Colwood Lane, Bolney, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17

Former Wykehurst Park estate lodge dating from 1885, combining period character with a contemporary extension, mature gardens, garden studio and flexible accommodation.

Description

West Lodge was built in 1885 as the lodge house for the distinguished Wykehurst Park Estate and today offers an appealing combination of period character and contemporary design. Set within mature gardens of about 0.4 of an acre, the property occupies a rural position without feeling isolated.

The original stone-built lodge displays a number of classical architectural details, including carved stone pilasters, decorative friezes and pediments beneath a steeply pitched tiled roof. In 2019, the current owner added a timber-clad contemporary extension, creating additional accommodation and an interesting contrast between old and new.

The front door, set beneath a glazed archway, opens to an entrance hall with a high ceiling and clay tiled floor. There is a deep storage cupboard with space for laundry appliances, and across the hall is a modern shower room. The dining room features parquet flooring, a fireplace and French doors opening to the garden, and sits open plan to the kitchen. Fitted with shaker-style cabinetry, woodblock worktops, a Butler sink and integrated appliances, the kitchen enjoys excellent natural light from a wide run of casement windows. A rear lobby provides convenient day-to-day access to the garden and parking area beyond.

The sitting room is a particularly characterful space with parquet flooring, windows to two aspects and a distinctive central open fireplace. An open-tread staircase with wrought iron detailing rises to the first floor.

Glazed double doors connect the original house to the contemporary extension, which provides a flexible range of accommodation. An inner hall, sitting room or study opens to the garden via French doors, while two bedrooms and a shower room offer potential for guests, home working or independent living.

On the first floor are two further bedrooms. The principal bedroom benefits from eaves storage, while the second room is currently arranged as a dressing room with fitted shelving and drawers. These rooms are served by an interconnecting bathroom.

Outside
West Lodge occupies a corner position between Colwood Lane and the private driveway serving Wykehurst Park. While the principal elevation faces the estate drive, parking is located to the rear of the house, where there is space for three to four vehicles and gated access to the garden.

The gardens lie mainly to the north and east of the house and extend to about 0.4 of an acre. A paved terrace and greenhouse are situated behind the house, while a pathway leads to a timber garden studio.

The studio has power, electric radiators, built-in storage and existing plumbing provision (currently disconnected), making it well suited as a home office, studio or hobby room.

The remainder of the garden is laid predominantly to level lawn and enclosed by mature trees. In the north-west corner is a useful gravelled area with two sheds and direct gated access to the parking area.

Location

West Lodge is situated within the High Weald National Landscape, on the edge of the village of Bolney. The village offers a range of everyday amenities including a primary school, village shop, public house and restaurant, together with convenient access to the A23.

The surrounding countryside provides an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways, with a wide range of recreational opportunities across Sussex. Sporting facilities in the area include golf at Mannings Heath and a number of courses throughout the county, sailing at Ardingly Reservoir and equestrian events at Hickstead.

Spa and country house hotels nearby include South Lodge, Ockenden Manor and Alexander House. Sussex is also renowned for its cultural offering, including opera at Glyndebourne and the annual Brighton and Charleston Festivals.

Transport: Haywards Heath station is about 6.5 miles away and offers frequent services to London Bridge, London Victoria, St Pancras International (via Thameslink) and Gatwick Airport.

The A23/M23 lies to the west of the village, providing access to Gatwick Airport (about 15 miles), Central London and Brighton and the south coast.

There are a number of well-regarded schools in the area, in both the state and independent sectors, including Handcross Park School, Great Walstead School, Hurstpierpoint College, Christ's Hospital, Brighton College, Burgess Hill Girls and Worth School.

All distances and journey times are approximate.

Square Footage: 1,870 sq ft


Acreage: 0.4 Acres

Additional Info

Agent Notes: West Lodge has a right of way over the private driveway through the Wykehurst Park estate, connecting to London Road.

Services: Oil fired central heating. Mains electricity and water.

Private drainage: The property has private drainage (septic tank), buyers should make their own enquiries as to whether it is compliant with the relevant government regulations. The septic tank is not shared but is located on a neighbouring property’s land; West Lodge has a formal right of usage and access.

Broadband: A full-fibre connection is available.

Outgoings: Mid Sussex District Council. Tax band F.

Photographs taken: July 2026