Hayes Lane, Slinfold, Horsham, West Sussex

Accessed via a long sweeping driveway, Highlands is a hidden gem, wonderfully situated within over about 5.9 acres, with an exceptional level of seclusion. Highlands is an house of extraordinary presence, set within beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds, with the luxury of an outdoor pool and fabulous entertainment centre. Internally, much of the accommodation benefits from underfloor heating, and has principally been designed and furnished by the world renowned Clive Christian, including the comprehensively fitted kitchen; well-considered modern additions blend to create a mix of elegance and style. There are three opulent reception rooms, all showcasing the property’s many features, including impressive fireplaces, decorative ceilings, and large windows affording wonderful views over the gardens. Of particular note is the 29’8” games room, fitted with solid walnut units and a drinks bar. An adjacent study enjoys direct outside access via two sets of French doors and provides excellent space for those wishing to work from home.

The spacious kitchen/breakfast room is fitted with an extensive range of Clive Christian units and central island, topped with granite work surfaces. The numerous appliances include an AGA, two Sub-Zero fridge/freezers, Fisher Paykel 4-drawer dishwasher, two electric ovens, Miele warming drawer, Miele steamer, and Miele combi microwave. An adjoining lobby houses two large Sub-Zero wine chillers. On the first floor, the accommodation is equally as well planned and includes a sumptuous principal suite comprising a generously proportioned bedroom with extensive Clive Christian wardrobe cupboards incorporating a concealed entrance to one of the two dressing rooms, an en suite bathroom, and a roof terrace. There are three further bedrooms, one with its own roof terrace, and a family bathroom on this level, whilst the second floor is host to a further bedroom, a spacious bathroom featuring a ‘ball and claw’ footed bath, and extensive eaves/loft storage space.

The entertainment centre and swimming pool complex is undoubtedly a ‘wow’ factor, the star of which is the Clive Christian internal kitchen and dining area with its curved two-level bar. A vaulted beamed ceiling, full-height curved windows and a wall of bi-folding doors opening out to the pool area, combine to create an immense feeling of light and space. There is ample space for a dining table for large-scale dining, along with relaxation space, complemented by air-conditioning, and/or under-floor heating, and two strategically placed, inset tv screens. Changing facilities, a shower and a utility room are located off the entertainment area. The kitchen area exceeds expectations and caters for a wide range of culinary needs. The many appliances include Wolf gas hob and ovens, La Cornue rotisserie, Miele steamer, Sub-zero fridges, 2 freezers, ice maker, wine chiller, and a drinks drawer. Bi-folding doors open the room out to the pool and seating area, alongside which is the purpose-built ‘Highlands Grill and Bar’ with a granite bar, Californian grill, Lynx barbeque, ice/cocktail cabinet and a TV set into the back wall.

Adjacent to the main house is a Mediterranean style garden where access may be gained to the leisure centre comprising a gym with a vaulted beamed ceiling, air-conditioning, under-floor heating, and a comprehensive range of Clive Christian storage options, and a fitted TV. Double doors open into the adjoining room housing a hot tub, cold tub, sauna, shower and cloakroom. There is also a utility room with Clive Christian units, under-floor heating, and a Neff oven/hob.

Extending to about 5.9 acres, the gardens and grounds are an enchanting foil for the property and importantly include a stunning Japanese garden containing a wide range of plants and shrubs, and featuring an impressive Koi pond with bridge, water features, and a stream meandering over pebbles. A discreetly positioned pump house contains a central pumping system that services the garden. The gardens have been thoughtfully created and meticulously maintained to provide year-round interest and of additional interest is a formal English rose garden with a central fountain.

In addition to the gardens, there are extensive lawns, grazing, and a kitchen garden with greenhouse. A bore hole provides irrigation. To the east of the main house lie two triple garages.

Highlands enjoys a tranquil ‘tucked away’ setting on the outskirts of Slinfold with its village shop, church, public house, sports clubs and primary school. Further more extensive amenities are available in the market town of Horsham, including the Swan Walk shopping centre, and the multi purposed arts venue, The Capitol. For the commuter, this is an extremely attractive property being within easy reach of the A23 which in turn links with the M23 and provides access to the national motorway network, London, and Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. Horsham and Haywards Heath stations provide regular train services to London.

There are a number of highly regarded schools in the region including Pennthorpe, Farlington, Cottesmore, Handcross Park, Burgess Hill, Charterhouse, Brighton College, Hurstpierpoint, Cranleigh and Worth.

Leisure and sporting pursuits in the region are in abundance, including walking and riding in the local countryside, Slinfold Golf & Country Club, Horsham Sports Club and Horsham Rugby Club, Mannings Heath, sailing at Ardingly, riding on the South Downs, polo at Knepp Castle, and horse racing at Plumpton, Lingfield and Goodwood. The South Downs National Park and the South Coast are within easy reach. Local spa and country house hotels include South Lodge, Alexander House and Ockenden Manor. For the opera enthusiast, Glyndebourne in Lewes is the site of an opera house that since 1934 has been the venue for the annual Glyndebourne Festival Opera.