House for sale in Nr Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8QX

Mileage

Leatherhead 2.3 miles, Gatwick Airport 23 miles, Central London 24 miles, Heathrow Airport 26 miles

Description

Cherkley Court has recently been married back to much of its original Estate and now comprises a grand principal house with an extensive service wing, a substantial secondary house, former stable block comprising a courtyard of traditional stone buildings, 3 cottages, extensive office space and further outbuildings. The house is encircled by glorious formal gardens with far reaching views and is surrounded by pasture and woodland.

The current use of Cherkley Court is as a museum and library with occasional corporate functions pursuant to a planning permission and listed building consents granted in 2003.

However, planning permission was granted in 2010 for the change of use to revert Cherkley Court back to a single private house.

The Estate is centred on Cherkley Court, a Grade II Listed country house dating back to the 1800s but with later additions which, following extensive refurbishment, is in immaculate condition. The accommodation in the main house is laid out over 2 principal floors and includes 5 reception rooms and 6 bedroom suites. A service wing to the west contains staff accommodation, offices and beyond that an Orangery / Indoor Swimming Pool.

The secondary house on the Estate, Garden House, is a sizeable dwelling with 6 bedrooms which has been tastefully and extensively renovated. The house offers spacious family accommodation and is located off the main drive in a secluded position with a good sized, sheltered garden.

Two cottages, Garden House Cottage and Upper Lodge are both in good decorative order and are found off the main drive. They could provide ideal staff, guest or rental accommodation. The former Stable Block is an attractive stone building comprising the old Coach House and stables, now the Gardener's Cottage and a range of garages, offices and stores.

The extensive formal gardens have been restored to their full splendour by Simon Johnson.

The majority of the land comprises parkland, farmland and woodland. In total, the Estate extends to approximately 370 acres. Please refer to the Estate Plan for further information.

Accommodation

CHERKLEY COURT

Ground Floor

The front door leads into an Entrance Hall with polished tile floor, ceiling rose and cornicing. This room gives access to a Cloakroom with WC, the Cinema Room and magnificent Reception Hall.

The impressive Reception Hall has a glazed dome with yellow scagliola columns and forms the centre of the house, with access to all principal reception rooms and the first floor accommodation.

The panelled Library has built-in bookshelves, ornate cornicing, ceiling rose, marble fireplace with cast iron fire basket and a bay window overlooking the Italian Garden.

A pair of doors lead from the eastern corridor into the double-aspect Drawing Room. There are two bay windows as well as French doors to the Italian Garden. Features include plaster ceiling, a chandelier rose, marble fireplace with cast iron fire basket and curtain.

A door with ornate door casing leads from the Reception Hall into the Saloon, which can also be accessed on either side from the Drawing Room and Dining Room. The room has fantastic far reaching views over the formal gardens and the Mole Valley beyond. 5 pairs of matching French doors lead onto the south facing terrace. Features in the wood panelled room include parquet flooring, a painted mural and marble fireplace with cast iron fire basket.

The double aspect Dining Room has a south facing bay window and French doors to the western terrace. The ornate fireplace has an Adam style wooden carved over mantle with marble slips and hearth and a cast iron fire basket. The elaborate plasterwork on the ceiling is decorated with gilt and matched by the striking Parquet flooring.

The Morning Room is currently used as a secondary Dining Room and is decorated in a William Morris style. It has an art deco fireplace with tile surround. There are extensive built-in wooden cabinets on either side and over the fireplace. There is an additional 'hidden' drinks cupboard.

A door from the Reception Hall leads to stone steps that continue down to Cellars which have (currently blocked up) outside access and include wine cellars with brick floors and built-in brick and stone shelves.

At the western end of the Hall a glazed door leads into a back passage giving simple access to the West Wing. With additional external access via the Rear Lobby, the West Wing has its own buzzer entrance and currently provides staff accommodation, domestic offices, kitchens, stores and services.

A corridor leads from the Rear Lobby towards the principal accommodation. Lying off this corridor, providing quick access to the Dining Room and Morning Room, the Butler's Pantry has built in wooden kitchen floor and wall units, metal worktop and sink. Doors give access to a secure store room and wine store. At the southern end of the corridor is an enclosed yard with further access on to the western terrace.

