North Lane, West Hoathly, RH19

The House.
The house forms part of the historic heart of West Hoathly, a village whose old houses, church and narrow lanes give it a strong identity. Believed to date from the 17th century, it is Grade II listed, with painted brick beneath white weatherboarding, diamond-paned casement windows and a tiled roof.

Inside, exposed wall and ceiling timbers run through much of the accommodation, giving the house a strong sense of its history. The scale of the house is a particular strength, with space for family life and visiting friends, as well as quieter rooms for working or reading.

The Dining Room and adjoining Drawing Room lie on either side of a substantial central chimney breast, each with a stone inglenook fireplace. At the other end of the house, the snug provides a more informal third reception room and has its own staircase. The long Kitchen/ Breakfast Room runs across the rear of the house, with an electric Aga and plenty of cupboard space. A conservatory, side porch and cloakroom/utility room complete the ground floor.

Four bedrooms, a dressing room and two bathrooms occupy the first floor. Several of the bedrooms retain exposed wall and ceiling timbers, while the principal bedroom and second bedroom have fitted cupboards. The dressing room is also fitted with cupboards and drawers.

Two generous rooms occupy the top floor, where sloping ceilings, exposed roof timbers, rooflights and chimney breasts add considerable interest. Shown on the floorplan as a study and a hobbies room, they provide excellent additional space and could also accommodate guests. There is useful loft storage alongside.

Each of the top-floor rooms is approached by its own staircase, while a separate entrance at one end of the house adds further flexibility. This arrangement could work particularly well for older children or guests who would appreciate a degree of independence while remaining part of the main home.

Outside.
A planted front garden enclosed by a picket fence sets the house back from North Lane, with lawn, roses and established shrubs softening the white weatherboarded frontage.

Behind the house, the garden feels secluded despite the central village position. Paved terraces beside the house and conservatory provide space for outdoor dining, beyond which the lawn is enclosed by mature planting and fruit trees. The conservatory opens directly onto the garden, with further access from the kitchen through a stable door.

A shared driveway alongside the house leads to the detached timber-clad garage, which has light, power and a door into the garden.

Situation.
The house stands in the historic centre of West Hoathly, a hilltop Sussex village surrounded by fields and woodland. The village primary school is opposite the house, with St Margaret’s Church and the Priest House close by.

There is an active community, with local societies, activities for children and a village hall, together with cricket, tennis and bowls clubs. The Cat Inn is a short walk away and is well regarded for its seasonal food and local ales, with inglenook fireplaces inside and a terrace for warmer days.

Footpaths lead from the village into the surrounding countryside. A lovely walk across the fields takes you to Missing Link Brewing, a microbrewery and popular taproom serving beers brewed on site, with visiting food traders and regular events.

East Grinstead and Haywards Heath provide wider shopping and local stations with services to London Victoria, London Bridge, Blackfriars and St Pancras stations. Ashdown Forest and the Bluebell Railway are also within easy reach.

Tenure: Freehold
Council Band Tax: G
Local Authority: Mid Sussex