Location

Park Road is one of the most sought after residential roads in Burgess Hill, located in the St John's Conservation Area, a short distance from St. John's Park, just 13 minutes' walk (0.6 of a mile) from the mainline station and within easy reach of the town centre.   

Local Amenities: Burgess Hill has a good range of local amenities including a variety of shops, restaurants, wine bars, a cinema, leisure centre and supermarkets (including a large Waitrose). There are further shops and amenities in the neighbouring town of Haywards Heath (3.5 miles), and more comprehensive facilities at Brighton or Crawley (11 and 13 miles respectively).   

Mainline Rail Service: Burgess Hill station is 0.6 of a mile away, with trains to London Bridge/Victoria from 50 minutes.

Gatwick airport:16 miles.   

Schools: There are many highly regarded schools in the area, both state and private, including Cumnor House, Great Walstead, Burgess Hill Girls, Hurstpierpoint College, Ardingly College and Brighton College.

All times and distances are approximate; walking times taken from Google Maps.

Description

Dating back to the late 1870s, Garfield is a distinguished detached Victorian residence and one of the oldest houses on this highly regarded residential road, just moments from the centre of Burgess Hill. Rich in period character and architectural detail, the house retains much of its original charm, with high ceilings, elegant fireplaces, and beautiful woodblock flooring throughout much of the ground floor; many of the rooms are adorned with William Morris wallpaper, carefully chosen to reflect the period character of the property. Formerly the home of noted local philanthropist Sidney West, Garfield has been cherished by the current owners since 1987, serving as a much-loved family home. While the property has clearly been maintained with great care, it now offers an exciting opportunity for sympathetic updating, allowing a new owner to enhance its generous proportions and fine architectural style for contemporary living.

Set behind mature hedging and approached via original timber double gates, the house is classically styled with white rendered elevations, stone quoins, and sash-style replacement windows, all set beneath a tiled roof. A striking pillared portico shelters the wide front door, inset with stained glass panels, which opens into an entrance hall. Stairs rise to a galleried first floor landing, while sliding doors lead through to an inner lobby with coats hanging and to a half-panelled cloakroom with WC.

To either side of the entrance hall lie two formal reception rooms, both with attractive cast iron fireplaces with tiled insets and coal-effect gas fires. The main sitting room enjoys a particularly grand feel, with twin bay windows overlooking the front and an abundance of natural light. Across the hall, a comfortable snug features a panelled recess and Lincrusta half-wall panelling.

To the rear of the house lies a formal dining room, a characterful space with a dual aspect, exposed ceiling timbers, and a brick fireplace flanked by built-in storage cupboards. The kitchen and breakfast room is generously proportioned, with an exposed brick wall, a comprehensive range of wooden units and display cabinetry, tiled worktops, and an impressive Paul Bocuse range oven with gas hob. There is plenty of space for a central breakfast table, and French doors open directly to the rear garden. A walk-in larder with traditional clay tiled floor and fitted shelving lies just off the kitchen, while a separate utility room is fitted with bespoke linen cupboards, a butler sink, and also benefits from the original clay tiled floor. A good-sized study completes the ground floor accommodation.

On the first floor, a spacious galleried landing offers room for a dressing table. There are four bedrooms lying off the landing: the principal suite comprises a large bedroom, a private dressing room, and an en suite shower room. Three further bedrooms are served by a generous family bathroom, fitted with a freestanding roll top bath and twin basins; bedroom four has a hatch with fitted ladder opening to a partially-boarded loft space, offering excellent storage.

Outside
Garfield is approached via a gravelled driveway, offering parking for several vehicles and screened to the front by mature hedging. The drive continues along the side of the house to the original detached brick stable, now used as a garage and workshop, with original stable doors and potential for conversion into a generous home office or annexe (subject to the necessary planning consents). Gated access to both sides of the house ensures privacy and security.

To the rear, the garden is laid mainly to level lawn, enclosed by close-board fencing and mature trees along the northern boundary. A paved terrace lies directly next to the house, providing space for outdoor dining and entertaining. Beyond the old stable, a secluded barbecue terrace is tucked away, offering a further entertaining space at the far end of the garden.