5 bedroom detached house for sale

Substantial and stylishly presented family home in the heart of Poynings

Description

Downmere is a stylish and substantial home, ideally located in the heart of the downland village of Poynings. It is understood that there was a property on site as early as the late 1300s, though the current building dates from the 1800s and was substantially extended in the inter-war years. More recently the house has been the subject of further extension and comprehensive refurbishment, resulting in a spacious and beautifully presented home with points of note including anthracite grey double-glazed windows, neutral decor throughout, several open fireplaces and wood burning stoves, tiled and luxury laminate tiled flooring on the ground floor, newly-laid carpet through the first floor, and stylish contemporary bathroom suites. Many of the rooms are dual-aspect which flood the house with natural light and frame the views over the grounds.

The full extent and layout of the generously proportioned and versatile accommodation can be seen on the floor plan. The formal front door opens to a vaulted entrance hall featuring an exposed brick chimney set with a wood burner. Lying off the hall, and forming the northern wing of the house, is a large triple-aspect gym (also with a central wood burner) with adjoining shower and a study; there is provision in the entrance hall for kitchen utilities allowing the potential for this part of the house to be converted into a self-contained annexe.

There are three further reception rooms: a versatile formal dining room overlooking the terrace and with steps descending to the wine cellar; an elegant, yet comfortable drawing room with an open fireplace and French doors opening to the south terrace; a part-vaulted sitting room/central hall which has bi-fold doors opening to the terrace and a handsome brick open fireplace with original oak timbers.

The kitchen is fitted with an extensive range of muted green shaker-style cabinetry with solid oak worktops, a quartz-topped central island and range of integrated appliances, it is open to a dining area with space for a large table and chairs and is served by a utility room with cloakroom.

There are five bedrooms on the first floor, lying off a spacious galleried landing. The principal suite is particularly impressive, comprising a bedroom with cast iron fireplace and French doors opening to a Juliet balcony, a large dressing room and luxurious en suite bathroom including a bath with waterfall tap and a wet-room style shower. The four remaining bedrooms are of a generous size and all have en suite bath or shower rooms.

Gardens and Grounds
Downmere is accessed from Poynings Road via electronically operated timber gates, opening to a bonded gravel parking area adjacent to the timber-framed car barn; there is separate gated pedestrian access from the road.

The stunning gardens and grounds are a particular feature of Downmere. Several stylish Mediterranean-style terraces and formal lawns, ideal for al fresco entertaining, contrast beautifully with undulating parkland, dotted with mature trees complete with a wide stream running centrally through the grounds, creating a series of ponds and water features. The garden is a haven for wildlife including kingfishers, moorhens, ducks, geese and pheasants.

In all, about 6.8 acres.

Location

Downmere is situated in the heart of the village of Poynings; a very pretty downland village in the South Downs National Park, at the foot of Devil’s Dyke. Poynings village has a public house, village hall, playing field, cricket pitch and a garden centre with café and farm shop; the village’s 14th Century flint church is listed Grade I and known as 'one of the finest village medieval churches in Sussex'.

For local amenities, the larger villages of Henfield and Steyning have an assortment of local independent shops together with public houses, restaurants and schools.

The cosmopolitan city of Brighton and Hove lies just over the South Downs on the coast and is renowned for being one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, with a fantastic mix of famed nightlife, award-winning restaurants, theatre culture, festivals and events. In addition, Glyndebourne Opera House is situated just to the east of Lewes, offering world-class opera in an idyllic rural setting.

There are many leisure activities available in the area, with many walks and bridlepaths across the South Downs and surrounding countryside; Wickwoods Country Club is only just over two miles away and offers a range of leisure facilities including all-year-round tennis. There is sailing at Brighton Marina and along the coast, and golf across the county. Equestrian facilities are superb, with the All England Jumping Course based at Hickstead, as well as racing at Plumpton, Goodwood and Brighton.

There is a vibrant cultural and arts scene in Sussex, with world-class opera at Glyndebourne, and the annual Brighton Festival presenting a huge programme of theatre, dance, classical music and literary events.

Transport links: there are frequent direct rail services to London from Hassocks (five miles), London Bridge/Victoria from 63 minutes. The A23/M23 lies to the east, giving access to Gatwick airport (22 miles) and the M25.

Schools: There are many highly regarded schools in the area, both state and private, including Burgess Hill Girls, Brighton & Hove High School, and Ardingly, Brighton, Lancing and Hurstpierpoint Colleges.

All times and distances are approximate.

Square Footage: 6,519 sq ft


Acreage: 6.8 Acres

Additional Info

Planning permission: There is planning permission in place for a 12m x 6m swimming pool and an adjacent pool house/garden office. SDNP/18/01972/FUL and SDNP/20/04053/CND.

Services: Oil fired central heating: under floor to the ground floor and to radiators on the first floor. Electric under floor heating in the first floor bathrooms. Mains water, electricity and drainage.

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

Photographs taken: January 2024.

Cladding: This property may have cladding. The property is under six floors so any cladding may not have been tested. 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.