Church Street, Henfield, BN5

Parsonage House is one of the most prestigious residences in the heart of Henfield village, tucked away on a quiet road close to the church and village primary school and a short distance from the High Street.

This Grade II-listed house has a fabulous history: it was built in the 16th century and was originally the residence of the Prebendaries of Henfield, former rectors of the parish, and later Henry Bisshopp, the first Postmaster General, granted by King Charles II, who hid, evading capture from Cromwell’s men, in the Priest Hole which still exists today. Much of the house’s original character has been preserved and can be seen throughout, including exposed timbers, expansive fireplaces, vaulted ceilings and wall panelling. This substantial home is of significant architectural importance with elegant and generous proportions, which lend themselves perfectly to the demands of modern family life as well as hosting and entertaining. The classical front elevations, which are pleasingly symmetrical, were re-fronted in the 18th century and are typically Georgian, constructed from brick and local Horsham stone. Internally the house has been extensively improved and updated, while remaining sympathetic to age and character.

Interior
Arranged over three floors of delightful accommodation, there is ample space for visiting guests as well as the demands of day-to-day family life. Flooded with natural daylight throughout, there are three principal reception rooms leading off the main reception hall: a superb dining room with a large inglenook fireplace and wood-burning stove, a charming sitting room with an open fireplace, and a separate family room. The sitting and dining rooms both have south-facing bay windows overlooking the front lawn, affording occupants a pleasingly verdant outlook. To the rear of the house is the modern farmhouse-style kitchen with Aga, a separate laundry room and a pantry. Additionally there is a sauna with adjoining shower room and WC.

Accessed from the courtyard there is a smart, separate, self-contained annexe, which is as equally well appointed as the main house, comprising contemporary kitchen with granite worktops, open to a vaulted living room with impressive, historic wooden panelling, two bedrooms and a shower room – an ideal space for relatives, guests or as a holiday let.

The bedrooms are arranged over the first and second floors, each a fantastic size; one incorporates a concealed ‘Priest Hole’ which is where, history records, Henry Bisshopp, a former resident, hid during the English Civil War of 1642–1651. The beautiful principal suite overlooks the front garden and has a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bath/shower room, with three further bedrooms, two bath/shower rooms and a cloakroom also found on the first floor. The second floor has an additional two bedrooms, a study, and a family bathroom, and could be adapted to provide a self-contained living space, if desired.

Outside

The gated entrance opens to a large gravel driveway which sweeps up to the front of the house, providing ample private parking. The lawned gardens envelop the house around the south and west, creating a fantastically sunny outside space bordered by mature trees and shrubs creating wonderful natural privacy. To the rear of the house there is the pool complex, including a covered pool, showers, changing facilities and a sauna. The adjacent terrace provides space for dining al-fresco and is separated from the garden by an arcade of roses and wisteria on one side and a glorious parade of mature palms on the other.

Situation

The thriving village of Henfield is situated to the north of the picturesque South Downs National Park, with a great range of village shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as a primary school, tennis club and leisure centre. More extensive shopping can be found in Horsham (11 miles to the north) and Brighton and Hove (nine miles). The local area has many excellent sporting and leisure facilities, including golf at Singing Hills and The Dyke golf clubs, equestrian pursuits at Hickstead, Pyecombe and Borde Hill; sailing at Brighton Marina; and theatres at Brighton, Horsham and Chichester. There is a large selection of excellent schools in the area, including Hurstpierpoint College, Brighton College, Roedean School, and Lancing College, . The South Downs provides myriad footpaths and bridleways to explore, with an extensive network of trails around the village. Brighton, Hove and Hassocks all have mainline railway stations with fast, direct services to London Victoria and London Bridge in less than an hour. The A24 and A23 offer swift access to the M23/M25 and the national motorway network.

Property Ref Number:

HAM-0585

Additional Information

Local Authority - Horsham District Council.
Council Tax Band H.