Sussex mansion owned by Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck on sale

If walls could talk, what stories this opulent East Sussex mansion could tell. The six-bedroom Grade II-listed property in the village of Burwash, East Sussex, was once jointly owned by Sir Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck - and is now on the market for £4.75million.

The crooners, who bought Socknersh Manor together in the early Sixties, never moved into the property full-time, but instead they used it to throw lavish weekend parties.

Sadly those days are well and truly over for Sir Tom, now 75, and Humperdinck, 79, not least because the pair fell out and have not spoken to each other in over two decades.

But in their early chat-topping days the stars were firm friends - and their social circle included the likes of Janis Joplin, Barbara Eden and Jean Shrimpton.

The six-bedroom Grade II listed property in the village of Burwash was once the party house of Sir Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck - and is now on the market for £4.75million

The six-bedroom Grade II listed property in the village of Burwash was once the party house of Sir Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck - and is now on the market for £4.75million

The country pile has had several owners since the crooners sold up, (the exact date of which is unknown), and has been restored several times. Its latest incarnation is bright and quirky with an eclectic mix of modern and classic touches. Pictured, the informal sitting room

The country pile has had several owners since the crooners sold up, (the exact date of which is unknown), and has been restored several times. Its latest incarnation is bright and quirky with an eclectic mix of modern and classic touches. Pictured, the informal sitting room

Humperdinck (pictured), 79, bought Socknersh in the early Sixties
Sir Tom (pictured), now 75, and co-owner Humperdinck never moved into the property full-time but used it as a weekend party home

Sir Tom (right), now 75, and Humperdinck (left), 79, bought Socknersh Manor together in the early Sixties but never moved into the property full-time instead using it as a weekend party retreat

Tom also became close with Elvis Presley in the late Sixties, although there are no records to confirm whether The King ever visited Socknersh.

The impressive country pile, currently on sale with Knight Frank, has had several owners since the singers sold it (the exact date of which is unknown), and it has been restored several times over.

Its latest incarnation is bright and quirky with an eclectic mix of modern and classic touches.

Funky animal-print rugs decorate the classic wooden floors, vivid colours add pzazz while an unusual taxidermy collection - including a classic moose and a zebra - decorate the wood-panelled walls.

Other than its celebrity past, the manor's surrounding beauty also sets it apart from other properties.

Other than its celebrity past, Socknersh Manor's picturesque surroundings also sets it apart. In the grounds there's also a swimming pool, pictured, perfectly manicured gardens and a tennis court

Other than its celebrity past, Socknersh Manor's picturesque surroundings also sets it apart. In the grounds there's also a swimming pool, pictured, perfectly manicured gardens and a tennis court

Funky animal-print rugs decorate the classic wooden floors (as in the drawing room above), vivid colours add pzazz and an unusual taxidermy collection - including a classic moose and a zebra - decorate the wood-panelled walls

Funky animal-print rugs decorate the classic wooden floors (as in the drawing room above), vivid colours add pzazz and an unusual taxidermy collection - including a classic moose and a zebra - decorate the wood-panelled walls

The en-suite dressing room, pictured, is done in hot pink and zebra print - a common theme that runs throughout the quirky mansion

The en-suite dressing room, pictured, is done in hot pink and zebra print - a common theme that runs throughout the quirky mansion

The house sits on an elevated plot in 56 acres of manicured gardens and land, with a long tree-lined drive and has spectacular views of the surrounding Sussex countryside. Below, is a wooded valley and a peaceful lake with a boathouse in the grounds.

Despite the quirky makeover, classic features - including beamed ceilings and ornate fireplaces - still dominate the overall look.

The kitchen, however, has been given a modern overhaul with grey stone tiles on the floor, spotlights on the ceiling and a mix of white and wooden cabinetry.

But enter the snug and it's like stepping back into a bygone era. An exposed brick wall houses a huge stone fireplace while the ceiling features dark wood panelling.

The house sits on an elevated plot in 56 acres of manicured gardens and land, with a long tree-lined drive and has spectacular views of the surrounding Sussex countryside. Below, is a wooded valley and a peaceful stream runs through the property

The house sits on an elevated plot in 56 acres of manicured gardens and land, with a long tree-lined drive and has spectacular views of the surrounding Sussex countryside. Below, is a wooded valley and a peaceful stream runs through the property

Red walls, rich-coloured rugs and a burgundy runner add character to the entrance hall, pictured, which also features a candelabra-style chandelier

Red walls, rich-coloured rugs and a burgundy runner add character to the entrance hall, pictured, which also features a candelabra-style chandelier

The kitchen, however, has been given a modern makeover with grey stone floor tiles, spotlights on the ceiling and chic white and wood cabinetry

The kitchen, however, has been given a modern makeover with grey stone floor tiles, spotlights on the ceiling and chic white and wood cabinetry

The anteroom, pictured, is decorated with an eccentric mix of objects including a vintage wedding dress and a baby's cradle

The anteroom, pictured, is decorated with an eccentric mix of objects including a vintage wedding dress and a baby's cradle

Hunting equipment decorates the walls and ceiling and a side table in the shape of an elephant foot sits tucked between the shabby chic leather and velvet sofas.

