Stonehurst House

Stonehurst House dates from 1889-90 and is believed to have been built as a country seat for the Camp Coffee family. The estate comprised 239 acres with several cottages, farm, beautiful pleasure gardens and lakes that were planned by landscape architect Thomas H.Mawson. The estate was sold in 1936 to the Strauss banking family and was divided and sold in the early Millennium. During their tenure the current owners have refurbished the main house to an exceptional standard and restored the gardens, cottage and developed the garage block. The modernisation undertaking has been to a remarkable quality rarely seen, taking great care to retain the many detailed and character features throughout the many grand rooms which mostly enjoy the commanding views over the grounds and adjoining countryside to the South Downs.

More recently the owners relocated the main entrance towards the northern end of the grounds which follow a long tree-lined driveway passing the garages, cottage and arrive in front of the main house.

The property enjoys the best of both worlds, occupying a semi-rural location and enjoying complete privacy, yet within easy reach of local schools and Haywards Heath mainline station.

The grand reception hall sets the tone for the remainder of the house with the elegant staircase, the wood panelling, moulded ceiling and the breath-taking views.

On the ground floor there are 5 principal reception rooms all enjoying many fine features, an orangery, a beautiful kitchen with breakfast room and a large secondary kitchen for food preparation.

The cellars are in remarkable condition comprising: several rooms with excellent ceiling heights allowing for numerous uses which include secure strong rooms, gymnasium and boiler room which has been replaced by engineers in recent years.

On the first floor there are 6 bedroom suites with 3-4 secondary bedrooms and a bathroom on the top floor.

The cottage has also been the subject of a major refurbishment programme and is very comfortable for guests, family or staff quarters.

The grounds have been maintained to the finest standards and complement the main house which is apparent as you arrive through the main entrance. Within the gardens is a formal croquet lawn, swimming pool set in a grand walled enclosed courtyard, a separate kitchen, changing rooms and the original Astronomer's Observatory which in itself is an architectural masterpiece. There is a tennis court, all weather sports court and a small paddock with ménage.

Extensive terraces adjoin the house and include a walled garden with ponds. The majority of the gardens slope from the house and are laid to lawn. Beyond this are some quite outstanding terraced areas which were laid out in Victorian times with local stone making up several steps and pathways flanked by imposing natural rock formations all interspersed with numerous specimen trees and shrubs offering a range of colours throughout the year, particularly in spring.

The garage block was recently rebuilt to a very high standard, ideal for a car collection and with the added bonus of an internal bar. In addition there is a carport beyond the main house which adjoins a former cottage which is currently used as the gardeners' quarters but offers potential to be converted into a second cottage.

Ardingly Village 2 miles, Haywards Heath 5 miles (London Bridge/Victoria 45 mins), Gatwick Airport 10 miles, Brighton 20 miles, East Grinstead 7 miles, Tunbridge Wells 20 miles, Central London 40 miles (All distances are approximates)

Stonehurst House stands on the east side of the B2028 opposite the entrance to Kew's Wakehurst Gardens and the home of the Millennium Seed Bank just north of the village of Ardingly. The property is completely private and enjoys this wonderful semi-rural setting yet adjoins a bridleway along the eastern boundary which provides some wonderful walking and riding with links to the neighbouring villages of West Hoathly, Ard

Marketed by: Knight Frank, Tunbridge Wells