Location

Collins Farm House is situated in a semi-rural position on the northern outskirts of the popular and historic village of Cuckfield, a thriving village with an active community to the west of Haywards Heath, in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Cuckfield's local amenities include a variety of independent village shops, public houses, restaurants, a convenience store, petrol station, medical centre and a hotel and spa. Comprehensive shopping is at Haywards Heath, Crawley and Brighton (three miles, nine miles and 17 miles respectively).

There are many leisure activities available in the area including many bridlepaths and footpaths across the surrounding countryside and the nearby South Downs National Park and Ashdown Forest. There is sailing at Ardingly, and golf across the county, including at Cuckfield, Mid Sussex, Haywards Heath, Lindfield and Piltdown.

There is a vibrant cultural and arts scene in Sussex, with world-class opera at Glyndebourne and the annual Brighton and Charleston Festivals presenting a huge programme of theatre, dance, classical music and literary events. Sussex is ideal for food and drink enthusiasts: there are many renowned gastro pubs and Michelin accredited restaurants locally, and the region is at the heart of England's emerging wine scene. Spa and country house hotels include Gravetye Manor, Alexander House, Ashdown Park Hotel and Ockenden Manor, which is in the village.

Transport: Balcombe station, 2.5 miles (London Bridge from 40 minutes), Haywards Heath station 3.3 miles distant (London Bridge/Victoria from 42 minutes). Gatwick airport 12.5 miles.

Schools: There are number of highly regarded state and independent schools in the area, including Holy Trinity Primary School, Warden Park Secondary Academy, Ardingly College, Cumnor House, Great Walstead School, Burgess Hill Girls, Hurstpierpoint College and Brighton College.

All times and distances are approximate.

Description

Tucked away at the end of a private lane, and approached via a long drive, Collins Farm House is a charming detached period property, believed to date in part from the C16th with later additions. Acquired by the current owners in 1995, and thoughtfully extended to create a wonderful family home, Collins Farm House presents an exciting opportunity for its next owners to refresh and put their own stamp on. It has plenty of character, with brick and tile hung elevations under a tiled roof (refurbished c.five years ago). There are charming period details in the oldest portion of the house. The sitting room has beams and an inglenook fireplace, with an adjoining study and separate family room. The large open-plan kitchen/dining room features solid wood cabinetry, a tiled floor, and an Aga — the heart of the home.

The spacious and bright conservatory has a wonderful outlook over the garden; it is fitted with a wood burning stove and has the benefit of underfloor heating. A practical utility room lies to the rear of the kitchen, with a fitted larder area, wine rack and space for appliances, while a cloakroom completes the ground floor.

On the first floor, the principal bedroom showcases the original floorboards and beams; it has built-in cupboards, a beautiful en suite bathroom with a free-standing bath and dual basins, and an attic used as a dressing room. The remaining three bedrooms (two with fitted wardrobes and one with eaves access) are served by a family bathroom.

Gardens & Grounds
To the west of Collins Farm House, across the driveway, is a substantial building currently providing ancillary accommodation, known as Collins Farm Barn. It is currently configured as an open plan sitting/dining room, kitchen, shower room and three bedrooms.

Collins Farm House is surrounded by a pretty garden, with a brick path flanked by well-stocked flowerbeds. To the north of the house is a terrace and covered barbecue area with power connected, providing an ideal spot for relaxed outdoor entertaining, with views to the Ouse Valley Viaduct. The eastern garden is laid to lawn, and to the south is light woodland with a large pond, frequented by ducks and wildlife.

The detached double garage has a wine store and an attached oak-framed potting shed. Further outbuildings include a greenhouse and a timber framed workshop. The grounds surrounding the House and Barn extend to about 2.28 acres. The 5.5 acre paddock lies at the foot of the driveway, adjacent to Sparks Lane, a short distance from Collins Farm House. In all, about 7.8 acres.

Directions

From the A272 east of Haywards Heath, take the B2036 north through Cuckfield. At the Co-op, take the second exit at the mini roundabout to stay on the B2036 (signposted Balcombe). After about 0.7 of a mile turn left on to Sparks Lane, continue forward towards the end of the lane and the driveway is on the right.