Opposite the Butler's Pantry, the Kitchen is currently furnished for commercial use and is fitted with stainless steel industrial kitchen equipment. Appliances include a Hoshizaki ice maker, Winterhalte dishwasher, Williams fridges, Futurmat coffee maker, Osbourne wine cooler, warming cupboards, Garland cooker and grill, Convotherm combi-steamer, double bowl stainless steel sink, hand basin and washing-up sink with hose tap. A door from the Kitchen leads to a Cool Room with walk-in chiller unit.

The Rear Lobby also gives access to a Staff Room, separate WC, large office and the principal Cellars, comprising 4 rooms with traditional barrel vaulted ceilings.

The internal Kitchen Service Area leads off the Rear Lobby and gives further access to a number of additional service rooms including the Kitchens, Cold Store, Staff Cloakrooms with WCs and changing rooms, further Store Rooms and an external Kitchen Courtyard. A side door leads through to a corridor giving access to a boiler room, maintenance store and fuse room.

The Secondary Kitchen has an old iron range, built in wooden cabinets and drawers, stainless steel sink and internal windows.

First Floor

The grand staircase in the Reception Hall gives access to the main galleried landing and principal bedrooms and bathrooms. A secondary staircase in the West Wing provides a further link between floors.

The Master Bedroom Suite comprises Bedroom 1, a large dual aspect room with elaborate art deco radiator covers, fireplace with tile surround and ornate Adam style wooden carved mantle. French doors lead onto an east facing balcony. A door leads discretely through to a Dressing Room (occasional Bedroom 7) which has a fireplace with yellow tile surround, brass hood and ornate wooden mantle. This room also has its own access off the landing. A further door leads from the Dressing Room through to an En-Suite Bathroom with a raised bath, basin, WC and bidet. There is an interconnecting door with Bedroom 6.

Bedroom 2 is a double aspect Bedroom with large fireplace with tile surround. French doors open to an east-facing balcony. An En-Suite Bathroom has a fireplace with tile surround, large 'Pontifax and Sons' bath, WC, bidet, basin with marble surround and heated towel rail.

At the end of the galleried landing, Bedroom 3 has twin windows overlooking the front drive and a fireplace with tile surround and cast iron basket. The En-Suite Bathroom has a ceramic basin, WC, bidet and bath.

Located in the western half of the house, Bedroom 4 is referred to as 'Churchill's Room', as this was where he stayed when Lord Beaverbrook’s guest at Cherkley Court. There are many art deco features including the fireplace and inset radiator. Other features include a bay window and internal stairs down to an En-Suite Bathroom. The bathroom includes a WC, basin, large deep bath, heated towel rail and built in cupboards.

Bedroom 5 comprises a large double aspect room with a bay window overlooking the wooded valley to the west, ornate radiator covers and fire place with tile surround and cast iron fire basket. The En-Suite Washroom has an ornate green tiled fireplace and is presently used as the guest WC for corporate guests. It currently provides 2 double marble basins and 3 WC cubicles.

French doors open onto the south facing balcony and give Bedroom 6 superb views overlooking the formal gardens. This pretty room has a fireplace with tile surround and cast iron fire basket. Bedroom 6 has shared access to both the Master En-Suite Bathroom and the washroom adjoining Bedroom 5.

A secondary landing outside Bedroom 4 has a store cupboard and separate WC whilst a door leads upstairs to the second floor accommodation. Steps lead down from this landing to give access to accommodation on the first floor of the West Wing.

The staircase from the Rear Lobby leads up to the first floor rear landing which has a Linen Store with a double Belfast sink and built-in wooden cupboards. The landing also provides access to a self-contained Staff Flat (1). Continuing up the stairs, the second floor rear landing gives access to a further self-contained Staff Flat (2).

A separate staircase leads off this first floor rear landing to a possible further Staff Flat (3), currently being utilised as private offices. All 3 flats have recently been refurbished and have fitted kitchens.

Flat 1 is on the first floor and comprises a Kitchen / Breakfast Room, Sitting Room, 2 Bedrooms and a Bathroom.

