The Coach House, Balcombe Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 1PB

REF MG1259

There are some homes that stop you in your tracks and make you think. The Coach House is one of them. Set back from Balcombe Road behind a long gravel driveway, this fascinating home occupies a particularly appealing position, with Haywards Heath station on your doorstep and the town within easy reach.

Believed to date from the early 20th century, The Coach House has evolved considerably over the years, with a number of thoughtful extensions and improvements creating a spacious and versatile family home of just under 1,800 sq ft. What really captures you, however, is the combination of character and contemporary style, with the home retaining a lovely sense of its history while offering the space and comforts of modern family living.

Through the front door and entrance porch, the double aspect sitting room immediately sets the tone. There is a useful utility cupboard, while a particularly clever feature is the glazed doors opening through to the kitchen, creating a lovely connection between the two spaces and allowing your eye to continue through towards the garden.

The kitchen was replaced earlier this year and is a real hub of the home, with ample preparation space, integrated appliances and a breakfast bar — the sort of room where everyone naturally gathers to chat and catch up at the end of the day.

At the rear, the dining room is an excellent example of a conservatory that has been designed and finished for year round use. Underfloor heating is a clever touch, while the generous glazing creates a wonderful connection with the garden. It is currently used as a dining room, but could just as easily become an additional TV room, playroom or family space. A cloakroom completes the ground floor.

Upstairs, the first floor provides two bedrooms, with the rear bedroom benefiting from its own en-suite bathroom, alongside an office and a further shower room. The herringbone wood flooring flows through the bedrooms and office, complementing the tall ceilings and adding further character. The office provides an excellent dedicated space for working from home, while the additional shower room is smartly finished and well positioned.

The loft conversion, completed in 2024, has added two further rooms and a second shower room, creating an excellent additional floor of accommodation. Both rooms have been cleverly designed with built in storage, skylights and porthole windows. Their elevated position brings in an abundance of natural light while maintaining a good degree of privacy. The two rooms are complemented by a beautifully finished shower room with a boutique feel.

Outside, the rear garden is mainly laid to lawn, leading towards a raised deck which provides a natural spot for outdoor dining and relaxing. Side access leads conveniently back to the front of the property.

The position of The Coach House is undoubtedly one of its most distinctive features. Set well back from Balcombe Road, the property enjoys an unusual degree of privacy while also providing excellent parking and valuable storage potential. The long gravel driveway creates a real sense of arrival, while the secluded setting makes it surprisingly easy to forget that you are so conveniently positioned for Haywards Heath station and the amenities of the town.

A home with genuine character, an interesting history and a superb combination of space, privacy and modern family living, The Coach House is a property that is rather difficult to appreciate fully until you step inside.

The local area

One of the key features of The Coach House is its excellent position, combining easy access to Haywards Heath town centre and the station with plenty of green space close by. An approximately 10 minute walk takes you to The Dolphin Leisure Centre, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose, with Haywards Heath station immediately beside Waitrose. From here, trains reach London Victoria and London Bridge from around 46 minutes, while Brighton is less than 20 minutes away, making this a particularly appealing home for commuters.

Turn left out of the driveway and stroll along Old Wickham Lane, and within a few moments you can be in Wickham Fields, a lovely open space for walking the dog or simply getting some fresh air. Borde Hill Garden lies just to the north along Balcombe Road, while Blunts Wood to the west is also within walking distance, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the surrounding countryside.

For families, Harlands Primary School is less than a third of a mile away, with Oathall Community College and Haywards Heath Sixth Form College also within easy reach.

Road connections are equally convenient. Follow Hanlye Lane towards Cuckfield and the A23 can be reached in less than 10 minutes, providing straightforward access towards Brighton, Gatwick and the M23. Beyond Haywards Heath, the pretty villages of Lindfield, Cuckfield, Ardingly and Balcombe are all within easy reach.

It is this combination of connectivity and greenery that makes the position of The Coach House particularly appealing; close enough to walk to the station and everyday amenities, yet with open spaces and countryside right on the doorstep.