Handsome 1930s house in private part-wooded grounds.

Description

Tanglewood was built in the 1930s for the Clayton family, and is on the market for only the third time in its history. The house is typical of architectural design of the era, with elements of the Arts & Crafts style, externally characterised by red brick elevations under a tiled roof with metal casement windows, and internally by a wealth of oak joinery including a panelled staircase and exposed oak flooring to many of the rooms, brick open fireplaces and basins in three of the bedrooms.

The floor plan gives an excellent overview of the full extent of the accommodation, which extends to 2,253 square feet. Points of note include the two formal reception rooms: a spacious dual-aspect sitting room with handsome brick fireplace set with a woodburner and original crittal doors opening to the garden room, and the dining room which features a charming corner fireplace and an original 1930s oak dresser concealing a serving hatch to the kitchen. Doors open from both the reception rooms to the garden room, a modern addition to the house flooded by light by way of a large roof lantern, ideally positioned to take in the view over the garden and with bi-fold doors to two aspects.

The dual-aspect kitchen is fitted with the original 1930s cupboards, including a full height dresser unit, larder cupboard with slate cold shelf and a shelved store cupboard; it is complemented by a large walk-in pantry directly across the hall. A ground floor shower room with WC completes the ground floor.

There are five bedrooms on the first floor, lying off a galleried landing with feature porthole window. All of the bedrooms benefit from fitted or built in storage cupboards and three have wash basins; they are served by a family bathroom, shower room and separate WC.

Tanglewood’s mature and generous wooded grounds are of particular note, extending to about 2.75 acres in all. The house is approached from Beresford Lane via a gated driveway which rises to a parking area ahead of the house; the integral garage has the original folding doors and a workshop area; adjoining it to the rear are a useful utility room and a store.

The garden extends away from the house to the south and west, well-enclosed by mature trees and woodland allowing a high degree of privacy. The gardens are largely natural: an expanse of lawn is edged by swathes of wildflowers and the swimming pool has been given over to nature (though the filter has been regularly maintained and is still in place). Lying to the north of the house is a beautiful walled kitchen garden with a lean-to brick machinery store and separate greenhouse, with vegetable beds and fruit trees including fig and apple. An iron gate opens to the deciduous ancient woodland beyond, which is a haven for wildlife including buzzards and owls, and is carpeted in bluebells and wood anemone in the Spring months.

Location

Tanglewood is situated in a wooded rural position on the outskirts of Plumpton Green, about 1.4 miles from Plumpton station. Plumpton Green sits at the foot of the South Downs in the heart of Sussex, and is well known for its racecourse. It is a thriving, active village with many playgroups, a nursery school, primary school, numerous clubs and societies, church, a station offering direct service to London and a village shop. Local pubs include The Plough at the top of Station Road, the Fountain in the village, the Jolly Sportsman and the Half Moon. Local wine estates include Artelium Wine Estate (within two miles, an enjoyable countryside walk) and Ridgeview.

The nearby towns of Burgess Hill (four miles), Haywards Heath (five miles) and the historicCounty Town of Lewes (seven miles) provide a range of high street shops, supermarkets, leisure centres and facilities.

Sussex offers a wealth of leisure and cultural activities, with sailing at Ardingly, golf across Mid, West and East Sussex, and the renowned Opera House at Glyndebourne. There are many footpaths and bridle paths across the South Downs and surrounding countryside, as well as riding on Ashdown Forest by permit. Spa and country house hotels include Ashdown Park, Gravetye Manor and Ockenden Manor.

Rail (direct services): Plumpton station to London Victoria, journey time from 58 minutes. Burgess Hill to London Victoria/London Bridge/St Pancras International, journey time from 51 minutes. Haywards Heath to London Victoria/London Bridge/St Pancras International, journey time from 42 minutes. Gatwick airport 18 miles.

There are many highly regarded state and private schools in the local area including Plumpton Primary School, Cumnor House School, Great Walstead School, Ardingly, Hurstpierpoint, Lancing and Brighton Colleges, Lewes Old Grammar, Chailey Secondary School, Lewes Priory and Plumpton Agricultural College.

All distances and journey times are approximate.

Square Footage: 2,253 sq ft


Acreage: 2.75 Acres

Directions

From Haywards Heath, take the B2112 south to Wivelsfield, taking the first exit at the mini-roundabout to Wivelsfield Green. Turn right into South Road, and then left at the mini-roundabout to stay on South Road. After about 1.3 miles turn left into Beresford Lane, and Tanglewood is the second house on the left.

Additional Info

Agent’s Note: There are bats in the roof space, which are a protected species.

Services: Oil fired central heating. Solar panels for hot water. Mains electricity and water. Private drainage.

Outgoings: Lewes District Council,[use Contact Agent Button]. Tax band G.

Photographs taken: August 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.