Ockenden Cottage, 21 South Street, Cuckfield, RH17

Ockenden Cottage, circa 15th century is coming to the open market for the first time, having been sold previously by private sale. This historic village house is a timber-framed building refaced in roughcast, tile hung, stuccoed, red brick and plaster infill with both 16th and 20th century additions. The South elevation has two 12-pane sashes with drip-moulds over and quoins and a further brick wing to the rear dated circa 1869. The house is painted an iconic pink colour with additional brick elevations under a tile hung roof.

Ockenden Cottage is a very special village house of generous proportions, both formal and informal rooms, and offers the incoming buyer the chance to own a piece of history whilst allowing them to create a home of their own style and comfort for modern family life. The property offers an array of reception rooms, perfect for entertaining, relaxing or simply enjoying this tranquil village house. There is a kitchen and pantry with a breakfast room which has an arched feature window, which looks out across the stunning gardens. There is a formal dining room with French doors leading out to the west facing garden and three other ground floor reception rooms all offering a wealth of period features and fireplaces.

The ground floor also has a utility room, cloakroom, various stores and shelving storage offering versatile accommodation but retaining the elegance and historic charm of this lovely village house. Leading up a very generous turned oak staircase, unusual for a property of this age, are seven bedrooms, most with built-in wardrobes, and an array or storage cupboards including a large linen and blanket store. There are three bathrooms and an upstairs Sitting Room with working open fireplace which could be turned back into a principal bedroom. The property offers an incredible opportunity to own a piece of history and create a magical family home set in glorious gardens in the heart of a quintessential Sussex village.

The gardens are wonderful and a very special part of this large village plot, the bulk of which is walled with various herbaceous borders, specimen trees, hedges, a central pond and terrace, rose walks and a courtyard for outdoor entertaining. It’s like stepping outside into your own private village oasis with manicured lawns and flower beds, carefully designed seating areas, perfect for reading a book or hosting a garden party, these beautiful grounds do not disappoint.

There is a paved parking area for several vehicles, a double bay garage with greenhouse and an additional garage currently offering three large ground floor spaces and an upstairs studio. The gardens provide a very special and secluded setting for this beautiful village home in the heart of Cuckfield, West Sussex.

Ockenden Cottage is located to the southern end of the charming village of Cuckfield, located in the heart of Mid-Sussex, but less than an hour from London and 20 mins from Brighton and Gatwick Airport. It has a wonderful and renowned range of local amenities including independent shops and boutiques, a convenience store, a medical centre, dentist, pubs, restaurants, cafes and the award winning Ockenden Manor Hotel and Spa. The village enjoys a local bus service to Haywards Heath where more comprehensive shopping facilities may be found, including a wide range of shops, restaurants, bars and a modern leisure centre. Haywards Heath’s mainline railway station is less than a 10-minute drive, with fast and frequent commuter services to both London Victoria and London Bridge (from 42 mins), Gatwick Airport and Brighton. The A23 offers direct access to the motorway network, Gatwick, Heathrow and the South coast.

There is an excellent range of educational facilities locally both in the private and state sectors. Private schools include Great Walstead, Cumnor House, Handcross Park, Ardingly College, Hurstpierpoint College, Brighton College, Roedean and Burgess Hill School for Girls – many of which run a minibus pick up service to and from Cuckfield. The superb local state schools include Holy Trinity Primary and Warden Park Secondary school in Cuckfield itself. Located in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the surrounding countryside provides a vast range of sporting and recreational activities. Glyndebourne, Goodwood, Ardingly Showground and Plumpton are all within easy reach. The local footpaths provide a vast network of stunning walks from the village, many leading towards the South Down and Ashdown National Parks. There are numerous excellent Golf courses nearby and reservoirs for watersports.

Mid-Sussex District Council
EPC Exempt