The Story
Entering the versatile upper reception room, visitors to The Granary cannot help but be impressed. Here, the village home, which dates back to about 1830, enjoys views out across its beautiful surroundings and owners Chris and Margaret Meade have created a magnificent, multi-functional space.
"We use the upper drawing room every evening," explained Chris. "It is a great place to relax and do our hobbies. We have a piano up there and the computer. We also both enjoy painting and it is perfect for this because it is so light and there are lovely views over the trees."
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A Unique Home
It was 13 years ago that Chris decided to buy The Granary, which was once used as a home for district nurses.
"I liked its uniqueness," he said. "It was an older place with lots of character and was very different. It was also tucked away up a lane in a very peaceful, quiet location."
He decided to carry out some work on the house, re-roofing it and giving it a lighter, brighter interior. The kitchen and dining room, for example, were opened up to create one large space and glass doors were added to allow easy access out into the garden.
"The kitchen is delightful now. The light cabinets have oak handles and work well with the primrose yellow," he said.
Margaret added: "I think the kitchen is one of my favourite places in the house. It is very much the focus of the home when our family visit and it is a lovely space to spend time in."
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Dinner Guests
The downstairs sitting room is currently well-used by the Meades themselves but has been ideal in the past as part of an almost separate living space for a relative.
"It does work well. With the guest bedroom and bathroom down there too they can almost close themselves off and have their own space," said Margaret.
Chris agreed: "But when it is not being used by a visitor it is the perfect space in which to entertain guests. We sit in there and have a drink before going through to where the table has been laid."
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Bright and Sunny
Guests also sometimes sleep up in the top floor sitting room, enjoying the space and the light. This room could, suggested Margaret, easily become another permanent bedroom.
The master bedroom, with its en suite bathroom, currently takes up the first floor of The Granary.
"This is a lovely room. It enjoys a dual aspect and so is always light," said Chris. "The bathroom is quite large and is really very nice."
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Perfect Location
The Meades, who are moving house to be closer to family, admit they will miss their home, its tranquil position and village life at Betchworth.
"It is very convenient living here. We have the Post Office and general store and there's a lovely old church that was used in the filming of Four Weddings and a Funeral," said Chris. "This is a charming home in a perfect location.
"You can cycle, fish or swim nearby and you can walk to three village pubs with good food.
"In fact, one of the great things about being here is being able to pull your boots on and just walk out across the fields."
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Setting the Scene
The pretty garden at The Granary is greatly enjoyed by the Meades whenever the weather is fine.
"In the spring time it is just a knock-out," said Chris. "Everything is so colourful then."
With lots of roses and an apple tree, as well as its lawn and shrubs, the garden has a very English feel.
"We have an awning that almost gives you another room when you are outside. "Whenever we have people round in the summer we sit out there and enjoy a picnic lunch or have a few drinks out on the terrace," he said.
"It really is lovely."
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ARTISTIC
"We both enjoy painting and the top room is perfect for this because it is so light and there are lovely views over the trees."
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KITCHEN
"I think the kitchen is one of my favourite places in the house. It is very much the focus of the home when our family visit."
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CHARACTER :
"I liked its uniqueness. It was an older place with lots of character and was very different. It was also tucked away up a lane in a very peaceful, quiet location."
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VILLAGE
"There's a lovely old church that was used in the filming of Four Weddings and a Funeral."
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GARDEN
"In the spring time it is just a knock-out."
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