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An award-winning modern house set in 20 woodland acres is on sale for £2,500,000. Sweethaws Wood, a six-bedroom property in Crowborough, was designed by the architect Piers Smerin and has picked up a string of accolades. The home, which is being sold by Knight Frank, won a Riba South East Region and Riba National Award in 2014, and picked up a Structural Steel Design Awards Commendation in the same year.
It is nestled in ancient English woodland, along a quiet country lane, and is a short distance from Ashdown Forest. The property is designed into the hillside, with accommodation spread over three floors. The front of the house is clad in Cor-ten steel, with the other facades featuring floor-to-ceiling glazing to showcase the backdrop.
A folded steel plate bridge leads up to the front door. There's a pool on the bottom floor (Image: Knight Frank) Inside, the property has an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space with two sets of sliding doors opening onto a terrace. The terrace is suspended from the roof by stainless steel rods and wraps around the house, overlooking a pond.
One end of the open-plan space has a wood burning stove, while the other end is another living area. There is also a cloakroom and study area. Read next: Plans for 'disastrous' new traveller caravan site prompts fury from residents The lower ground floor contains an indoor swimming pool, which runs the length of the west side of the house.
Also on this floor is a changing room with shower and toilet, a utility room and two plant rooms. The first floor contains five bedrooms, including a principal bedroom with an en suite bathroom and fitted cupboards. This fireplace looks cosy (Image: Knight Frank) Two of the bedrooms have access to a balcony, and the principal bedroom has a balcony at the front.
Read next: Fears new outdoor seating at seafront restaurant will trigger 'bumping and jostling' Outside, down a private driveway beyond the house, is a large annexe. The downstairs is currently used as a double garage and workshop, while the upstairs is a living area with kitchenette, shower room and bedroom. The grounds of Sweethaws Wood span around 20 acres and are cut across by streams spanned by "a number of charming bridges".
There is a large pond to the west of the house and a croquet lawn in front. The grounds are mainly woodland, which the estate agents describe as a "haven for wildlife"..
