Sedgwick Park, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13

Magnificent Grade II listed Arts & Crafts mansion with beautifully landscaped grounds.

Description

Sited on the remains of the medieval Sedgwick Castle, Sedgwick Park House is a magnificent landmark property, believed to date from the 17th century and listed Grade II - of 'special architectural and historic importance'. In the late 1800s the property was acquired by the Henderson family who enlisted the architect Ernest George to substantially remodel the house in a handsome Arts & Crafts style, exemplified by its charming asymmetrical façade, the variety of both traditional and local materials used in its construction, and the skilled craftmanship shown in the wealth of oak panelling, the carved chimneypieces and the stone mullioned windows. The striking square tower in the southern western corner was added in 1904.

The property remains in private ownership, happily retaining its period charm and having been further restored by the current owner, including the renovation of the second floor to create a number of charming bedrooms and suites. The house is extremely versatile and remains an exciting project for the next custodian: it has an established history as an occasional wedding venue, wellness centre and open garden, and would make an ideal boutique hotel or retreat (subject to the necessary permissions and consents). In addition, the West Wing (formerly the service wing) offers the opportunity for further restoration to provide substantially more accommodation.

The full extent of the accommodation in the main house extends to nearly 15,500 square feet, comprising six beautifully proportioned formal reception rooms, and 15 bedrooms arranged over the upper two floors. The West Wing extends to a further 3,500 square feet.

The gardens and grounds of Sedgwick Park House are of particular note, designed during the Henderson’s ownership by landscape architect and garden designer Harold Peto, who often worked alongside George and created some of the finest gardens in England, inspired mainly by the Italianate style but always in sympathy with the surrounding English countryside.

Parkland, meadows and woodland surround the house, extending to approximately 60 acres. The formal gardens are beautiful, lying largely to the south of the house and include a south terrace, formal and informal lawns and a spectacular Italian-inspired garden featuring 20 interlinking ponds, an impressive ship themed water garden known as the ‘White Sea’. There is also a swimming pool and a turf labyrinth with superb far-reaching views to the distinctive ridge of the South Downs in the distance.

Location

Sedgwick Park is situated on the rural outskirts of the village of Nuthurst which has a village school, pub and church; the neighbouring village of Maplehurst has a village pub. The historic market town of Horsham (three miles) offers more comprehensive facilities including John Lewis at Home and Waitrose, a variety of restaurants and bars, theatre, cinema, leisure centre and a mainline railway service.

There are many leisure activities available locally, including local clubs for football, rugby, cricket and theatre; across Sussex, activities include show jumping at Hickstead, sailing at Ardingly and golf at Mannings Heath or at one of the many other courses across the county. Spa and country house hotels in the vicinity include Alexander House and South Lodge.

Sussex offers a vibrant cultural scene, with world-class opera at Glyndebourne, and the annual Brighton Festival presenting a huge programme of theatre, dance, classical music and literary events.

Mainline Rail Service: Horsham to London Victoria (from 53 minutes). Three Bridges to London Bridge/Victoria (from 35 minutes).

Schools: There are many highly regarded schools in the area, both state and private, including St Andrew’s C of E Primary School in Nuthurst, Millais School, The Forest School, Farlington, Christ’s Hospital, Cottesmore, Handcross Park, Copthorne, Charterhouse, Worth, Hurstpierpoint College, Ardingly College, Burgess Hill Girls and Brighton College.

The M25 motorway can be accessed via the A24, linking to other motorway networks, Gatwick and Heathrow airports and the coast.

All distances and journey times are approximate; driving times taken from Google Maps.

Square Footage: 15,468 sq ft


Acreage: 58.3 Acres

Additional Info

Agent's Notes: The West Wing is attached to Fox Cottage (a separately owned property), and it is understood that there is a small section of flying freehold.

The driveway is owned by Sedgwick Park House, over which a number of properties on the private estate have a right of way.

Services: Oil fired central heating. LPG for the kitchen hobs. Mains electricity and water. Shared private drainage.

Outgoings: Horsham District Council, . Council tax band H.

Photographs taken: June 2021

Cladding: We have been told that this property has no cladding. Purchasers should make enquiries about the external wall system of the property, if it has cladding and if it is safe or if there are interim measures in place.