Selsfield Road, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17

Stunning ten bedroom Victorian mansion with walled swimming pool, tennis court and separate cottage, enjoying uninterrupted views of the surrounding countryside

Description

This stunning property dates from 1889-90 and is believed to have been built as a country estate for the Camp Coffee family. The estate comprised 239 acres with several cottages, farm, and beautiful lakes and gardens that were planned by landscape architect Thomas H.Mawson.

The property enjoys the best of both worlds, occupying a semi-rural location and enjoying complete privacy, yet within easy reach of local schools and Haywards Heath mainline station.

The grand reception hall sets the tone for the remainder of the house, with the elegant staircase, wood panelling, moulded ceiling and breath-taking views.

On the ground floor there are 5 Principal reception rooms, all enjoying many fine features, an orangery, a beautiful kitchen with breakfast room, and a large secondary kitchen for food preparation. The cellars are in remarkable condition, and comprise of several rooms with excellent ceiling heights, allowing for numerous uses which could include strong rooms or a gymnasium.

On the first floor are 6 bedroom suites, with 3-4 secondary bedrooms and a bathroom on the top floor. The cottage has been extensively refurbished, and is very comfortable for guests, family or staff quarters.

Externally the grounds have been maintained to the finest standards, complementing the main house, which is clear as you approach through the main entrance. Within the gardens are a formal croquet lawn, and a swimming pool set within an enclosed courtyard with a separate kitchen, changing rooms, and the original Astronomers Observatory, which is an architectural masterpiece within itself.

Extensive terraces adjoin the house and include a walled garden with ponds. The majority of the gardens slope from the house and are laid to lawn. Beyond this are some quite outstanding terraced areas which were laid out in Victorian times with local stone, making up several steps and pathways flanked by imposing natural rock formations, all interspersed with numerous specimen trees and shrubs offering a range of colours throughout the year, particularly in the Spring.

The garage block was recently rebuilt to a very high standard, ideal for a car collection and with the added bonus of an internal bar. In addition there is a carport beyond the main house.

Location

The property stands on the East side of the B2028 opposite the entrance to Kew’s Wakehurst Gardens and the home of the Millennium Seed Bank, just North of the village of Ardingly. The property is completely private and enjoys a wonderful semi-rural position setting, yet adjoins a bridleway along the Eastern boundary which provides some wonderful walking and riding, with links to the neighbouring villages of West Hoathley, Ardingly and Highbrook. Wakehurst has several footpaths and bridleways providing access to the villages to the West, and the 180 acre Ardingly Reservoir to the South-West with its water sports. The nearby and historical villages of Aringly, Lindfield and West Hoathley, all have local shops and some great pubs and restaurants.

Haywards Heath is the nearest town (5 miles to the South), where there is a shopping centre and a mainline railway station providing fast commuter services to London Bridge/Victoria in approx. 45 minutes, Gatwick Airport in 15, and the South coast at Brighton in 20.

The area is well served by many excellent local and independent schools including Ardingly College (2.5 miles), Worth, Cumnor House, Great Walstead, Handcross Park, Copthorne, Brambletye, Michael Hall Steiner Waldorf and Burgess Hill Girls. These and some of the country’s other schools such as Brighton Colleage, Hurst College, Bedes, Roedean and Lancing College, all run a school bus service with pick-up points close by.

Square Footage: 16,366 sq ft



Additional Info

Deposit payable: £27,685.38 (6 weeks rent)
Holding Deposit: £4,614.23 (1 weeks rent)
Minimum Term: 12 months
Rent must be paid monthly in advance