Isfield, Uckfield, East Sussex

Pond House occupies a semi-rural position on the edge of the village, an elegant and characterful Victorian house dating from 1864. Its elevations are enlivened by red and grey brick string courses, timber-framed casement windows and wisteria that softens the front of the house. Owned by our clients since 1989, it has been carefully and sympathetically extended over time, evolving to suit family life while retaining the integrity and charm of the original building. The result is a house that feels both established and individual, with a gently informal and creative atmosphere shaped by a thoughtful approach to its interiors.

The accommodation is well presented, with a considered colour palette and timber floors running through many of the principal rooms, lending warmth and continuity. Shelving has been thoughtfully incorporated throughout, making quiet use of alcoves and wall space while adding to the overall sense of character. Modern bathroom suites sit comfortably alongside more traditional features, ensuring ease of day-to-day living.

An open porch leads to the timber front door and into an entrance hall with tiled floor, space for coats and access to a cloakroom. Beyond lies a cosy reception hall with oak flooring and a cast iron fireplace with painted timber surround. From here, the house opens into a dual-aspect sitting room, a light and well-proportioned space with French doors to the garden and an open fireplace with iron firedogs.

An inner hall links through to the orangery, creating a natural flow between the original house and later additions. The orangery is a particularly attractive space, with limestone flooring and underfloor heating, three-quarter height sash windows and a large roof lantern drawing in light throughout the day. French doors open directly on to the garden.

The kitchen adjoins, arranged with timber flooring and a combination of open shelving and contemporary wood-fronted units with brass detailing by Alistair Fleming of Lewes. A central island with woodblock top provides workspace and storage, while appliances include a Nexus electric range, butler sink, Miele dishwasher and Bosch refrigerator. The kitchen flows into a dining area centred around a wood burner set on a granite hearth, with fitted bench seating and space for both dining and more relaxed use.
A double pocket door from the inner hall opens to a snug, leading to a utility and boot room with further storage and space for appliances.

Upstairs, the first floor is arranged around a light landing with a study area. The principal bedroom is dual aspect with views over the garden and surrounding countryside, and is served by a walk-in wardrobe and en suite bathroom with bath, separate shower and marble tile detailing. Three further bedrooms lie on this floor, one with an en suite, while the others are served by a further shower room; one retains a cast iron fireplace. The second floor provides two additional rooms beneath the eaves, offering flexible accommodation, together with access to a large attic.

The house is approached via a gated gravel driveway to the side of the house, ahead of an oak-framed garage with two open bays.

The gardens and grounds are an integral part of Pond House, reflecting years of thoughtful stewardship, with planting that appears informal yet carefully considered.

Immediately to the rear is a terrace with space for outdoor dining, opening on to a formal lawn to the east, dotted with young trees. A yew hedge separates this from a wildflower meadow, with mown pathways leading to the converted cart lodge.

The former cart lodge is now a generous artist’s studio with a mezzanine level and two sets of French doors opening on to decked walkways above a lily pond. Adjoining is a sheltered, part-walled terrace. A brick path beneath a timber pergola returns to the house.

To one side of the lawn lies a single-storey brick outhouse, fronted by a well-stocked flower garden with box edging and a succession of planting including peonies, irises, climbing roses and clematis. The building has previously supported a catering business and now offers a series of adaptable rooms together with a shower room, with adjacent lean-to stores. Behind, a sheltered terrace with pizza oven provides a further seating area. Beyond is a productive kitchen garden with raised beds, greenhouse, cold frames, fruit cage and an enclosed chicken run.

The pond from which the house takes its name lies to the north and is believed to have medieval origins. Stocked with carp and bordered by mature trees, including a striking black poplar, it forms a central and enduring feature of the setting. At the far end, a decked jetty provides a place to sit and look back towards the house and gardens.

In all, about one acre.