Temple Elfande, Temple Lane, Dorking, RH5 5HJ

Set within 2.7 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens in the picturesque countryside of Capel, this exceptional eight bedroom detached Grade II listed Tudor manor house offers a rare opportunity to own a remarkable piece of British history.

Dating back to the 13th century, the property was once home to the Knights Templar and later, in the mid-15th century, to Sir William Cowper, Chancellor to King Henry VIII, who transformed the house and grounds into the impressive residence enjoyed today.

The house boasts generously high ceilings throughout, approximately 2.8 metres, creating an exceptional sense of space and light rarely found in period homes of this era.

Modern comforts blend discreetly with its heritage, including lpg central heating and a traditional Aga oven in the kitchen.

The principal reception rooms provide beautifully proportioned and inviting living spaces with many original features including oak beams, a striking inglenook fireplace, a charming log burner, large windows and attractive views across the grounds.

The formal dining room is a fine room for entertaining with a rare and notable original chalk fireplace that remains in regular use. The kitchen lies adjacent to the dining room.

It is fitted with an Aga and a walk-in pantry. With substantial space for informal dining, this room forms the heart of the home and opens directly onto the rear patio.

The first floor provides five well-appointed bedrooms.

The principal bedroom is a bright and peaceful retreat with lovely garden views, a gas fireplace, generous built-in wardrobes and a spacious ensuite bathroom.

The remaining four bedrooms are all comfortable in size, each enjoying delightful outlooks over the gardens. A family bathroom and an ample study complete the first floor accommodation.

The second floor offers three further bedrooms, a centrally positioned sitting room and an additional bathroom.

Benefitting from its own staircase, this level lends itself perfectly to separate guest accommodation or independent family quarters.

Outside A sweeping gravel driveway with turning circle provides ample parking for multiple vehicles and leads to a covered entrance porch with flagstone flooring.

There is a substantial detached five-car garage with extensive loft storage.

The gardens are a true highlight, extending to approximately 2.7 acres and featuring a wonderful variety of mature trees, fruit trees, and a charming ornamental pond.

2 adjacent tennis courts are complemented by a separate brick viewing pavilion. Part of the garden is enclosed by a Grade II listed wall, providing both privacy and a sense of historic grandeur.

Situation Capel enjoys a relaxed village lifestyle with a wide range of sports and clubs available.

For active families there are opportunities to enjoy cricket, football or tennis as well as guides and the church for worship. As with all good villages there is a pub, shops and a petrol station.

The larger centres of Dorking, Horsham and Reigate are easily accessible and offer a range of major high street stores including Waitrose and Marks & Spencers.

The area is surrounded by open countryside offering an abundance of opportunities for walking and riding. The M25 and M23 can accessed easily providing direct routes to London or the coast.

A selection of schools in both the private and state sector can be found in the area, including Cranleigh, Farlington as well as Christ's Hospital and Box Hill.

Ockley train station, which is moments away, provides connections into London Bridge and Victoria in approximately 90 minutes.

Property Ref Number: Ham-64172 Additional Information Mole Valley District Council Council Tax Band H