Semi-detached period cottage with huge scope for improvement, set in 0.4 of an acre.


Description

Understood to date from the 1900s and originally a railway worker’s cottage, 2 Railway Cottages (also known locally as 2 Tunnel Cottages) is an attractive semi-detached brick cottage, set in a generous plot of 0.4 of an acre in a semi-rural position between the villages of Balcombe and Handcross.

The cottage offers a new owner enormous scope for improvement and extension (subject to the necessary consents); whilst benefiting from a number of updated services including a new boiler and heating system (2021), some replacement double glazing and a newly-installed sewage treatment plant (2023), the property has been a much-loved family home for over 60 years and would benefit from updating and refurbishment throughout.

The full extent and layout of the property can be seen on the floor plan.

2 Railway Cottages sits in a well-enclosed plot of about 0.4 of an acre, mainly laid to grass and dotted with mature shrubs and beds, with an area of paving and a covered well close to the house. To the rear of the house is an attached brick store, beyond which is a dilapidated greenhouse; a further timber store (also in need of repair) sits at the far end of the garden. The cottage benefits from a right of access over railway land to the east of the adjoining neighbour, allowing access to the northern part of the garden and offering further parking space.

Location

2 Railway Cottages is situated in the beautiful countryside of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, between the villages of Balcombe and Handcross. The house is semi-rural yet not remote; the thriving village of Balcombe is just two miles distant and, as well as having a station with regular services to London and Brighton, provides for day to day needs with a pub, village store, primary school and doctor’s surgery; the village of Handcross is 2.5 miles to the west and Haywards Heath (6.5 miles) has further amenities including a hospital, leisure centre and supermarkets.

Sussex offers many excellent sporting opportunities with golf at Royal Ashdown, Haywards Heath and Piltdown, and many other courses across the county. There is racing at Goodwood, Lingfield and Plumpton, and sailing at Ardingly Reservoir. There are many bridle paths and footpaths which are in close access of the property.

Spa and country house hotels include South Lodge, Alexander House, Ashdown Park Hotel, Gravetye Manor and Ockenden Manor.

Rail services to London and Brighton are available at Balcombe (two miles), with a fast service from Three Bridges (4.3 miles), Haywards Heath (six miles) or Gatwick airport (7.7 miles). The A23/M23 is readily accessed to the north of Balcombe, and connects to the coast and the national motorway network.

There is an excellent range of highly regarded schools in the area, including Handcross Park (Brighton College), Ardingly College, Worth School, Hurstpierpoint College, Cumnor House, Great Walstead and Brambletye.

All times and distances are approximate.

Square Footage: 1,001 sq ft


Acreage: 0.4 Acres

Additional Info

Services: Electric central heating. Mains electricity and water. Private drainage.

Outgoings: Mid Sussex District Council,[use Contact Agent Button]. Tax band D.

Photographs taken: April 2023.

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.