Clearwater Lane, Haywards Heath, West Sussex

Green Lea is an exceptional detached country house occupying a semi-rural position between Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill, set within about 1.8 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with a delightful outlook across surrounding countryside. Originally built in the late 1960s, the property has been thoughtfully extended and reconfigured during our clients’ long ownership to create a substantial and highly versatile family home, including a beautifully appointed integral annexe.

Throughout, the house displays a timeless elegance, with classically inspired interiors, bespoke finishes and meticulous attention to detail. An entrance porch opens into a magnificent reception hall, undoubtedly one of Green Lea’s defining features. Arranged beneath a dramatic double-height ceiling with panelled walls, a galleried landing and an elegant staircase, it immediately establishes the scale and quality found throughout the house. Luxury Karndean and Amtico flooring extends through much of the ground floor, complemented by carefully curated decorative finishes.

The principal reception rooms flow naturally from this central space. The formal dining room opens on to the south-facing terrace and gardens, while double doors connect through to the beautifully proportioned drawing room, centred upon a Chesneys fireplace with Jotul wood-burning stove. A generous dual-aspect games or family room provides additional reception space, with direct access to the pool terrace and an elegant spiral staircase rising to the principal suite above.

At the heart of the house lies an outstanding open-plan kitchen, breakfast and dining room. Designed around a bespoke walnut Smallbone kitchen, this impressive space features extensive granite work surfaces, a substantial central island, quality integrated appliances and a large roof lantern above the dining area. Doors open on to the surrounding terraces and gardens, creating a seamless connection between inside and out. A utility room, rear hall and cloakroom complete the ground floor accommodation.

An internal connection leads through to a self-contained one-bedroom annexe, providing excellent flexibility for multi-generational living, guests or dependent relatives. With its own entrance, it comprises a sitting room, kitchen, bedroom, shower room and additional hobby or dressing room, all presented to the same exacting standard as the principal house.

The bedroom accommodation is arranged around the impressive galleried landing. The principal suite comprises a spacious bedroom opening on to a balcony, an en suite bathroom and an extensive fitted dressing room with a second balcony. A versatile study provides an ideal space for home working. The remaining bedrooms are served by beautifully appointed bath and shower facilities. One room is currently arranged as a cinema room but could readily serve as further bedroom accommodation if required, while a second-floor bedroom provides useful guest accommodation.

Having evolved to suit the changing needs of our clients’ growing family, the house offers exceptional versatility together with scope for further enhancement, subject to any necessary consents.

Gardens & Grounds
Green Lea is approached via a sweeping carriage driveway centred around an ornamental pond and fountain, providing extensive parking together with access to the detached triple garage. A useful secondary gated access is located further east along Clearwater Lane.

The gardens have been thoughtfully designed and beautifully maintained to create a series of distinctive outdoor spaces. Sweeping lawns surround the house while terraces wrap around much of the property. Highlights include an English rose garden, an oriental-style garden, ornamental water features, specimen planting and extensive outdoor lighting.

Completed in September 2025, the exceptional outdoor leisure complex provides a stunning focal point for the property. Centred around the heated swimming pool and expansive sun terraces, it incorporates a detached pool house and bar, beautifully finished in a striking Art Deco style and equipped for entertaining on an impressive scale.

Positioned separately from the pool area, a delightful breeze house provides an additional venue for outdoor dining and relaxation, while elsewhere within the grounds an enclosed kitchen garden incorporates a greenhouse and growing space. Further outbuildings include a garden store and ancillary garden buildings, all discreetly positioned within the landscaped grounds.

Green Lea represents a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptionally well-presented family home combining impressive entertaining space, versatile accommodation and beautifully designed gardens in a highly convenient semi-rural setting.