Lot 1) The approach to The Wood House is quite exceptional; electric gates open to a driveway which cuts through the stunning grounds. Formal landscaping and clipped box hedging gives way to manicured lawns which roll down to the boating lake with willow trees gracing the banks. In the distance beyond the open countryside and woodland is the magnificent facade of stately Copped Hall in its parkland setting. It is a scene of undoubted beauty with a vista to admire.

This is a splendid and imposing historical period residence with conspicuous appeal  the interesting mix of Jacobean style with detailed pargetting to the exterior walls and full height leaded light bay windows with heavy oak mullions is at once impressive. 

There is much of note: the principal reception rooms, adjacent to each other are both grand and welcoming, with outstanding views from the deep bay windows over the rose gardens and grounds beyond. These rooms are superb for entertaining with their magnificent interior decor. The drawing room is particularly splendid with pale oak panelling to the walls with a plaster frieze above and elaborate ornamental plasterwork to the ceiling. There is a wonderful stone fireplace with carved surround above which is an ornate carved oak over-mantel dated 1607, (TBC) which is understood to have come from Copped Hall. Inset in the deep bays are wonderful examples of Kempe's stained glass windows. Adjacent, the family room is a comfortable bright room with an ornate ceiling and period features. The dining room is perfect for formal dining and has a distinct ceiling panelled in green and maroon and enriched with gold leaf. The walls are panelled with heavy oak and a feature fireplace presents as a focal point, but it is the picturesque outlook from the dual aspect leaded windows, inset with Kempe's roundels including those illustrating the poem The Round of Life', which is most admirable.

The Wood House is, above all, a desirable and welcoming home and it is quite apparent that its bright principal rooms and well-appointed bedrooms are perfect for family life as well as entertaining, assisted by modern conveniences including air conditioning in the Clive Christian kitchen, breakfast room, master bedroom suite and two further bedrooms. The lower ground floor provides excellent space for relaxed living and socialising with a fitted bar area leading through to the games room. Adjacent is the media room / library, a well-proportioned room with bespoke wood panelling, display shelving and heavy wooden leather-topped desk. A fitted TV is inset to the panelling and an integral surround sound home entertainment system enhances the viewing experience.

There are six double bedrooms on the first floor, all with individual quality en suite facilities, including a superb dual aspect 20' second bedroom with a very attractive outlook over the grounds. The master suite is suitably impressive for a residence of this calibre and features a bedroom with two deep bays offering wonderful views over the rose gardens towards the pool area, tennis court and countryside beyond. A fireplace, raised ceiling and panelled walls create a stately ambience and this continues through to luxurious en suite bathroom with free standing roll top bath in the bay window, rain shower, mirror TV and Clive Christian His and Hers' individual fitted vanity units. This leads on to the dressing room, which is equally opulent with Clive Christian fitted wardrobes, a dressing table and a central island with storage under, topped with heavy marble. 

The Wood House is set within truly stunning grounds which have been beautifully landscaped to ensure resplendent colour and year-round interest. Formal gardens surround the house creating a stunning visual scene from the majority of rooms. Symmetrical manicured parterre enveloping rose bushes and lavender is intercut with herringbone pavers with a central paved terrace perfect for al fresco dining. Adjacent is the Walled Rose Garden with parterre and topiary alongside stunning perennials and rose bushes surrounding the central fountain. There is a fabulous brick and steel pergola with steps down to the walkway lined with wisteria and overlooking the Rose Gardens. To the east, beyond the heated pool area with delightful summer house, is Lime Walk, an avenue of trees with clipped box hedging encasing mature shrubs and flowers leading to a stately rotunda. Terraces and mature trees, shrub borders and meadow flowers are in abundance and the superb parkland grounds surround the boating lake with its own jetty. To the west is the all weather tennis court and further on, the full size football pitch.

Rod Stewart

Famous owners