An elegant Georgian property with far reaching South Downs views.

Description

Horton Hall is an elegant and beautifully proportioned classic Georgian country house, situated in an semi-rural yet accessible position, nestled at the foot of Truleigh Hill just outside the bounds of the South Downs National Park.

Believed to date from c.1812, the house is typically neo-classical in design, externally characterised by rendered elevations with elegant sash windows under a hipped slate roof and a particularly graceful double-fronted southern elevation, its symmetry in keeping with principles of Georgian architecture.

Internally, the accommodation boasts a number of fine original features, with high ceilings, magnificent sash windows with large folding window shutters, period fireplaces, stone and oak flooring, and a beautiful turned staircase rising to a horseshoe gallery on the first floor. During their ownership the current owners have redecorated and partially refurbished the house with careful consideration for its period character, resulting in a well-presented and comfortable family home; there is planning permission to significantly extend and further enhance the house by creating additional reception space and bedroom suites over.

The floor plans give an excellent overview of the full extent of the accommodation, though there are a number of features worthy of more detailed description.

To the south of the house is a beautiful York stone terrace, edged by lavender and box, with two avenues of young ginkgo trees and a brick-built pizza oven. From here an original front door, flanked by Doric columns, opens to a small porch and on to the reception hall, a beautiful vaulted space with double-height arched window. Two formal reception rooms, the drawing room and the dining room, lie either side of the hall, both dual-aspect and featuring original open fireplaces, the drawing room fireplace with an ornate carved timber surround and inset woodburner (new in 2022). Beyond the drawing room is a bookshelf-lined playroom (or study).

The kitchen, breakfast and family room clearly forms the hub of the home for day to day family life, with plenty of space for a central breakfast table and for sofas around a gas log-effect fire in one corner. The kitchen area is fitted with a range of hand painted bespoke cabinetry with wood block worktops and a marble-topped island, together with a two-oven Aga and various appliances, and has a door opening to the terrace to the east of the house.

A door opens from the reception hall to a split level rear hall at the back of the house, in turn leading to a cloakroom with WC and a utility room with space for the usual appliances. Steps descend to the lower ground floor, which has a flagstone floor and leads on to the leisure suite, comprising a wine store, heated indoor pool and a changing room with shower, basin, separate WC and timber HELO Sauna. The boiler/plantroom offers useful cellar storage.

There are six bedrooms on the first floor, all recently redecorated in beautiful muted tones in keeping with the elegant character of the house. The principal suite is particularly impressive, comprising a dual-aspect bedroom with wonderful southerly views and a range of bespoke wardrobes with walnut and silk detailing, a walk-in dressing room with walnut fittings, and a large re-fitted en suite bathroom with a stylish suite including a roll top bath, large walk-in rain shower, twin basins and a separate WC. The guest bedroom has an equally stylish en suite shower room; the remaining bedrooms are served by two further bathrooms.

Gardens & Grounds
Hidden from the road, Horton Hall is approached via private lane which leads to a gated driveway and turning circle, with central fountain, to the north of the house; just off the turning circle is a substantial timber garage and workshop.

There are two principal areas of formal grounds: to the east of the house is a part-walled garden with a central weeping willow, encircled by charming pond lined with irises; in the corner of the garden is a glass house and adjoining studio with power and water connected.

The recently installed south-facing York stone terrace is positioned to take advantage of the wonderful views of the Downs, and there is an expanse of lawn lying to the south. To the far south-eastern corner is a wrought iron fence enclosed wildflower meadow planted with fruit trees, and at the far end of the lawn the 'Little House' - a former stable in the style of the main house, with power connected (not recently tested).

In all, about 3.6 acres.

Location

Horton Hall is situated at the end of a private lane in a semi-rural location on the southern outskirts of Small Dole, a small village about two miles south of Henfield. Small Dole has a village shop and pub; Henfield is a thriving village with an excellent assortment of local independent shops together with a supermarket, a bank, public houses and restaurants. The market town of Steyning lies about three miles to the west and is arguably one of the most picturesque towns in West Sussex, with its ancient High Street lined with timber-framed buildings.

There are many leisure activities available locally, including local clubs for football, rugby, cricket and theatre; across Sussex, activities include show jumping at Hickstead, sailing at Ardingly and golf at Mannings Heath or one of the many courses across the county. The surrounding countryside offers miles of footpaths and bridleways. Spa and country house hotels include South Lodge, Ockenden Manor, and Alexander House. Sussex offers a vibrant cultural scene, with world-class opera at Glyndebourne, and the annual Brighton Festival presenting a huge programme of theatre, dance, classical music and literary events.

Transport: Hassocks (7.7 miles) offers regular direct services to London Victoria and London Bridge/St Pancras International, journey time from 55 minutes, with services along the south coast available at Shoreham-by-Sea (7.2 miles). To the east, the A23/M23 gives access to Gatwick airport (16 miles), central London (36 miles) and the south coast.

There are many highly regarded state and private schools in the local area including Windlesham House, Cottesmore Prep School, Handcross Park (Brighton College), Brighton College, Hurstpierpoint College, Lancing College, Roedean, Christ’s Hospital and Farlington.

All distances and journey times are approximate.

Square Footage: 4,842 sq ft


Acreage: 3.6 Acres

Additional Info

Agent’s Notes: 1. The light fittings are specifically excluded from the sale but may be available by separate negotiation. 2. Horton Hall has a right of way over the private lane leading to the property. The lane is a footpath.

Planning: Planning permission was granted on 23 November 2021 for 'Erection of a two storey front extension and basement, alterations to windows on east elevation, increase in height of existing north-east extension to match original eaves height, new external steps and new service access from drive.' Horsham District Council application number DC/21/2217

Services: Oil fired central heating. LPG for the gas fire in the kitchen. Mains electricity and water. Private drainage.

Outgoings: Horsham District Council,[use Contact Agent Button]. Tax band H.

Photographs taken: September 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.