Thatched CottageStaplefield Lane | Warninglid | Haywards Heath | RH17 5SR

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Thatched CottageThis charming detached thatched property, which is set in landscaped gardens of nearly three quarters of an acre along a country lane in the parish of Warninglid, was originally built in the 1930s by the acclaimed WG Tarrant, well known for Surrey’s St George’s Hill and Wentworth Estate developments. Initially constructed with three bedrooms, Thatched Cottage was later reconfigured and extended on the ground floor to provide a fourth bedroom, which now offers a potential annexe.

“On our first visit 13 years ago, I remember walking out of the double patio doors of the lounge into the rear garden and looking back at the house, and thinking that it was just magical – we loved it,” recalls Michael. “Inside it was all grey paint and minimalist, but we saw past that. It had obviously been built with good quality materials and to a high standard – and was full of character.”

“We refurbished the kitchen and redecorated throughout to restore a warm and homely interior,” remembers Geraldine. “We also created a bedsit annexe from the existing ground floor extension by converting the adjacent pantry into a shower room, and by turning the adjoining utility area into a kitchenette. The annexe has a separate entrance, so it’s suitable for independent living or guest accommodation, although currently it’s our snug. In the past year, we’ve redecorated the entire house again and put new carpets in the lounge, the dining room and the annexe.”

“As soon as you’re through the front gates, you feel as if you’re in your own private park,” continues Michael. “The basic structure of the garden was established a long time ago and the decorative well at the front is probably an original feature. The rear garden has three tiers. First, there’s a paved terrace with a pond and a bird table; we see many different birds, including Greater Spotted Woodpeckers. Steps lead up to a second tier with a large expanse of lawn and a gazebo seating area. Together, the first two tiers are great for summer entertaining. The top tier has a summerhouse, various mature shrubs and trees, and tall conifers to the rear boundary. A further corner provides a vegetable plot with a greenhouse, while between the double garage and the house is another patio that’s a real sun trap.”

“All you can see from the house are lovely views of the garden – it’s very private,” adds Geraldine. “At the same time, we have easy access to the A23 and M23, to Gatwick, Brighton, Crawley, Haywards Heath and Horsham and to good amenities and schools. Horsham has a nice pedestrianised centre, a Waitrose and a Sainsbury’s. Whiteman’s Green and Cuckfield have Co-op stores. Warninglid has a pub and a primary school, while Staplefield, which is actually nearer than Warninglid, is a thriving community with two pubs, a lovely cricket green and an active church.”

“It almost breaks our hearts to leave Thatched Cottage but we need to relocate to Norfolk to be nearer to our family,” conclude Michael and Geraldine.*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

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It is very rare to have the chance of owning a thatched cottage in this area, but it is even rarer to find one with such a large sunny garden, annexe and lovely views.

Many people yearn to live in the countryside, but still want good access to shops, schools and link roads. If that rings true with you, then maybe this is the perfect match! The hamlet of Warninglid is around 2 miles west, Staplefield with its lovely village community and two country pubs overlooking the village cricket pitch lie 1 mile along the lane and Cuckfield 4 miles east, leading then on to Haywards Heath and its London to Brighton mainline train station. The popular, mostly pedestrianised, market town of Horsham is about 7 miles to the west and also has a mainline train station to London and the coast.

For families with school age children, the nearby village of Cuckfield offers one of the most sought after secondary schools in the area, Warden Park Academy, but there is also easy access to Handcross Park School, Ardingly College, Hurstpierpoint College and Burgess Hill School for Girls, along with a variety of other popular schools and nurseries for all ages.

Thatched Cottage was built in the 1930’s by W.G.Tarrant. He is best known as a Surrey master builder, and the developer of St Georges Hill and the Wentworth Estate in Surrey along with many more excellent high quality homes in Brooklands, Woking and Virginia

Waters. Heavens knows why he popped down to Mid Sussex, but we are certainly glad he did.

Everything about the cottage shouts quality and innovation, from the solid oak front door which opens onto a slate floor, to the beautiful staircase with its recessed bay window overlooking the front garden, or the inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove in the living room. Even the dining room has its own feature with the almost full height window framing the landscaped rear gardens. In addition to these, downstairs there is a cloakroom and kitchen, with plenty of space for a table and then a further door through to the rear lobby which gives dual access to the garden, as well serving as a utility room or kitchen area for the annexe, which extends to the rear with a further shower/cloakroom. Upstairs the master bedroom has built-in wardrobes and an en suite modern re-fitted bathroom. The further two bedrooms are both good doubles with built-in wardrobes and views to the garden, and the family bathroom is to the front.

Beyond the obvious quality of the cottage, and without question, the 0.7 acres of slightly tiered landscaped gardens are a major draw of this home. Simply gorgeous, with the majority being lawned and planted with flower beds, bushes and trees, the garden shows off to its fullest. It is very private with mature firs and hedging around the property and an enclosed vegetable plot with greenhouse and composter are hidden to the top corner. A large paved patio is to the rear of the cottage

and a private little courtyard area to the side leading to the double detached garage.

DirectionsHeading south on the A23 leave at the Cuckfield/Warninglid exit, and as you turn off take the first left and follow this a short while and the property is on your left. If northbound on the A23 leave at the same exit and turn left at the roundabout and then left again onto the B2116, cross the bridge and then take the first left. Then, take the first right, Staplefield Lane and the property is along on your left.

Utilities InformationMains water supplyOwn cesspitOil fired heating and waterMains electric and telephone

Local AuthorityMid Sussex District Council 01444 458166 Council Tax Band: F

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Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and quoted in metric with imperial equivalents and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 27.04.2015

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Fine & Country Mid Sussex 2nd Floor, 5 Church Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9BB

Tel 01444 480600

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