Broad Street, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17

Full of character and charm: well-presented detached Grade II listed cottage in a sought-after village.

Description

Bedlam Cottage is understood to date from 1570 and is believed to be one of the oldest houses in Cuckfield; it listed Grade II, of special historic or architectural importance. The house has an interesting history which has been researched and documented by the current owners: in the early 1900s the cottage was owned by the Sergison family of Cuckfield Park, occupied by their coachman and partially used as stabling; in 1926 the house was bought by H G Turner, a locally-renowned Arts and Crafts architect. His influence can be seen throughout the cottage, giving the house a unique blend of original Elizabethan period character with Arts & Crafts detailing.

The full extent and layout of the house, which extends to over 1,850 square feet excluding the detached garage, can be seen on the floor plan. It is very well presented, an ideal combination of modern comfort and period charm, and with good ceiling heights for a property of its age. There are three reception rooms on the ground floor, all with a number of exposed timbers: the triple aspect sitting room has French doors opening to the garden and a rare brick ‘beehive’ fireplace; the snug features a handsome inglenook set with a woodburner. Adjoining the snug is a vaulted dining room (the former stable), an impressive room for formal entertaining. Stairs rise to a cosy hayloft-style bedroom; beyond the dining room is a dual aspect study (or ground floor, fifth bedroom).

The kitchen and breakfast room extends across the rear of the house, with French doors opening to the terrace. It is superbly appointed with a range of bespoke cabinetry by a local firm of joiners, complemented by deep granite worktops and a range of appliances, with space for a range cooker; leaded light casement windows with decorative stained glass detailing frame the view over the garden. A utility room and a cloakroom with WC complete the ground floor.

There are three good-sized bedrooms on the first floor, all with vaulted ceilings giving a sense of space and light. Bedroom one is fitted with bespoke wardrobes and has an en suite shower room, refitted in 2021; bedrooms two and three are served by the family bathroom, refitted in 2018. Both bathrooms have stylish modern suites.


Outside
Extending to just under half an acre in all, Bedlam Cottage’s beautiful south-west facing garden is of particular note, established and well-enclosed. The cottage is accessed from Broad Street via a timber five-bar gate which opens to a gravel parking area in front of the house and leads to the detached single garage.

There is gated access to the rear where there is large stone terrace and seating area adjoining the house, featuring a raised well and an elegant Victorian-style greenhouse. Stone steps, flanked by rose and flower beds, rise to an expanse of lawn stretching away from the house, edged by hedging and shaped shrub borders; to the end of the garden is a wooded area with mature trees, magnolia and woodland shrubs.

In all, about 0.44 of an acre.

Location

Bedlam Cottage is situated on the eastern side of Cuckfield, a thriving village with an active community to the west of Haywards Heath, in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Cuckfield offers a number of local amenities including a convenience store, petrol station, medical centre, variety of independent village shops, public houses, restaurants and a hotel and spa; Haywards Heath offers more comprehensive shopping and facilities, and a mainline railway station. Crawley and Brighton are within 10 and 15 miles respectively.

There are many leisure activities available within the village at youth and adult levels including golf, rugby, cricket and local theatre. Across Sussex, activities include riding on Ashdown Forest, for which a permit is required, sailing at Ardingly and golf across the county.

Spa and country house hotels include Ockenden Manor in the village, Alexander House, Ashdown Park, Gravetye Manor and South Lodge.

There is a vibrant cultural and arts scene in Sussex, with world-class opera at Glyndebourne, theatre at Royal Tunbridge Wells and the annual Brighton Festival presenting a huge programme of theatre, dance, classical music and literary events

Transport: There is a fast and frequent commuter service from Haywards Heath (1.5 miles distant or 29 minutes’ walk) with services to London Bridge/Victoria from 42 minutes. Gatwick airport 12.5 miles.

Schools: There is an excellent range of educational facilities locally, in both the private and state sectors. They include Holy Trinity primary and Warden Park secondary schools in Cuckfield, Great Walstead, Cumnor House, Handcross Park School, Burgess Hill Girls, Brighton College, Ardingly College and Hurstpierpoint College.

All times and distances are approximate; walking times taken from Google Maps.

Square Footage: 1,852 sq ft


Acreage: 0.44 Acres

Additional Info

Agent's Note: the Rangemaster cooker is not included in the sale but may be available by separate negotiation.

Services: Gas fired central heating. Mains gas, electricity, water and drainage.

Outgoings: Mid Sussex District Council. Tax band G.

Photographs taken: March 2024.

Cladding: This property may have cladding. The property is under six floors so any cladding may not have been tested. Purchasers should make enquiries about the external wall system of the property, if it has cladding and if it is safe or if there are interim measures in place.