Flat 2 is on the second floor, above Flat 1 and comprises a Kitchen / Breakfast Room, Sitting Room, Master Bedroom and Bathroom.

Flat 3 sits independently on the second floor and consists of a Kitchen, Washroom and 3 private offices / potential bedrooms.

Second Floor

The second floor comprises 4 rooms including the traditional wood panelled Trunk Room. There are also 2 sets of steps up to doors providing access to the roof.

OUTBUILDINGS

An Orangery lies to the west of the house and can be accessed from the Western Terrace or from the Kitchen Courtyard. The building originally housed an indoor swimming pool which could be reinstated, but has recently been used as a fantastic open plan entertainment space. The double aspect room has 5 symmetrical arched French doors which open up onto the Western Terrace.

An ancillary Kitchen provides the Orangery with self-contained catering facilities. Doors lead through to a Store Room with boiler cupboard and a Rear Lobby, which is also accessed from the Kitchen Courtyard, with 3 separate cloakrooms.

The Kitchen Courtyard is enclosed by a brick and flint wall from the main drive and a stuccoed brick wall from the Western Terrace. It acts as an access point to various parts of Cherkley Court including the West Wing, a gardener’s WC, boiler room, the Orangery and has gates to the Western Terrace and drive.

Beyond the Orangery and outside the curtilage of the main house is the Grade II listed former Stable Block, comprising a substantial courtyard of Stone Outbuildings with 2 large machinery stores / garages, an office, old Milking shed and garage. Above the milking shed are 3 Offices, ideal for use as Estate or Site offices, with 2 WCs and a Kitchen. Gardener’s Cottage can also be accessed via this courtyard.

GARDEN AND GROUNDS

Cherkley Court sits in a prominent elevated position with stunning southerly views over the wooded landscape below. The gardens have been subject to a comprehensive restoration programme by Simon Johnson and have until recently been open to the public.

The majority of the formal gardens lie in a series of grand terraces descending southwards from the house, punctuated and flanked by stone stairs and enclosed by balustraded walls. The unfolding scene as you walk from the house down through these individual terraced gardens is unbelievable considering the Estate’s proximity to London.

Immediately surrounding the house there is a York stone terrace to the east, south and west of the house offering space for alfresco dining in warmer summer months.

The wide upper terrace has a formal feel with low box-hedged parterres and clipped tulip trees lining the gravel paths leading across the terrace. The clipped nature of the borders instils a sense of atmosphere whilst not detracting from the panoramic view beyond.

A balustraded double staircase embellished with low urns leads down to the beautifully constructed middle terrace. Skilfully concealed beneath the staircase is a striking 'Shell Grotto’ designed by Belinda Eade. Shells have been used to create images of mermaids and statues of water gods.

The middle terrace is flanked by a pair of open-fronted pavilions with ogee-shaped lead roofs and columnar fronts, standing at either end of the lawns. Each corner of this terrace is planted with a box-edged knot of Magnolia, whilst a formal canal runs between the lawns.

The bottom terrace is known as the 'Long Walk’ and has a long gravel path with impressive double herbaceous borders. A Grade II Listed balustraded parapet with a central bow sits at the bottom of the striking stone steps which divide as they lead down through the terraces, flanking a striking ornate stone pond with figurine and fountain at the bottom of the steps.

The Italian Garden to the east of the house is bound by ornamental box and yew hedging with a sunken central ornamental lily pond and water feature, stone wall and steps, symmetrical rose beds and is surrounded by lawns. The stone pond, limestone ashlar and surrounding urns are Grade II Listed.

Beyond the Italian Garden is a Mediterranean Garden with trees and shrubs from the region.

To the west is an extended terrace with ornamental box hedging and gravel paths leading to the Orangery.

The gardens also include wild flower meadows and a walnut orchard. Beyond are breathtaking views across yew woods to the Mole Valley.

ANCILLARY ACCOMMODATION

GARDEN HOUSE

Electronic gates lead off a tarmac spur from the main drive up to Garden House, a substantial secondary house which offers spacious family accommodation ideal for entertaining.

