Paddockhurst Lane, Balcombe, RH17

In a highly coveted setting amongst beautiful countryside just north of Ardingly Reservoir, South Lodge is a very special house perfect for multi-generational living. The original part of the house was built in the 1930s as a stable block and lodge house for Forest Ridge, a grand country house designed by the architect Sir Edwin Cooper, which was later destroyed by fire during the Second World War and later sold off as private dwellings. Now, the former country estate consists as a small hamlet, enjoying a delightful rural position. South Lodge was later converted into a residential building in 1989 and more recently separated into two houses: the main house, with four double bedrooms and a generous living space, and a smaller two-bedroom annexe. The two properties are connected internally via an access door. This presents a fabulous opportunity to have grandparents or older children living next door, or as an income generator such as a holiday let or long-term rent. Both properties have undergone significant improvement in recent years and are very well presented in an elegant, modern style which complements the age and character of the building.
Within the main house, an expansive 43ft sitting room forms the heart of the home, with a seating area arranged in front of a wood-burning stove and a fabulous study ‘nook’ on the other side of the feature staircase. At the rear of the house, a light-filled kitchen and dining room is the ideal space for entertaining at home, and has an adjoining laundry room and WC. Also on the ground floor there is a double bedroom
with en suite shower room, a snug and a utility room.
Upstairs, the three bedrooms are all interconnecting and share a dressing area, bathroom and shower room.
The annexe is equally well presented in a modern, country style, comprising a sitting room, kitchen and cloakroom with WC, a principal bedroom with en suite shower room, a further double bedroom and a family bathroom.

Outside

South Lodge is set within attractive gardens of approximately half an acre, with lovely views to the rear towards the village of Balcombe. The house is approached via a private gravel driveway with ample
off-street parking available within a walled courtyard which also provides access to the detached double garage, with a studio space on the first floor. The gardens are situated entirely to the rear and include
a fabulous heated swimming pool set within a large terrace, which is close to the back of the house in an ideal position for entertaining alfresco in the warmer months. Adjoining the terrace there is a further patio area, an expansive lawn and a circular ornamental pond. The gardens are well stocked with a huge variety of trees, shrubs and fruiting varieties, including a statuesque palm, banana, a tunnel of fruit trees such as apple, pear, plum, greengage and damson, and a number of different roses.

Situation

The property is situated in a quiet hamlet less than two miles east of the sought-after village of Balcombe, which has a thriving community with a popular primary school, village shop, public house, church and village club. Balcombe station (2.4 miles) offers direct services to London Victoria, Blackfriars and London Victoria. Nearby is Ardingly Reservoir with opportunities for walking and watersports at the Ardingly Adventure Centre. The area is renowned for the standard of its schooling in both the private and state sectors with Balcombe C of E and independent Handcross Park in close proximity. Haywards Heath offers more extensive shopping and the area offers excellent road communications via the A/M23 to the M25, the motorway network and Gatwick Airport.

Additional Information

Local Authority: Mid Sussex Council.
Council Tax: Band G.

Services: Mains water and electricity.
Private drainage. Oil-fired central heating.
Solar array.