For Sale8 Bedroom House in Church Road, Scaynes Hill, RH17£3,650,000

An exceptional small country estate, set in an idyllic quiet setting being highly accessible for London communications and a plethora of schools. Enveloped by the attractive countryside on the eastern edge of Haywards Heath, just outside the village of Scaynes Hill, Lychgate Cottage is a historic home built in 1720 and extended over the years to create a substantial residence. It has been a much-loved family home, a place of shelter for refugees fleeing London during the Second World War, home to the Canadian ‘Van Doos’ Regiment in 1944 and an unofficial officers’ mess on the lead up to D-Day. While full of character, the house is not listed and as such has been subject to extensive yet sympathetic renovations. The estate is surrounded by mature trees, creating a wonderfully private residence, with the gardens beautifully landscaped to include manicured lawns formal gardens and many MAGICAL HIDDEN SETTINGS TO DISCOVER, INCLUDING A BREATHTAKING BLUEBELL WOOD to immerse yourself with nature or to unwind next to the stream. Within grounds there is extensive garaging and storage, a tennis court and adjoining pavilion, and a detached and entirely self-contained four-bedroom cottage which would be well suited as an income generator, for multi-generational living or for live-in staff. Interior: Lychgate is as impressive internally as it is outside, and its varied history has left many marks on the interiors, from its original doors and fireplaces, to exposed beams and the magnificent staircase with its carved detailing. The size and scope of the accommodation lends it well to family life, with ample space for entertaining as well the demands of a busy family. On the ground floor, a generously proportioned drawing room occupies the east wing of the house – the perfect setting for big celebrations. A separate formal dining room has been the setting for many birthdays, Christmas lunches and dinner parties, while the library is quietly positioned at the front of the house for remote working or peaceful reflection. The kitchen to the rear is a 42ft-long space with Smallbone cabinetry and a separate breakfast/family area. At basement level a bar area and wine cellar. The bedrooms are all substantially proportioned and feature built-in storage; two are en suite, with two further family bathrooms for the remaining bedrooms. Separate to the main house there is the Gardener’s Cottage, an entirely self-contained and separate four-bedroom house which offers many uses. The cottage was updated in 2023 with new appliances and windows and is presented to a high standard. Outside The tranquil property is positioned between two areas of outstanding natural beauty – the South Downs National Park and High Weald National Landscape – amongst rolling grounds which have been professionally landscaped and beautifully maintained. Mature planting envelops the house in greenery, including majestic oaks and Japanese maple, vibrant rhododendrons, formal box topiary and a glorious scented garden, which fragrances the air with the delicate scents of velvet carpet roses and herbs. The kitchen garden has, over the years, yielded a bounty of apples, pears, plums, cherries, cabbages, potatoes and tomatoes. The park-like grounds are enclosed by deer fencing and mature hedging, while the rear boundary includes an area of well-managed woodland which is carpeted with bluebells in the spring. Several ponds provide an established area for wildlife, while a rock garden was transplanted to Lychgate Cottage from the Chelsea Flower Show in 1928. There are a number of outbuildings offering excellent versatility and storage – a double garage with workshop, WC and first-floor storage space, an apple shed, further garaging and a tennis pavilion, the latter providing a place to rest and refuel during games on the enclosed court to the northwest of the grounds. The property is approached via its own private driveway which wraps around the front and west sides of the house and gardens, affording a wealth of parking for many vehicles. Situation Scaynes Hill is a large village on the south-eastern side of Haywards Heath, with amenities including a primary school, pub, petrol station/ convenience store, village hall and recreation ground. Haywards Heath is about 2.9 miles distant with a good selection of shops, services and amenities and mainline rail services. Lindfield (2.6 miles), Lewes (11 miles) and Brighton (16.7 miles) offer a further range of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. There is an excellent range of state and independent schools in the area, including Ardingly College, Hurst College and Brighton College, Cumnor House, Great Walstead and Burgess Hill School. There are nearby country walks at Chailey Common and within the South Downs National Park. Mainline rail services are available at Haywards Heath (London Bridge/London Victoria from 42 minutes). The A23/M23 gives access to Gatwick Airport (16 miles), and the national motorway network. Agents note: There is a lovely walk from Lychgate Cottage to The Sloop pub The property has planning in place for: Pool and pool house, Coach House and 2 storey side extension with basement – further details will be provided by the office. The Prime team would be delighted to show you around this property. Property Ref Number: HAM-59748 Additional Information Mid Sussex District Council. Council Tax Band G All mains services are connected. Private drainage. Additional information - Reception Hall - Drawing Room - Kitchen/Breakfast Room/Family Room - Library/Snug - Dining Room - Cloakroom - Bar and Wine Cellar - Five Double Bedrooms - Four Bath/Shower Rooms - Garaging Key information Council Tax Band: G Tenure: Freehold