Theobalds Farm, Wivelsfield, East Sussex

This handsome, Grade-II* listed Jacobean farmhouse extends over 5,295 sq ft in East Sussex. A 17th-century extension forms the house’s western wing, which is clad in exquisite mathematical tiles synonymous with the area’s vernacular. Historical details are dotted across the house, such as well-preserved oak beams, and its generous proportions are illuminated by tall sash windows. An acre-and-a-half of enchanting grounds surround the house, encompassing a walled vegetable garden, two outbuildings and a patchwork of mature, stately trees. A 10 minute walk from Wivelsfield station, Brighton, London and Lewes are all within easy reach.

Setting the Scene

Theobalds Farm sits at the end of a rural lane in the parish of Wivelsfield. The rippling grasslands of the South Downs National Park can be accessed on foot from the house. Ditchling Common Country Park is just a 6-minute drive away, known for its coppiced woodlands, lakes, and stunning bluebells in springtime.

Theobalds Farm was built in the 16th century and is thought to be the second oldest building in Burgess Hill. It sits amidst generous grounds that encompass meadows and orchards. The arrangement of windows along its façade is charmingly irregular, with sashes of varying proportions sitting alongside casements. A Horsham slab roof crowns the building, which is primarily of red and grey bricks. The date ‘1627’ is studded into the home’s front door, alluding to its early history from the moment of entry. For more information, see the History section.

The Grand Tour

A walkway bordered by topiary makes for an enchanting entrance to the house. Plants climb the height of the red brickwork façade. The entrance hall is spacious, with room enough for kicking off muddy boots.

The three reception spaces on the ground floor are positioned at different compass points, meaning that they chart the sun’s passage around the house throughout the day. Inglenook fireplaces have been thoughtfully restored and sash windows frame calming pastoral scenery throughout the seasons. Exposed oak beams above balance the oak floorboards running underfoot.

The kitchen has been gently renovated in lighter tones. Shaker-style cabinetry integrates a range oven set within marble quartz counters. A Belfast sink is positioned in front of sash windows overlooking the garden and there is space for a large dining table. A space with sightlines through to the kitchen is currently used as a playroom.

The first floor can be accessed via the central staircase, or a wonderful secondary stair tucked behind the inglenook fireplace in the dining room. This winds up to the principal bedroom suite, with a capacious dressing room and an en-suite bathroom. The three further bedrooms uphold the house’s wonderful period flourishes with exposed beams, sash windows and grand fireplaces.

Two staircases access the second floor, making for an ideal guest suite complete with a bathroom, lounge or study, and a well-proportioned bedroom nestled beneath the house’s sloping eaves. The other side of the attic, appointed in darker tones and with a stepped floor, is used by the current owners as a cosy home cinema.

The Great Outdoors

The house sits within 1.5 acres of grounds. A sweeping gravel driveway leads to the house, with space for open-air car parking and a discrete garage. There are two outbuildings that are ripe for transformation.

A terrace runs down the south side of the house; an all-day suntrap, it is perfect for al fresco lunches. Well-orientated, the grounds swathe the southerly and easterly points of the house. Stretches of lawn are encircled by tall, mature trees and two large ponds border the plot. There is also an idyllic walled garden with a delightful Victorian glasshouse.

Out and About

The house is positioned for the best of the South Downs National Park. At the foot of a scenic bridleway, you can step out of the house for all manner of country strolls.

The day-to-day amenities of both Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill are nearby. The immediate locale is home to a wealth of cultural amenities, including Charleston Farm House, the country home of the Bloomsbury Set, which has an annual literature festival and arts events throughout the year. Farley Farm House, Glyndebourne Opera and the Rathfinny Wine Estate are also easily reached. The area is renowned for its May bluebells.

The East Sussex coast, including seaside towns such as Eastbourne, Hastings, Brighton and Hove, is close. Lewes is an especially lovely town around a 25-minute drive away, with plenty of independent shops, antiquarian bookshops and several antique markets. There are numerous cafés, such as Patisserie Lewes and Flint Owl Bakery, and galleries including The Star Brewery Gallery and the Needlemakers. There are also many independent businesses with work by local craftspeople. A new cinema and art complex, The Depot, shows various mainstream and arthouse movies. Lewes Castle is a wonderful local landmark with stunning panoramic views across Sussex from the top of the fortification.

There are several highly regarded schools in the local area, both state and private and for all ages, including Cumnor House Sussex, Windlesham House, Hurstpierpoint College, Brighton College and Ardingly College.

The nearest station is Wivelsfield which is walkable in 10 minutes. Commuter services run frequently to London Bridge and Victoria within 52 minutes and there is also a 15 minute service to Brighton. The home is ideally located for international connections too, with Gatwick Airport accessible in under 30 minutes by road, and just over an hour by rail.

Council Tax Band: G