Red walls, rich-coloured rugs and a burgundy runner add character to the entrance hall, which also features a candelabra-style chandelier, and the anteroom is decorated with an eccentric mix of objects - including a vintage wedding dress and a baby's cradle.

Upstairs, the first floor landing is home to a rocking horse, antique paintings and a stuffed ram's head.

Equally unique is one of the wooden cloakrooms, which features two geese sculptures and a floral toilet seat.

The master bedroom has a more classic feel but the en-suite dressing room is decorated in hot pink and zebra print.

Continuing along the same theme, the en-suite bathroom boats a zebra skin rug and dressing table lamp along with a sunken bath and an oversized floor-to-ceiling framed mirror.

The master bedroom has a more classic feel with an oriental rug, wooden bed frame and antique wardrobe and dressing table 

The master bedroom has a more classic feel with an oriental rug, wooden bed frame and antique wardrobe and dressing table 

Continuing the zebra print theme in the en-suite bathroom is an animal skin rug and dressing table lamp along with a sunken bath and an over-sized floor-to-ceiling framed mirror

Continuing the zebra print theme in the en-suite bathroom is an animal skin rug and dressing table lamp along with a sunken bath and an over-sized floor-to-ceiling framed mirror

Upstairs, the first floor landing, pictured, is home to a rocking horse, antique paintings and a stuffed ram's head

Upstairs, the first floor landing, pictured, is home to a rocking horse, antique paintings and a stuffed ram's head

In the grounds there's also a swimming pool, set in a perfectly manicured garden, a tennis court and a couch house - which includes a gym, cinema and party room complete with a dance floor, bar and games room.

There's also a 2,515 sqft barn with stabling facility and a recently constructed large steel-framed general purpose modern building. An extra 3,926 sqft of space always comes in handy after all.

Describing the lush property, James Crawford, a partner at Knight Frank, said: ‘Socknersh Manor is a rare find as it offers absolute peace and quiet whilst being on the doorstep of picturesque towns, including Benenden, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge.

'The lake is a standout feature, which the current owner has maximised by building a boathouse and treehouse.

'Fifty years on it still has that star quality. Crawford added: 'With its party room and pool, it's the ultimate entertaining house.'

The party room in the couch house has a dance floor, bar and games room. James Crawford of Knight Frank said: 'With its party room and pool, it's the ultimate entertaining house'

The party room in the couch house has a dance floor, bar and games room. James Crawford of Knight Frank said: 'With its party room and pool, it's the ultimate entertaining house'

The couch house features a gym, pictured, a cinema, and also a party room. In the grounds, there's also an American barn of 2,515 sq ft with stabling facility and a recently constructed large steel-framed general purpose modern building

The couch house features a gym, pictured, a cinema, and also a party room. In the grounds, there's also an American barn of 2,515 sq ft with stabling facility and a recently constructed large steel-framed general purpose modern building

Unique: The wooden cloakroom features two geese sculptures and a floral toilet seat and a collection of animal sculptures

Unique: The wooden cloakroom features two geese sculptures and a floral toilet seat and a collection of animal sculptures

'The lake is a standout feature, which the current owner has maximised by building a boathouse and treehouse,' explains James Crawford, a partner at Knight Frank, who are marketing the property

'The lake is a standout feature, which the current owner has maximised by building a boathouse and treehouse,' explains James Crawford, a partner at Knight Frank, who are marketing the property

The picturesque boathouse: The property's unique surrounds, as well as its rock star history, sets it apart

The picturesque boathouse: The property's unique surrounds, as well as its rock star history, sets it apart

Socknersh Manor is for sale with Knight Frank. Contact 0207 6298171 

Solved! Riddle of Sir Tom and Engelbert's 20-year hump: Singers fell out after fighting over a GIRL 

They have been sworn enemies for more than 20 years after reportedly feuding over who is the most successful singer.

But the rivalry between Sir Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck may have been sparked by a far more old-fashioned reason – jealousy over a girl.

Jones, 75, spoke of the bad blood with 79-year-old Humperdinck last year as he promoted his autobiography.

Asked if the pair would ‘ever patch things up,’ the Welsh-born singer replied: ‘No. It’s as I say, once a c***, always a c***.’ 

The fall-out had been blamed on a professional rivalry sparked early in their careers as they competed for the No 1 spot with songs such as Green Green Grass Of Home and Release Me.

But at the time a former girlfriend of Jones said she believed the feud had erupted after Humperdinck tried to seduce her.

Californian entrepreneur Charlotte Laws, who had a three-year affair with Jones from 1979, said she met ‘Enge’ when he was performing in Las Vegas, across the street from where Jones was in concert.

She said: ‘I’d been with Tom a year or two when I happened to be walking through the MGM and I was approached by members of Enge’s entourage. I was told he wanted to speak to me in private. It was no secret I was with Tom.

‘I went into his private dressing room. He stood up, went into the centre of the room and said, “I think I have a problem” – and dropped his trousers. I started laughing because I didn’t know what else to do. Then he pulled his pants up and we both left the room.’

She said when she recounted the tale to Jones later that night, ‘he sat in stoney silence’.

Laws, who remains friends with Jones, said: ‘I am sure there was good old-fashioned jealousy there. They competed against each other for everything.’ 

 

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