Ground Floor

The front door leads into the Hall with oak flooring which gives access to a drinks area and cloakroom, the principal reception rooms, kitchen and first floor accommodation. Features include a glazed corner cabinet, under stairs cupboard, principal staircase and radiator covers with marble shelf tops.

The double aspect Sitting Room includes an open fireplace with marble hearth and wooden mantle and built in cupboard.

The fully fitted Kitchen includes Bosch appliances including integrated microwave and 2 dishwashers, double Britannia oven with 4 gas hobs and wok hob, Maytag double fridge, larder with built in shelves, wooden floorboards and central island. Off the kitchen is a Lobby with doors to the Utility Room and outside. The good-sized Utility room includes fitted cupboards, shelves, stainless steel sinks and plumbing for a washer / dryer.

Double doors from the Kitchen lead through to the Family Room with open fireplace with marble slips, wooden mantle and built in cupboards to either side. 3 pairs of French doors lead out onto the terrace and swimming pool. The Family Room can also be accessed via the Hall and from the Rear Hall.

The Dining Room and Drawing Room also lie off the Hall. The Dining Room has an open fireplace with carved wooden mantle in an Adam style with marble slips. There are fitted cupboards to either side of the fireplace and 2 pairs of French doors onto the side-terrace. Double doors open up through to the double aspect Drawing Room with 4 pairs of French doors to the terrace. There is an open fireplace with marble slips with carved wooden mantle, plus fitted cupboards and shelves either side.

The Rear Hall has external access, secondary stairs to the first floor accommodation and has doors to 3 good sized rooms with flexibility, but which are currently used as a Study, Gym and Bathroom with WC, basin and bath with shower over. This part of the house could be made into a self contained Annexe (subject to planning consent).

First Floor

The principal stairs in the Hall leads up to a half landing with display cabinet and on to a galleried landing with airing cupboard and access to all the principal bedrooms.

The Master Bedroom Suite has a good sized Bedroom and large window with window seat. The En-suite Bathroom has a bath, double basin in marble setting, WC, heated towel rail. There are 2 Dressing Rooms with extensive fitted cupboards.

Bedroom 2 and Bedroom 3 are found to the left of the stairs and share a Bathroom with a WC, shower, bath and basin.

Bedroom 4 has fitted cupboards with built in drawers and spot lighting. There is a family Bathroom with a bath with shower over, WC and basin.

Bedroom 5 is a triple aspect room with built in cupboards, open fireplace with marble surround and a door onto the roof terrace. Adjacent to the Bedroom lies a Dressing Room (occasional Bedroom 6) with extensive built in cupboards and drawers and a further Bathroom with WC, basin, shower and bath.

Garden

The partly walled / fenced garden is predominantly laid to lawn and surrounded by mature woodland. A York stone Terrace partly surrounds the house with an adjacent heated Swimming Pool also surrounded by York stone paving and ornamental box hedging.

There is a greenhouse against the old garden wall.

The drive leads around to the rear of the property with a single garage / workshop and up to a modern triple garage of brick construction with lighting and a water supply.

GARDEN HOUSE COTTAGE

This brick and flint cottage is found just off the main drive and has a small tarmac parking area. The front door leads into a front Hall with access to the Sitting Room and double aspect Kitchen / Breakfast Room, which has wooden floorboards, an open brick fireplace, wooden fitted kitchen cabinets, stainless steel sink and door to enclosed walled gravelled courtyard and door to Cellar.

Stairs from the Hall lead up to the first floor accommodation including 2 Bedrooms with built-in wardrobes and Family Bathroom with WC, bath with shower over, basin, built-in cupboards and heated towel rail.

As well as the walled courtyard there is a predominantly lawned garden behind the cottage which is partly walled / fenced.

GARDENER'S COTTAGE

This pretty stone cottage is attached to the former stable yard and has a Kitchen, Utility Room, Dining Room, Sitting Room, Drawing Room, 2 double Bedrooms and a Bathroom. There is an enclosed garden at the rear of the cottage, sheltered by mature shrubs and trees with a number of herbaceous borders and flower beds.

