Refurbished and stylishly presented ground floor apartment in a historic Grade I listed Country House.


Description

History
2 Sheffield Park House offers a rare opportunity to own an historic portion of one of Sussex’s foremost Country Houses.

The rich and varied history of the Sheffield Park Estate can be traced prior to 1066, when it was owned by Edwin of Wessex, father to King Harold. Following Harold’s defeat by William the Conqueror, the Estate was given to Robert, Count of Mortain, Earl of Cornwall and William’s brother-in-law, and is recorded in the Domesday Book as the Estate as “Sifelle”.

In the late 1700s, when the estate was acquired by the 1st Earl of Sheffield, James Wyatt remodelled the house in the fashionable Gothic style. In later years, Capability Brown was commissioned to landscape the gardens.

The Estate was split up in 1953 and was renovated into apartments in the 1980s. Today Sheffield Park House, which is Grade I listed, remains in private ownership, with just twelve apartments in the main house.

Apartment 2 comprises a spacious three bedroom apartment, situated on the ground floor.

The apartment has recently been the subject of careful and meticulous renovation, resulting in a stylish home benefitting modern fixtures and fittings whilst retaining a number of period features - including impressive high ceilings and art deco style doors and architraves in the formal reception rooms, decorative coving and plasterwork, and some beautiful refurbished sash windows.

Of particular note is the magnificent 34 ft drawing room, which is situated on the southern side of the apartment and features original oak flooring and bookshelving, an elegant marble feature fireplace and full height square bays fitted with the original shutters; a ‘secret’ door opens to a small butler’s pantry. Lying off the drawing room is a light and bright kitchen and dining room, superbly appointed with a range of Neptune cabinetry, with high-end integrated appliances and quartz worktops. Double doors open to a south-facing private terrace, giving superb views across the communal grounds to the lake.

The generous principal bedroom echoes the same grand proportions of the drawing room, with a large bay window, range of fitted wardrobes and a stylish en suite bathroom with suite including a large tiled shower and basin with marble surround. There are two further bedrooms, both with fitted wardrobes, served by an equally stylish bathroom with freestanding bath tub.

A study and an adjoining music room (which would also make an ideal cinema room), a utility room and a cloakroom complete the accommodation.

Outside
Sheffield Park House is part of a secure gated community in an exceptional setting. In addition to the private terrace are private communal grounds extending to about 39 acres, including tennis courts, shared gardens and parkland, where deer can be seen grazing.

The House is adjacent to the beautiful Sheffield Park & Garden, created by Capability Brown and now a National Trust property; apartment 2 has some lovely views to the lakes and the grounds, and the benefit of a gate offering access to the Gardens reserved for the use of House residents. The property benefits from a single garage (en bloc) with electronically operated door, an allocated parking space, and a secure medieval cellar currently used as a store.

Location

Sheffield Park House is situated in the heart of Sussex, close to Ashdown Forest and adjacent to Sheffield Park & Garden, created by Capability Brown and now a National Trust property.

The picturesque village of Fletching lies two miles to the east, home to the award winning Griffin pub and providing for day to day needs.

Outdoor pursuits include golf and walking; there is a superb 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.

Comprehensive shopping and leisure facilities are available at Haywards Heath (6.6 miles), Lewes (10 miles) and Tunbridge Wells (18 miles).

Mainline rail services: Haywards Heath, London Bridge/Victoria from 42 minutes. Gatwick airport 18 miles.

Schools: There are number of highly regarded state and independent schools in the area, including Fletching and Danehill primary schools, Cumnor House in Danehill, Great Walstead near Lindfield, Ardingly College and Michael Hall (Rudolph Steiner) in Forest Row.

All times and distances are approximate.

Square Footage: 3,548 sq ft



Directions

From the A272 south, at North Chailey take the A275 north for about 2.5 miles; pass the turning leading to Sheffield Park & Gardens and take the second right through the pillars, signposted Sheffield Park House.

Additional Info

Services: Electric central heating; mains water and electricity; private drainage.

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

The twelve properties in the House are held on 999 year leases from 1 January 1989. To facilitate the upkeep and management of the buildings and communal areas, the Freehold interest is vested in a holding company (‘Sheffield Park Management Limited’) of which the owner of Flat 2 holds four shares. The estimated service charge for 2022 is £14,000.