Sheffield Park, Sheffield Park, TN22

Sheffield Park House holds a significant place within the illustrious history of Sussex’s Country Houses. Its origins date back to a time before 1066 when Edwin of Wessex, the father of King Harold, was its owner. After Harold’s defeat by William the Conqueror, the estate passed into the hands of Robert, Count of Mortain, who was William’s brother-in-law. The Domesday Book records it as “Sifelle.” In the late 1700s, the 1st Earl of Sheffield acquired the estate, James Wyatt transformed the house into the fashionable Gothic style of the era. The renowned Capability Brown was later commissioned to craft the picturesque gardens. In 1953, the estate was divided, and by the 1980s, Sheffield Park House underwent a conversion into twelve exclusive apartments while maintaining its Grade I listing.
Apartment 1 spans the entire length of the eastern side of this elegant country mansion, predominantly situated on the ground floor. It incorporates what were once two of the estate’s principal reception rooms. An addition to the property, the Edwardian Orangery, was later transformed into a kitchen with two bedrooms and bathrooms on the upper level. The apartment boasts an impressive 3,476 square feet of space, preserving numerous period features. Among these are soaring ceilings, shuttered sash windows (including several full-height ones), and intricately patterned plasterwork adorned with gold leaf accents.
Upon entering the apartment, you are greeted by the drawing room—an exceptionally refined space featuring a striking black marble fireplace and hearth. This room boasts a full-height curved bay adorned with classical columns and French doors leading to the expansive south-east facing terrace, spanning approximately 100 feet in width and measuring in total some 2,500 square feet. Adjacent to the drawing room is the Master bedroom suite, a splendid oval room historically known as the Saloon. It features arched alcoves within its walls, a walk-in wardrobe, and an opulent, travertine-tiled en suite bathroom. Additional storage space is available via a storeroom accessible from the drawing room. The magnificent dining room offers picturesque views over the lawns through its three-quarter height sash windows. The room is encircled by a frieze of recumbent lions and sphinxes in gold.
A substantial white marble fireplace and hearth, installed during Wyatt’s remodelling, along with arched alcoves fitted with bookshelves, enhance the room’s grandeur. Large glazed double doors open onto the galleried staircase hall, providing access to the bedrooms and bathrooms. From here, steps descend to the spacious and bright kitchen/breakfast room and utility area. The kitchen is impeccably appointed with an extensive array of cream, shaker-style cabinetry, a central island with a sink, granite countertops, a double Belfast sink, an electric induction Rangemaster, a generously sized shelved larder cupboard, and additional integrated appliances, including a wine cooler, microwave, and two dishwashers. Adjacent to the kitchen is the laundry and utility area, offering ample storage and a door that opens onto the gardens.
The first floor houses bedrooms two and three, both elegantly presented and benefiting from views to the south overlooking the estate’s grounds and Sheffield Park’s serene lakes. Bedroom two boasts an en suite bathroom, while bedroom three is served by the third/family bathroom. For a comprehensive understanding of the accommodation’s layout, please refer to the provided floorplans.

Outside

Sheffield Park House is an integral part of an exclusive gated community set amidst extraordinary surroundings. Beyond the apartment’s large terrace, which spans the width of the property, lies the house’s garden with its lawns and fountain. The communal grounds include tennis courts and sprawling parkland where one can often spot deer grazing peacefully. Adjacent to this remarkable property lies the splendid National Trust Sheffield Park and Gardens.
Apartment 1 enjoys exceptional vistas from its private terrace and communal gardens, offering stunning views of the lakes and the extensive grounds beyond. Furthermore, residents have the privilege of a dedicated gate providing exclusive access to the NT Gardens, reserved solely for the enjoyment of House residents.
The property includes a single garage (located in the garage block) featuring an electronically operated door, an allocated parking space, and a substantial secure cellar that houses the property’s boilers and provides valuable additional storage space.

Situation

Sheffield Park House is perfectly situated in the heart of Sussex, with close proximity to Ashdown Forest and its stunning natural beauty. It also shares its boundaries with the renowned Sheffield Park & Garden, a masterpiece crafted by Capability Brown and now proudly owned by the National Trust. Just two miles to the east lies the charming village of Fletching, and its the award-winning Griffin pub. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to indulge in, with opportunities for golf and scenic walks in the vicinity.
For those seeking cultural experiences, Sussex boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The renowned Glyndebourne Opera House offers outstanding opera performances, while the annual Brighton Festival treats visitors to an extensive program encompassing theatre, dance, classical music, and literary events. Comprehensive shopping and leisure facilities are conveniently accessible in nearby locations such as Haywards Heath (6.6 miles), Lewes (10 miles), and Tunbridge Wells (18 miles). Efficient mainline rail services are available from Haywards Heath, providing quick access to London Bridge and Victoria in just 42 minutes.
Gatwick Airport is also easily reachable, located 18 miles away. For families, the area offers a range of highly regarded schools, both state and independent. These include Fletching and Danehill primary schools, Cumnor House in Danehill, Great Walstead near Lindfield, Ardingly College, and Michael Hall (Rudolph Steiner) in Forest Row.

Additional Information

Service charges
Please ring for full details

Additional
Services: Electric central heating; mains water and electricity; private drainage.
Wealden District Council
Council tax band H