A magical country home in the High Weald AONB, where great gardens and period charm combine
It’s hard not to be charmed by Old Barklye in East Sussex. Draped in Wisteria and accessed through a dramatic arched hedge way, this bucolic family home offers the ultimate hidden sanctuary, with wonderful interiors and even better gardens. James Fisher takes a look.


Enveloped by the picturesque countryside of the High Weald AONB, wisteria-clad Old Barklye sits in a semi-rural position between the charming villages of Broad Oak and Burwash Common.
It’s now on the market via Hamptons for £1.395 million.
Exuding period charm, the property offers four bedrooms over its two floors, but the real magic comes from the elegant garden and grounds, which extend to more than an acre.
The focal point is the swimming pool, around which are arranged various outbuildings that currently serve as barns, workshops, studio spaces and storage facilities, but could easily be converted with the necessary consents.
The surrounding gardens are awash with colourful flowerbeds, shrubs and hedgerows, as well as a wooded glade with a path mown through it and an elegant pond with overhanging trees.
Internally, the accommodation is bright and immaculately presented, with tasteful renovation works used to elevate the spaces. A cream wood burner sits within an inglenook fireplace with windows in the dining room, whilst the kitchen exudes country farmhouse charm with dark wood units, tiled floors and exposed beams.
Situated between two villages, the property enjoys a level of tranquillity, yet is only two and a half miles from the town of Heathfield where there are a range of amenities.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
The High Weald Area of Natural Beauty surrounds the property, providing endless walks and exceptional views, and good transportation links mean the nearby coast and surrounding towns are easily reached.
Old Barklye is currently on the market via Hamptons for £1.395 million — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
James Fisher is the Deputy Digital Editor of Country Life. He writes about property, travel, motoring and things that upset him. He lives in London.
-
The treehouse of your dreams is for sale, and it even comes with a country house
The only thing more impressive than the treehouse at Springfield House are the recently re-designed interiors.
By James Fisher Published
-
You've got mail: Royal Mail unveils eight folklore-inspired stamps
The Loch Ness monster is among Britain's mythical beings that appear on the stamps.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
The treehouse of your dreams is for sale, and it even comes with a country house
The only thing more impressive than the treehouse at Springfield House are the recently re-designed interiors.
By James Fisher Published
-
Harts House: A home straight out of a fairytale for sale in Kent
We try not to use cliché too often, but sometimes only cliché will do.
By James Fisher Published
-
In search of Arcadia at Ayot Bury, the Georgian home and estate that's 30 minutes from central London
With 40 acres and glorious gardens, Ayot Bury might be the perfect country home for those looking for the best of both worlds.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
The most expensive postcodes outside of London have been revealed
Some are not so surprising. Some are quite surprising. Most are still quite close to London. All are costly.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A £1.5 million flat on the street where wig and pen once met
It doesn't get more central London than Fleet Street.
By James Fisher Published
-
A spectacular coastal estate in Dorset set on its own private peninsula
This 160-acre estate is part nature reserve and part country home, with a beautiful Arts-and-Crafts home at its heart.
By Arabella Youens Last updated
-
A converted bothy on the shores of Loch Tay from which to enjoy the fresh tastes of Spring
Waterfall Cottage offers four bedrooms and a garden that stretches right down to the lapping waters.
By James Fisher Published
-
An idyllic home in Hampshire that's perfect for the musical mind
Lyewood House sits in 3.5 acres and comes with a purpose built recording studio and an outdoor heated pool.
By Arabella Youens Published