Clapgate Lane, Slinfold, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13

An impressive characterful former rectory with stunning gardens.

Description

Tucked away along a quiet, secluded lane in the heart of picturesque Slinfold, directly opposite the church, Ironwood House is a distinguished former rectory of timeless character. Reputed to have been built in the 1840s this early Victorian home, not listed, is approached through wrought iron gates, has a handsome façade in warm honey-toned render, and an impressive front door.

A glazed internal porch opens into a wide, welcoming hallway with beautifully preserved original floorboards, setting the tone for the home’s refined interiors. The principal reception room has proportion and light, with double aspect large sash windows framing views over the gardens. A woodburning stove at one end adds warmth and charm, making the space inviting throughout the seasons.

The double-aspect study is generous in size, offering an ideal setting for working from home. The large cloakroom off the main hallway provides useful storage for coats. At the heart of the house lies the delightful eat-in kitchen, centred around a traditional AGA and complemented by a walk-in pantry, a utility area, and a cloakroom, with direct access to the garden. For more formal occasions, the elegant dining room, also double aspect, offers garden views and another fireplace, perfect for hosting.

Upstairs, the broad landing mirrors the one below, bathed in natural light from an impressively tall staircase window. The principal bedroom enjoys a dual aspect and is filled with light, with fitted wardrobes and complemented by a spacious en suite bathroom featuring both a bath with shower over. The additional bedrooms have built in storage and are bright, airy, and well-proportioned, one with delightful built-in display shelving, and all served by a family bathroom with shower and separate WC.

Beyond the main house and approached via a separate drive from the lane lies the charming former stable block, rich in character and offering a host of possibilities. The Coach House with hayloft provides ample storage; the original stable now serves as an excellent workshop; and the old bake house, has the original bread oven, more recently used for making pizzas. Additional outbuildings include a brick-built shed and a very useful greenhouse.

The gardens are truly exceptional. Carefully curated borders surround the formal lawn with steps down to the lower level framed by a stunning pair of standard wisterias. An ornamental pool, surrounded by complimentary planting, creates a peaceful focal point, while a more naturalistic meadow garden at the rear plays host to a wildlife pond and a whimsical little boathouse. Ample parking is available on the gravel forecourt, with additional space discreetly positioned to the side.

Location

Located within the rural village of Slinfold, Ironwood House enjoys a wonderful edge of village setting, adjacent to rolling fields and woodland with extensive countryside walks.

Slinfold village has a Church, shop, cricket, tennis and football clubs, local Primary School, and benefits from being within a third of a mile of a popular country pub, The Red Lyon. Slinfold Golf and Country Club is nearby with golf and gym facilities. The property lies between the villages of Billingshurst and Broadbridge Heath, to the south being approximately 4.5 miles and 3 miles east There is a network of country lanes, bridleways and public footpaths to explore.

Local amenities for everyday shopping are available at Cranleigh (10 miles) and at Billingshurst with its mainline station to London Victoria (65 minutes) via Gatwick. For further comprehensive shopping facilities, Horsham is about 5 miles to the east and Guildford, about 18 miles to the north, both offering a wide range of high street shops, leisure and cultural amenities. There is an excellent range of schools in the area both state and private such as Pennthorpe in Rudgwick, Farlington near Horsham, Cranleigh School and The Weald at Billingshurst.

The A272 to the south is an excellent artery running east/west providing access to the A24 and A29 north/south links with the A3 and M25 further afield. All distances and journey times are approximate.

Square Footage: 3,682 sq ft


Acreage: 1.2 Acres

Directions

What3words - ///mile.ooze.punctured

Additional Info

Services: Mains water, electricity and drainage and oil central heating.