London Road, Henfield, West Sussex, BN5

Grade II listed former malthouse of exceptional character, beautifully presented with a vaulted drawing room, guest cottage and stunning c.3.38 acre gardens beside the River Adur.

Description

This fine period building is of considerable historic interest, Grade II listed as being of C17th or earlier origin, formerly a wharf warehouse, then a malthouse and historically converted to residential use by previous owners. The charming property has been subsequently improved and extended by the current owners to provide a beautifully finished home of outstanding character. Externally, there are mellow part timber framed elevations with brick infill with diamond leaded light paned casement windows interjected with scented climbing roses, jasmine and wisteria.

To the interior there is a wealth of fine exposed timbering and in particular to the magnificent double height drawing room with its vaulted roof and large inglenook fireplace, whilst the latest addition of the reception hall and side sitting room/bedroom offers contrasting modern chic with underfloor heating to the polished stone tiled floors and double doors and windows to the terrace.

From the front path with adjacent parking and garaging, the house is entered through the welcoming reception hall and with an adaptable south-facing sitting room/bedroom two to one side with a concealed en suite shower to the rear. The superb kitchen/dining/family room has a wealth of exposed timbers, wood burning stove and a comprehensive range of bespoke fitted units including island unit and range cooker recess. In the middle of the house is the former front door leading to the garden with cloakroom off and an adjacent semi open library/study/music area with adjoining bedroom/dressing room including shower and basin.

To the southern end of the house there is a useful laundry/utility room with separate external access.

The first floor is approached by two separate staircases. At the southern end is a double aspect study with recessed areas, with potential to add an en suite (subject to all consents). The principal bedroom accommodation is approached from the main staircase and includes a fine triple aspect main bedroom.

Adjacent to this is a sensational principal bathroom with a beautiful brass bath and separate shower. Completing this floor is bedroom three with fitted wardrobes.

The Cottage
The separate guest cottage is similarly characterful and well-presented and offers spacious family, guest or possible letting options (subject to any consents). The accommodation comprises a living/dining area with stone paved floor, vaulted timber roof, and a wood burning stove; this is open to a well-fitted kitchen with central island plus mezzanine area over. Two double bedrooms are divided by a smart bathroom.

Gardens & Grounds
The principal garage is a two open bay garage with workshop/bike store to one end and a first-floor store. The gardens and grounds are an outstanding feature of the property which have been extensively landscaped, improved and maintained by the current and former owners to provide a stunning setting to the period house and bordered on the West side by a high bank which circles the garden and which is then bordered by the River Adur. Throughout the grounds are numerous established specimen trees and shrubs herbaceous rose beds and lawns with paths and walkways around including both formal and informal areas. From the drive, a path leads to the front entrance and behind which is wide terracing overlooking the expansive lawn with pond and a jetty to the side and a charming summerhouse with brick terrace and barbeque to the other side. Nestling at the edge of the grounds is the tennis court with astro-turf playing surface and adjoining kitchen garden with asparagus bed and soft fruit cage. A well-tended orchard with mixed fruit trees adjoins the nearby Alitex greenhouse with flagstone floor plus outside cold frames and herb garden. Lying to the east of the gardens a further pond providing a natural habitat for wildlife. The property as a whole extends to about 3.38 acres.

Location

The Old Malthouse occupies a fine semi-rural location bordering the River Adur approximately 1.5 miles to the north of the village of Henfield and about a fifth of a mile walk of The Bull/Mock Bridge Inn pub. Henfield is a charming and historic village with a vibrant High Street and ideally positioned to access the beautiful surrounding countryside. The village offers day to day amenities including independent shops, cafés, public houses and a village hall. Hurstpierpoint (six miles), Steyning (eight miles) and Horsham (10 miles) provide further local shopping, schooling and dining options, while the City of Brighton and Hove lies approximately 13 miles to the south, offering comprehensive shopping, cultural and leisure amenities.
Leisure: there are numerous sporting and recreational facilities in the surrounding area, including golf at Singing Hills and many courses across the county, tennis and health facilities at Wickwoods Country Club, and sailing at Shoreham and along the coast. A number of local clubs cater for cricket, rugby, football and athletics, while racing is available at Plumpton, Lingfield and Goodwood, and show jumping at Hickstead. The village itself is surrounded by an extensive network of footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes, including the Downs Link, offering direct access to the wider South Downs landscape. The area is particularly appealing for food and drink, with a wide choice of traditional inns, cafés and restaurants in Henfield itself and throughout the surrounding villages. Sussex is also renowned for its emerging wine industry, together with a selection of well-regarded spa and country house hotels including South Lodge, Ockenden Manor, Alexander House and Wickwoods.
Sussex offers a rich cultural scene, with Glyndebourne opera house within easy reach, and Brighton hosting an annual festival featuring theatre, music, literature and the arts, alongside a year-round programme of events and exhibitions.
Transport: Henfield is well positioned for communications, lying on the A281 with links to the A23 and A27, providing access to Gatwick airport (20 miles), the M25 and the south coast. The nearest mainline railway station is at Hassocks (seven miles), offering regular services to Brighton and London Victoria or London Bridge, with journey times from around 50 minutes.
Schools: There is a selection of well-regarded state and independent schools in the area, including Hurstpierpoint College, Lancing College, Brighton College and Ardingly College.
All times and distances are approximate.

Square Footage: 2,997 sq ft


Acreage: 3.38 Acres

Additional Info

Services: Oil-fired central heating. Mains water, electricity and drainage.

Broadband: FFTC (Openreach).
EV charging point available.

Outgoings: Horsham District Council, . Council tax band H.

Photographs taken: May 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.