a beautiful wisteria walk continues to the pool area, complete with a heated pool house comprising a fitted kitchen, shower and changing rooms. This area has been fully modernised with a terrace and outdoor kitchen, creating a superb setting for entertaining with views across the parkland towards the lake. To the east is a traditional walled garden with brick paths, circular rose beds, box hedging, cherry trees, beech and hazel hedging, peach and apple trees, and a kitchen garden.

The parkland, largely laid to grass, extends to the lake and valley floor. Fenced paddocks include water feeders and field shelters, while private woodland includes Park Wood to the east and Furnace Wood to the south of the lake. The large, well-stocked lake is a particular feature, with a traditionally built oak boathouse for two boats,which can be enjoyed from a new jetty and bridge.

Socknersh Manor is ideally suited to a wide range of leisure pursuits, particularly equestrian use, with extensive stabling, cross-country trails through the grounds and numerous bridleways nearby. Internationally renowned Brightling Park is less than three miles away.

In all, Socknersh Manor extends to about 55.59 acres.