The Croft, Horsted Lane, Haywards Heath, RH17 7HP

The Croft is a beautiful spacious family home in an elevated position, set within peaceful, natural beauty.

Believed to date from before the 18th century with later additions, the property offers stunning accommodation over two floors with far reaching views across the mature gardens and grounds.

Upon approach, electric double gates open to a welcoming view of willow trees and a glimpse into the woods, framing the lower garden across the stream to the woodland and beyond.

There is off-street gravel parking for several vehicles, an open bay carport plus a double lock-up garage with an automatic door and large workshop.

A brick paved path leads to the house which has been updated and redecorated to a high and exacting standard.

Facing south across its own gardens and grounds, the entrance porch leads into a welcoming hallway with an inner hall with bay window sitting nook and a ‘hidden’ cloak cupboard leading off it.

To one side is the fabulous triple aspect drawing room with open fireplace. There is a study leading off this too which enjoys the views across the garden.

On the other side of the inner hall, the light filled triple aspect open plan kitchen / dining / garden room forms the heart of the house, with French doors opening up to the south facing terrace.

The kitchen has a generous preparation island, a plethora of storage, a pantry and integrated electrical appliances.

On the southern side of the kitchen is the garden room which offers beautiful, elevated views across the grounds.

The dining room area has a wood burning stove and provides access to the sun-drenched terraces both to the front and rear of the house, perfect for entertaining and alfresco dining.

There is a gym, a library and a media room, with original inglenook fireplace, to the rear of the house.

A cloakroom, utility and boot room with access to the outside complete the ground floor accommodation.

There is a good-sized wine cellar in the basement, which is dry and lined and perfect for storage.

A major feature of the property are the stunning gardens and grounds, which afford complete privacy and seclusion. The house is in an elevated position offering splendid views across its own land.

To one side of the property is an adjacent field suitable for horses, and a natural stream and pond.

Leading across pedestrian and vehicular bridges are walks throughout the private woodland, abundant with bluebells in the spring.

The gardens offer mature specimen trees including camellias, magnolias and willows, herbaceous and perennial borders and viewing terraces for entertaining.

There is a swimming pool and pool house with kitchenette, sitting / dining room, a shower room and a mezzanine bedroom.

There is a refurbished tennis court, a built-in ground level trampoline and summer house.

Viewing is a must for this wonderful family home, flooded with natural light and all set-in glorious gardens and grounds in the heart of the Sussex countryside.

The Croft is situated on Horsted Lane to the north of Danehill and close to the Ashdown Forest in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The property is within easy reach of Danehill primary school, and the Coach and Horses pub. Outdoor pursuits include horse riding, golf and walking.

Comprehensive shopping can be found in Haywards Heath (6.4 miles); further shopping and an excellent range of leisure and entertainment is on offer in the historic market town of Lewes, Tunbridge Wells and Brighton.

Mainline rail services run from Haywards Heath to London Bridge/Victoria from 42 minutes. The A23 is nearby and offers direct access to the motorway network, Gatwick, Heathrow and the South Coast.

The surrounding countryside provides a vast range of sporting and recreational activities. Glyndebourne, Goodwood, Ardingly Showground and Plumpton Racecourse are all within reach.

There are many highly renowned schools in the area both state and private, including Cumnor House nearby, Great Walstead, Ardingly Prep and Brambletye are superb, as are Ardingly College, Worth Abbey, Hurstpierpoint College, Brighton College and Burgess Hill Girls.

A number of private schools offer bus services for students which stop in the village. Mid-Sussex District Council EPC Rating E Council Tax Band H