UPPER LODGE

The Lodge is Grade II Listed and is found at the second set of entrance gates. The front door leads into a Lobby with access to the Bedroom and Sitting Room. The Bedroom has built in cupboards and leads in the En-suite Bathroom with WC, basin and bath with shower over.

The double aspect Sitting Room with open fireplace leads through into the fitted Kitchen with Stoves Newhouse oven and 4 hobs, stainless steel sink, UV spot lighting and door to garden.

There is an enclosed, partly walled / fenced garden with large timber entrance gates, gravel parking area, lawn and small terrace.


THE ESTATE

Cherkley Court, the auxiliary accommodation and the outbuildings are unusually well sited, being at the end of the drive. The land is mostly pastureland and woodland. The parkland near the house is enclosed by traditional iron parkland fencing whilst the majority of the pastureland, that lies to the north, has been fenced and secured for livestock.

The greater part of the woodland lies to the south of the Estate. Despite the damage done by the storms of 1987 there is still a large amount of mature timber on the estate and in the parkland, including the ancient yew forest to the south of the house. Extensive replanting has been carried out in recent years and has been thoughtfully designed.

The Estate and parkland provide a wonderful rural setting for the house and additional Estate properties, with stunning views and ample pastureland for recreational use.

PLANNING

Cherkley Court is Grade II Listed being a Building of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. This applies to the whole of the main house, plus the attached garden walls to the north of the house. Additionally, there are several separately listed structures within the Estate that are also all Grade II listed:

• Balustraded parapet to lower terrace
• Garden Pool
• Gate piers and walls beside Upper Lodge
• Gate piers at Lower Lodge
• Upper Lodge
• Terrace steps with loggia

Current Use

The current owners gained Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent on 30 October 2003 for use of the Cherkley Court as a museum and library with occasional corporate functions.

The Planning permission also authorised:
• External and internal alterations to the Coach House in association with its conversion to provide visitor facilities in connection with the opening of the garden to the public.
• Alterations to garden structures.
• New vehicular access onto Reigate Road, new access road and provision of new car park.
• Extension to existing lodge following demolition of existing extension.
• Restoration and rebuilding of entrance walls. New gates.
• Erection of new stable block and new stable cottage following demolition of existing stables.
• Erection of two additional dwellings (Glass House Cottages) following demolition of three barns, shed, caravan, pool house and estate office.

Potential Use

Planning permission was granted on 7 June 2010 for change of use to revert to a single family dwelling subject to certain conditions (Ref MO/2010/0230). The approved scheme includes the erection of a single storey enclosed link between the house and Orangery / Swimming Pool, plus internal alterations and a conservatory to form a family kitchen. A condition of the planning consent prohibits the use of helicopters without the prior permission of the Local Planning Authority.

The 2010 planning permission also requires that the two Glass House Cottages permitted by the 2003 planning permission, but not constructed, may not be built if the 2010 planning permission is implemented.

For further information please contact Savills.

Situation

The Estate occupies a superb position only 24 miles south west of central London just outside the M25 near Leatherhead in Surrey. It is surrounded by outstanding countryside including the nationally important and beautiful Surrey Hills. Cherkley Court and Estate is within the Metropolitan Green Belt and an Area of Great Landscape Value. In addition, land to the south is designated as within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and this includes small areas of the Estate.

Directions

Cherkley Court, Reigate Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8QX.

From the M25
Leave the M25 at Junction 9 (signposted Leatherhead, Dorking). Take the A243 (signposted Dorking, Sutton, Epsom, Leatherhead) then follow the A24 towards Dorking and at the 3rd roundabout (Beaverbrook Roundabout) take the 1st exit onto Reigate Road, signposted B2033 Headley. The entrance will be found after approximately ¼ mile on the right hand side.

From the South
From West Sussex, follow the A24 towards Leatherhead. At the roundabout where the A246 joins the A24, take the 3rd exit onto the A24 / Leatherhead bypass road. At the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the Reigate Road signposted B2033 Headley. The entrance will be found after approximately ¼ mile on the right hand side.

If using SatNav, please use postcode KT22 8Q (without the X) to take you to the correct location.