High Street, Lindfield, RH16

The Old Bakery occupies a landmark position on Lindfield’s historic High Street and is one of the village’s most distinguished Grade II* listed houses. The principal structure dates from around 1360, with part of the property later becoming a bakery in 1794, a role it fulfilled for generations, and which inspired its enduring name.

Following a meticulous and imaginative three-year long restoration, this fourteenth century landmark has been reimagined as a remarkable and unique home. Its medieval origins are celebrated through exposed oak beams, vast inglenook fireplace openings and wide floorboards, while the craftsmanship of the renovation has introduced refined contemporary details that bring light, comfort and sophistication.

The renovation has been carried out with an uncompromising approach to quality. The roof and guttering have been restored, brick work lime pointed, Tudor oak floors repaired, and new lime plastered walls finished in breathable Earthborn paints. Elegant Crittall style thermally broken steel framed windows and doors enhance the architecture without compromising its character. The owner has sourced rare vintage and reclaimed pieces, including an original Art Deco basin, a huge oversize Victorain Belfast sink with restored period taps, and an extraordinary collection of vintage and contemporary light fittings. These have been paired with the finest modern brassware by Barber and Wilson and Czech and Speake, ensuring that every detail is both authentic and luxurious.

At the heart of the house is a bespoke Plain English kitchen with thick marble and oak worktops, a four-oven electric AGA and the reclaimed Belfast sink with its beautifully restored original taps. The adjoining dining area flows into the formal drawing room with a restored vintage Jotal wood burning stove and steel doors that open to the landscaped courtyard. Beyond lies a further reception room and a snug where an oak framed television feature sits within the original inglenook.

The ground floor is finished in a carefully chosen palette of wide oak boards, reclaimed brick and poured micro cement. The fully refurbished cellar provides utility services, storage and laundry. A second staircase leads from the snug to a private study/office.

A contemporary oak staircase rises to the upper levels where three to four bedrooms and two bathrooms are arranged. The principal suite has a vaulted ceiling that has been painstakingly revealed and restored, with an adjoining dressing room that could serve as an additional bedroom. Bathrooms are appointed to an exceptional standard, with the restored Art Deco basin, a copper freestanding bath with nickel taps and Barber and Wilson fittings, and a striking shower room designed with contemporary precision.

To the rear, the private courtyard has been landscaped in brick paving and is secured with an electric gate. A detached barn/studio has been fully renovated to provide a ground floor office or study with a guest bedroom or studio above.

Lindfield is one of the most desirable villages in the Southeast. Its history was first recorded in 765 when King Ealdwulf of the South Saxons gave Lindfield, Stanmer and Burleigh to endow a monastery in Lewes. The High Street today is admired for its architecture and vibrant community of independent boutiques, cafés, restaurants and public houses.

Haywards Heath is nearby and provides further amenities together with direct rail services to London Victoria and London Bridge in around forty-two minutes, to Brighton in fifteen minutes and to Gatwick Airport in eleven minutes.

The surrounding countryside, part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers exceptional leisure opportunities. Glyndebourne Opera House, Goodwood, Plumpton Racecourse and Ardingly Showground are all within easy reach, as are numerous golf courses, equestrian centres and water sports facilities.

Schooling in the area is excellent. Local options include Lindfield and Blackthorns Primary Schools and Oathall Community College, together with outstanding independent schools such as Great Walstead, Cumnor House, Ardingly College, Worth, Hurstpierpoint College, Brambletye and Burgess Hill School for Girls.

The Old Bakery is a rare and remarkable home. Dating from the fourteenth century and once home to a working bakery, it has been sympathetically reimagined for modern living. Every detail, from the rare vintage fittings to the finest contemporary brassware, speaks of a no-expense-spared renovation. It now stands as one of the finest and most unique historic houses in one of the South East’s most beautiful villages.

EPC Exempt
Council Tax Band G
Mid-Sussex District Council