For Sale8 Bedroom Detached House in Lewes Road, Westmeston, BN6£3,950,000

One of Sussex's finest unlisted homes set in an exceptional plot in the glorious South Downs National Park With its Queen Anne frontage, Old Middleton is not just aesthetically pleasing but is a generous and comfortable family home. Believed to date in part from the 17 C, the property has been extended over the years and has a plethora of living and entertaining space for all members of a large family to enjoy, including a spectacular vaulted kitchen/breakfast room and a games room to the rear. The entrance hall opens to a larger inner hallway, which is impressive in size and has attractive original brick flooring. Leading off are a number of reception rooms that offer areas for formal entertaining and everyday use. The 32 foot drawing room has an open fireplace, French doors to the south facing side garden, and a connecting door to the dining room providing a wonderful flow for entertaining. The dining room has an impressive inglenook fireplace and door to the front garden. The sitting room has an open fireplace and there is also a snug room, ideally located near the kitchen, with a small study on the ground floor too. The vaulted kitchen/breakfast room is the heart of the home with generous spaces for all to enjoy, streaming with natural light provided by the three deep sash windows looking upon the south facing terrace. The bespoke hand painted kitchen has granite worktops and large central island. Appliances include a four oven oil-fired Aga, integrated dishwasher and there is space for a large fridge/freezer. Beyond the kitchen is a useful pantry and a separate utility room. The games room with its mezzanine level above is a great space for children and young people of all ages. This would also be a wonderful space for a gym/pilates studio or artists workshop given the abundance of natural light. On the first floor, the principal suite occupies the entire southern elevation; the dual aspect bedroom has a modern en suite with twin basins, free standing bath and a walk-in shower. There are four further bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms on this floor; the rear landing leads to the stairs to the second floor, where there are three further bedrooms, a study/bedroom nine, and a WC with separate bathroom. Outside Outbuildings and Garaging The property is approached by electronically operated gates, which open to the long gravelled driveway. A spur leads to the outbuildings that are arranged around a courtyard, offering parking and storage away from the house. They comprise a flint walled home office, a recent refurbishment with underfloor heating and fibre broadband connected, adjoined by a double garage. There is a brick and timber open bay log store with workshop, garden store and gardener’s WC; a further brick outbuilding was formerly a stable. To the north east of this group of buildings is an unconverted two storey barn, offering excellent potential for conversion to secondary accommodation (subject to obtaining the necessary consents and permissions). Close by is a small brick outbuilding, formerly used as a sauna. Gardens Beautiful gardens set in about 5.5 acres, east facing to the front with croquet/marquee lawn. Heated swimming pool, pool house, outdoor sauna and a secluded tennis court are also within the gardens. Grounds The agricultural fields are approximately 14 acres. Situation Set at the foot of the South Downs, Old Middleton is blessed with a network of footpaths and bridleways outside its door, a treasure for outdoor enthusiasts. Two miles from the centre of Ditchling, wellknown for its artistic community and popular cricket clubs. With two public houses, the Green Welly café, St Margaret’s primary school, post office and doctors surgery. The area is well served for sporting and recreational facilities with two cricket clubs in Ditchling, golf at Mid Sussex, Pyecombe and Lewes; racing at Plumpton, Lingfield and Goodwood; and there is sailing along the South Coast with marina facilities in Brighton and Newhaven. Lewes and Brighton have a range of theatres and cinemas, and Glyndebourne has an internationally renowned Opera House. Rail services: Hassocks station three miles, Haywards Heath eight miles. Schools: There are many highly regarded private and state schools in the local area, including the extremely popular Brighton College ‘school of the decade’, Cumnor House, Ardingly, Hurstpierpoint and Lancing College, Burgess Hill Girls, Lewes Old Grammar School, Roedean, Plumpton primary schools, Downlands Community College in Hassocks. Trains: Hassocks to London Bridge direct 57 minutes and to Victoria 56 minutes. Haywards Heath to London Bridge direct 46 minutes and to Victoria 47 minutes (all approx.). Directions Please note, the postcode does not lead to the property. From the B2112 in the centre of Ditchling, take the B2116 east for approximately 1.5 miles, passing Westmeston church on the left at the sharp bend. Old Middleton is the second driveway on the left. Additional Information Additional Information Agent’s Notes: 1. There are footpaths and a bridleway outside the area of the gardens, but within the boundary of the land, please refer to the title plans. Local Authority: Lewes District Council. Council Tax: Band H Services: Oil-fired central heating. Mains electricity and water. Private drainage (septic tank). Additional information - Main House 7618 sq ft - Outbuildings 2 - 853 sq ft - Not Listed - South Downs National Park - Garden: 5.5 acres - swimming pool and tennis court - Land - 14 acres - 9.1 miles to Brighton College - 5.6 miles to Hurst College Key information Council Tax Band: H Tenure: Freehold