Ditchling Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16

Grade II listed 17th century house with later additions, combining historic character with modern updates, set within established gardens on Lunces Common, on the edge of Haywards Heath.

Description

Believed to date from 1658 and understood to be the third oldest house in Haywards Heath, Old Place is a Grade II listed detached house of notable historic interest, set in a semi-rural position on the edge of Lunces Common. Formerly known as Old Cottage, it stands on land that once formed part of the Royal Manor held by King Alfred.

The house has evolved over time, with later additions designed to complement the original timber-framed structure. The result is a well-balanced arrangement that combines period character with practical, well-proportioned living spaces. Recent improvements have been carried out with care, preserving the historic fabric while enhancing overall presentation and functionality.

The original part of the house now benefits from newly installed timber-framed casement windows, consistent with its period detailing. Inside, character features include exposed oak timbers, lime plastered walls in the oldest rooms, wide floorboards and oak-panelled doors with traditional ironmongery. Many of the rooms enjoy views over the gardens and across the Common.

The ground floor accommodation is arranged around a series of distinct reception spaces. A vaulted sitting room forms a principal living area, centred on a Morso woodburning stove and enjoying good natural light. The snug is particularly characterful, incorporating the original front door with stained glass detailing, brick floor and an impressive inglenook fireplace.

The kitchen has been updated and re-finished, fitted with modern shaker-style units, granite worktops, a double butler sink and a Belling range oven with electric hob. There are spaces for a dishwasher and wine fridge, and an exposed brick wall adds texture and interest. A bespoke central island with quartz worktop provides additional workspace and informal seating. The room is finished with new Amtico flooring and opens via double doors to the inner hall. A study lies directly off the kitchen and is also fitted with Amtico flooring.

The inner hall links the principal ground floor rooms and includes access to a versatile reception room, currently arranged as a second sitting room but equally suited as a formal dining room. Additional rooms on this level include a characterful ground floor bedroom with an adjacent shower room, together with useful suite of service rooms including a rear hall, boot room and utility room.

An elegant curved staircase rises from the inner hall to the first floor. The triple-aspect principal bedroom overlooks the garden and includes an updated en suite shower room, fitted with a modern white suite and marble-effect detailing. Two further bedrooms are served by a similarly updated main bathroom. A fourth bedroom and separate shower room are accessed via a secondary staircase within the older part of the house, providing a more private arrangement if required.

Gardens & Grounds
Old Place is approached via a private track across Lunces Common, where the property benefits from Commoners’ Rights. A timber five-bar gate opens to a gravelled parking and turning area.

The detached garage is timber-clad with a brick base and is complemented by a timber car port attached to the front. There is a concrete floor, power connected and an up-and-over door.

Steps lead from the parking area down to the garden, where a brick pathway bordered by young box hedging leads to the original front door.

The gardens extend to about 0.45 of an acre and lie predominantly to the south and west of the house. They are enclosed by mature trees and offer a good degree of privacy. Immediately adjoining the house is a gravelled terrace with herringbone brick detailing, providing a practical space for outdoor seating.

The garden is mainly laid to lawn, interspersed with established flower and shrub beds, fruit trees and a central pond. A white brick store provides additional garden storage.

Location

Old Place is situated in East Sussex, in the parish of Wivelsfield, on the southern outskirts of Haywards Heath, along a private track serving just one other property.
Haywards Heath is a thriving town in the heart of Mid Sussex, close to the South Downs National Park and the coast. Haywards Heath and the adjoining villages of Cuckfield and Lindfield provide an excellent range of local amenities including high street shops, independent boutiques, supermarkets, restaurants and leisure facilities.

Crawley (12 miles) and the City of Brighton and Hove (13 miles) offer a comprehensive selection of theatres, cinemas, shopping and restaurants.

There are many leisure activities available locally, including local clubs for football, rugby, cricket and theatre. Across Sussex, activities include riding on Ashdown Forest (for which a permit is required), show jumping at Hickstead, sailing at Ardingly and golf at one of the many courses across the county. There are footpaths and bridle paths across the South Downs and surrounding countryside.

Spa and country house hotels include Alexander House, Ashdown Park, Gravetye Manor and Ockenden Manor.

Rail services: Haywards Heath to London Victoria/London Bridge/St Pancras International, journey time from 42 minutes.

There is a range of state and private schools in the local area including Great Walstead in Lindfield, Cumnor House in Danehill, Burgess Hill Girls, Hurstpierpoint College, Ardingly College, Worth and Brighton College.

All distances and journey times are approximate.

Square Footage: 2,773 sq ft


Acreage: 0.45 Acres

Additional Info

Services: Oil fired central heating. Mains electricity and water. The property has private drainage (septic tank) and we understand is compliant with the relevant government regulations.

Broadband: Fibre to the cabinet is available.

Outgoings: Lewes District Council. Tax band G.

Photographs taken: May 2026.

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