Hanlye Lane, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17

Beautifully restored Grade II listed medieval barn offering exceptional character, versatile accommodation, a detached cottage and landscaped gardens with far reaching views to the Downs.

Description

Hanlye Barn is a charming and superbly presented Grade II listed property of notable character, created from a timber framed Medieval Crown Post barn believed to date from the 1300s. The conversion was carried out with considerable care and attention to the building’s historic fabric, using traditional materials and methods throughout. English Heritage provided guidance during the refurbishment of the medieval structure, helping to ensure that original features were retained or faithfully replaced. The result is a home that presents the integrity of its medieval origins alongside comfortable, well considered modern living. The accommodation is arranged principally on one level, with a mezzanine study overlooking the main barn, and is illustrated in the accompanying floor plan.

A solid timber front door opens into the vaulted kitchen and breakfast room, which enjoys an outlook over the courtyard. The kitchen has a limestone tiled floor and is fitted with handmade wooden cabinetry with granite worktops, a Belfast style sink, a two oven Aga, an integrated Miele dishwasher, space for a fridge and plenty of space for a breakfast table.

Adjoining the kitchen is the reception hall, which has a stripped wood floor and a useful store cupboard. The principal area of the medieval barn forms a magnificent drawing and dining room, arranged as a large dual aspect living space with an impressive vaulted ceiling and exposed crown post timbers. A full height chimney stack with a fireplace and slate hearth forms the main focal point, and solid beech floorboards add warmth. The original cart openings have been glazed to full height, creating dramatic doors with external shutters that open directly onto the terrace and courtyard. A timber staircase rises to the mezzanine study.

There are four bedrooms: two lie off the reception hall, one with an en suite bathroom and the other served by a wet room style shower room. The principal bedroom is located at the opposite end of the house adjoining the kitchen, served by a large vaulted en suite shower room fitted with Lefroy Brookes and Villeroy and Boch sanitaryware, a limestone floor, a generous tiled shower and a basin set into a limestone topped washstand. Steps descend from the principal suite to the fourth bedroom, which has French doors opening to the courtyard and can also be used as a dressing room or a cosy reception room.

Approached from the courtyard is an attached studio which offers considerable versatility, with potential to create a self contained guest suite subject to the necessary consents. It currently comprises a vaulted room suitable as a gym, studio or office, together with a laundry room and a boiler room.

The detached cottage lies to the south east of the main barn and is approached by a private driveway. This well presented, two storey heritage style barn provides modern accommodation with period style character and offers an ideal space for guests, extended family or independent living. The ground floor is arranged as a farmhouse style kitchen together with an open plan living and dining room, creating a comfortable and versatile everyday living space. On the first floor there are two bedrooms and a shower room, making the cottage a fully self contained and practical addition to the property.

Hanlye Barn is approached from Hanlye Lane along a shared driveway, leading to a gravelled parking area in front of the house. The driveway continues to the east where there is further parking and a gated access to the detached cottage and its parking area.

The gardens lie principally to the south and east of the property and include a York stone and paved courtyard terrace with brick flower beds and clipped Box borders. From here the garden opens onto an area of landscaped lawn with winding stone paths and a central glacial rock sculpture attributed to Dominic Ropner, known for pieces commissioned by Ringo Starr. The grounds enjoy open views across pastureland belonging to the Borde Hill Estate, with far reaching views towards the South Downs. In all the gardens and grounds extend to about 0.82 of an acre.

Location

Hanlye Barn is situated in a delightful semi-rural location just over one mile north east of the picturesque and sought-after village of Cuckfield, bordering the Borde Hill Estate.

Cuckfield is a thriving village with an active community to the west of Haywards Heath, in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Cuckfield’s local amenities include a variety of independent village shops, public houses, restaurants, a convenience store, petrol station, medical centre and a hotel and spa; comprehensive shopping is at Haywards Heath, Crawley and Brighton (one, 10 and 16 miles respectively).

There are many leisure activities available within the village at youth and adult levels including golf, rugby, cricket and local theatre. Across Sussex, activities include riding on Ashdown Forest, for which a permit is required, sailing at Ardingly and golf across the county. Spa and country house hotels include Ockenden Manor in the village, Alexander House, Ashdown Park, Gravetye Manor and South Lodge.

There is a vibrant cultural and arts scene in Sussex, with world-class opera at Glyndebourne, theatre at Royal Tunbridge Wells and the annual Brighton and Charleston Festivals presenting a huge programme of theatre, dance, classical music and literary events.

Transport: There is a fast and frequent commuter service from Haywards Heath station (1.3 miles) with services to London Bridge/Victoria from 42 minutes. Gatwick airport 12 miles.

Schools: There is an excellent range of educational facilities locally, in both the private and state sectors. They include Holy Trinity primary and Warden Park secondary schools in Cuckfield, Great Walstead, Cumnor House, Handcross Park School, Burgess Hill Girls, Brighton College, Ardingly College and Hurstpierpoint College.

All times and distances are approximate.

Square Footage: 3,134 sq ft


Acreage: 0.8 Acres

Additional Info

Agent’s Notes:
1. The driveway leading to the property is owned by the Borde Hill Estate, over which both Hanlye Barn and Hanlye House have a right of way.
2. The garden stag sculpture is not included in the sale.

Services: Oil fired central heating. Mains electricity and water. Private drainage (septic tank). Broadband: fibre to the cabinet is available.

Outgoings: Mid Sussex District Council. Tax band D.

Photographs taken: March 2026.

Site Plan: Produced from Promap © Crown copyright and database rights 2024. OS AC . Not to scale. For identification only.

Cladding: This property has cladding (traditional timber weatherboarding).The property is under six floors so any cladding may not have been tested.