Old Forge Lane, Horney Common, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22

Charming early C19th cottage with equestrian facilities, set within Ashdown Forest

Description

Situated in an elevated position on a rural lane within the boundary of Ashdown Forest, High Bank Cottage is a beautifully presented home, believed to date from the early 1800s, with later carefully considered additions. Its front elevation is typical of the era, with wisteria-clad red brickwork beneath a tiled roof and a centrally placed front door sheltered by a canopy.

Period details include exposed beams in the original part of the house and a handsome working inglenook fireplace fitted with a wood burner, while contemporary comforts include double glazing throughout and underfloor heating in the kitchen and radiators, heat pump/air conditioning in the conservatory. Full multipoint central heating system and hot water system. To the rear, the principal rooms enjoy an open aspect across the gardens and onward to rolling countryside, lending the house a rural feel.

The full layout is shown on the floor plans, with many features worthy of special mention. The front door opens directly into the inviting drawing room, where the inglenook fireplace provides a warm focal point; its 26ft length means it can also accommodate a dining table, making it an ideal space for entertaining. It is open to a study/gym, which has wood flooring and leads in turn to the conservatory.

The sitting room offers a cosy retreat, partially tongue and groove panelled and centred around a further wood burner beneath a period stone fireplace.

At the rear of the sitting room, the kitchen/breakfast room is both practical and welcoming, fitted with a butler sink, a range of wood wall and base cupboards under wood worktops, and spaces for a range cooker, dishwasher, under counter fridge and freestanding fridge/freezer. There is a door and double window to the side, and an internal window to the conservatory adds light and character.

Accessed from the rear lobby are the utility/boiler room, cloakroom and a boot room, which could be used as a study if required., The conservatory is a particularly appealing space with delightful views across the gardens and into the countryside beyond, equipped with a second kitchen area including butler sink and full height storage cupboards..

On the first floor, the dual aspect principal bedroom enjoys far reaching rural views and has bespoke fitted wardrobes. Three further bedrooms and a large family bathroom complete the accommodation.

High Bank Cottage is approached from Old Forge Lane via a driveway leading to the large parking area in front of the house and the classic Sussex two-bay, oak framed barn. The pretty front garden is mainly laid to lawn with a wood store, shed and well stocked flower beds; a sandstone path runs along the side of the cottage to the enclosed rear garden.

The terrace is an ideal spot for outdoor dining, with a further elevated decked area. The rear garden has an expanse of level lawn, bordered by a variety of mature trees and shrubs that offer seasonal interest. At the far end sits a timber summer house, with electricity and heating, another option as a work from home space. There is a timber garden shed with power and lighting, together with a further garden shed.

A gate close to the terrace opens onto a path leading down past the LPG tank to the single garage, which benefits from its own separate access from Old Forge Lane via solid wooden double gates. To the rear of the garage is a further store room/gym.

A separate driveway leads to the timber stable block, and connects on to the main drive, allowing for good drive through access for a horse trailer/lorry. The timber stable block has power and water connected and comprises three stables, tack room and an open hay store. Beyond the stables are two winter paddocks, a 40m x 20m all-weather school, and two summer paddocks with water connected.

About 4.17 acres in all.

Location

Situated in the scenic Ashdown Forest, in the hamlet of Horney Common. The property is semi-rural yet not remote; reached by a walk across the across the forest, the Forester’s Arms Gastro pub in Fairwarp (0.9 miles) is a Tripadvisor travellers’ choice winner 2025.

Maresfield and Nutley (both 1.5 miles) offer village shops, churches and primary schools. M&S food hall is located in Maresfield outlet (1.7 miles). Comprehensive shopping and leisure facilities are found at Uckfield (four miles), East Grinstead (11 miles), Lewes (12 miles) or Tunbridge Wells (14 miles).

There are miles of footpaths and bridleways across the surrounding countryside, with Ashdown Forest offering 6,500 acres of heathland with over 75 miles of riding trails (permit required). Golf at Piltdown, East Sussex National and many other courses across the county, sailing at the coast and Ardingly reservoir, and a variety of local and county athletics, cricket, rugby and football clubs to suit all ages and abilities. Racing is available at Plumpton, Lingfield and Goodwood, with show jumping at Hickstead.

The local area is ideal for food and drink enthusiasts: there are many renowned gastro pubs and Michelin accredited restaurants across Sussex, and the region is at the heart of England’s emerging wine scene. Spa and country house hotels include Ashdown Park Hotel, Gravetye Manor, Ockenden Manor, and Alexander House. Sussex also offers a vibrant cultural scene, with world-class opera at Glyndebourne, and the annual Brighton Festival presenting a huge programme of theatre, dance, classical music and literary events.

Mainline rail service: Uckfield - London Bridge from 1hr 10, East Grinstead - London Bridge/Victoria from 57 minutes, Haywards Heath - London Bridge/Victoria from 45 minutes.

There are many highly regarded schools in the area, including Nutley Maresfield and Fletching Primary Schools, Uckfield Community College, Cumnor House, Great Walstead, Brambletye, Michael Hall, Ardingly College, Brighton College and Roedean.

All distances and journey times are approximate

Square Footage: 2,150 sq ft


Acreage: 4.17 Acres

Directions

What3words: project.limits.forgiving leads to the driveway to the house.

Additional Info

Services: LPG fired central heating and hot water. Solar panels, air pump and battery, feed in tariff generating income. Mains electricity and water. Private drainage (cess pit).

Outgoings: Wealden District Council, . Council tax band G.

Photographs taken: April 2026.

Tenure: Freehold

Site Plan: Produced from Promap © Crown copyright and database rights 2026. OS AC . Not to scale. For identification only.

Viewing: Strictly by appointment with Savills on .
If there is any point which is of particular importance to you, we invite you to discuss this with us, especially before you travel to view the property.