Heritage home
Originally a grocer’s shop – the name Tomsett Grocer appears in local parish records dating back to circa 1870 – and more recently a Post Office and general store, This characterful home now enjoys a more leisurely, residential pace of life as a family home.
Charming in its unique characteristics with off-road parking for five cars, park up either on the drive or under the car port. Make your way along the footpath to the side of the house, stepping inside via a zesty orange front door, nestled to the side of a traditional greenhouse.
Turning right, step through to the cosy snug lounge, where a new log-burning stove, inset within a traditional stone fireplace, infuses the room with warmth and welcome. This cream carpeted room has ample space for sofas and shelving, whilst a sash window to the side garden and bay window to the front draw in the daylight.
Warm welcome
Double doors lead through from here to the sitting room, where a bountiful bay window delivers plenty of light. Rest a moment on the window seat and reflect on the unique character of this home, brimming with so much history. A recently fitted log-burner effect gas fire issues warmth alongside underfloor heating beneath the engineered oak. In this room discover a door leading out to a porch and the former front door.
Open the wooden door into the kitchen, where underfloor heating emanates from beneath the engineered oak flooring, and a large window brims with light from the garden beyond.
With ample space for a dining table to one side, Vanilla Mist shades to the cabinetry soften the warm orange of the splashback tiles in the kitchen. Plenty of storage for all the essentials within the cupboards and drawers, whilst a SMEG Range cooker with double oven is inset beneath a wooden lintel above which the old Post Office sign is mounted. Shelving beneath the stairs is handy for cookbooks and more, with space in the main kitchen for a freestanding fridge-freezer.
Feast your eyes
Tucked back from the kitchen, clad in quarry tiles, discover a practical boot room, with an additional sink, worktop space and shelving alongside plumbing for a dishwasher and washing machine. Here a rear door leads onto the patio, where a fruitful herb garden hosting sage, thyme, oregano, chives, and marjoram can be found. Back inside, also nestled off this rear lobby is a family bathroom, replete with claw-footed roll top bath, large walk-in shower, part panelling to the walls, WC and wash basin. Note the handsome exposed local sandstone above the wash basin, outlining the original post office window.
Sneak a peek down the cellar stairs, stepping onto original stone flooring, to discover an abundance of storage and shelving over three rooms, ideal for housing an additional freezer and storing hobby items. In the furthest room, imbued with character from the rustic red brick walls, there is space for a workshop. From here, a door leads out to a carport and the driveway beyond.
Work from home
Returning to the main entrance, take the stairs up to the first-floor landing, dressed in Farrow and Ball Dutch Orange shades. Turn left to arrive at the fifth bedroom, where fuchsia shades to two walls add warmth. Carpeted underfoot, a sash window overlooks the garden providing pretty views. Storage is found within a tall, built-in wardrobe.
Turning left out of this bedroom, and bedroom six awaits, currently being used as a study light and bright with far reaching views over the Forest and the 500-acre wood, famous playground of Winnie the Pooh and his friends. An ornamental fireplace adds a traditional touch to this cheerful room.
Returning to the landing, pass the stairs on your right to arrive at bedroom three, a spacious, sunny room with large windows to two sides. Plum shades harmonise with feature silvery-grey wallpaper. With ample space for a king-sized bed and other furnishings, this room enjoys pleasant garden views.
Soak and sleep
Back on the landing, an airing cupboard provides handy storage for towels and linen. Moving to the front of the house, bedroom four is dressed in refreshing shades of blue and white, with light and views flowing through from windows to two sides.
Also located on this floor is a shower room, with walk-in shower with rainfall showerhead, heated towel rail, wash basin and WC.
Making your way up the second flight of stairs, arrive at the second floor, where bedroom two is located on the right, dressed in shades of white and blue to the walls. The vaulted ceiling creates a light and airy feel, with ample space for a sofa in addition to a double bed. A large window frames far reaching views of beautiful sunsets over the forest beyond.
Make your way across to the master bedroom, quirkily shaped with a central pillar providing division between the king-size bed and dressing area beyond. Eaves storage is found to both sides, with a walk-in wardrobe containing shelving and hanging space.
Sunny sanctuary
Grow your own in the spacious, traditional greenhouse attached to the home. Thickly planted borders precede a lawn area, whilst clematis and wisteria twine up the pergola. Raised beds bordered in stone lead to Indian fossil limestone patio areas and a small pond; utterly unique and filled with the sound of birdsong, sit at the uppermost patio and admire the handsome face of this unique home as the ochre-coloured sandstone bathes in the light of the slowly setting sun.
Creating a greener tomorrow, solar panels adorn the rooftop, making the most of the round-the-clock sunshine on the south side of this energy-saving home.
Outside the kitchen, a large sunken patio is ideal for entertaining, with a French barbecue perfect for cooking up alfresco delights in the summertime. Note too, the gardener’s loo and outside utility room with plumbing for washing machines, accessed by a pillar box red door.
Running the length of the home there is also a large car port and workshop area, with external access down to the cellar.
On your doorstep
Step outside and discover all the essentials right on your doorstep, including a Waitrose supermarket, Lidl and several excellent local pubs and restaurants. Additionally, for those with young children St John’s Primary School is just 0.4 miles away.
Ashdown Forest with all its trails and nature, is accessible from the back door via footpaths and bridleways.
Naturally, the home retains its own post box within its front wall, however for stamps and other Post Office essentials, Crowborough has its own PO only 0.9 miles away.
A spacious and versatile home, brimming with period features, contemporary perks and delivering first class character.
Home Nuances
*Depending on size of vehicles
Viewing strictly by appointment with Bees Homes.
If there is any point which is of particular importance to you, we invite you to discuss this with us, especially before you travel to view the property.
Please Note:
Money Laundering Regulations 2007: Intending purchasers will be asked to produce identification documentation upon acceptance of any offer. We would ask for your cooperation in producing such in order that there will not be a delay in agreeing the sale.
Bees Homes use all reasonable endeavours to supply accurate property information in line with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. These property details do not constitute any part of the offer or contract and all measurements are approximate. It should not be assumed that this property has all the necessary Planning, Building Regulation or other consents. Any services, appliances and heating system(s) listed have not been checked or tested.
Floor plan measurements: These approximate room sizes are only intended as general guidance. You must verify the dimensions carefully before ordering carpets or any built in furniture.