Keymer Road, Burgess Hill, Sussex De L'ouest

Dating from the 1850s, Fairlawn is an elegant attached Victorian villa, proudly restored to a single impressive family home after previously having been divided into two flats. Acquired by the current owners 30 years ago, the property has undergone a careful and comprehensive programme of refurbishment, sensitively reinstating its original grandeur while enhancing its practical modern living spaces.

Beautifully presented throughout in warm, rich tones that perfectly complement the home’s grand Victorian heritage, Fairlawn combines exquisite original period details with expertly crafted reproductions. Intricate plasterwork and ceiling roses adorn many rooms, while stripped and polished wood floors run beneath soaring ceilings. Elegant open fireplaces, period-style column radiators, and expansive sash windows flood the rooms with natural light.

Set back from the road behind an expanse of lawn, the house is approached via a gated gravel driveway that sweeps gracefully to the front, framed by well-stocked flower and shrub beds, rhododendrons, and mature trees which provide privacy and a striking approach.

Steps rise to a pillared portico, where a stained glass front door opens to an entrance vestibule. Double doors lead through to the reception hall, where a polished wood floor and space for a central table set the tone for the home’s elegant yet practical layout. A wide staircase with a mahogany handrail ascends to the first floor, while under-stair access leads to a large cellar comprising multiple storage rooms.

There are two handsome, dual-aspect formal reception rooms, both enjoying direct access via doors to the south-facing terrace. The sitting room, with its bay window overlooking the front garden, features a cast iron fireplace with tiled inset and grey marble surround; the dining room is a characterful space with a bay window to the garden, an open brick fireplace with a raised fire basket, and a classical-style mantel, all complemented by stunning plasterwork and ceiling roses highlighted with delicate gold leaf.

A generous study, overlooking the front of the property, offers versatile space that could serve as a third reception room. It benefits from a fireplace flanked by fitted cupboards and bespoke bookshelving.

The kitchen is fitted with bespoke, hand-built solid wood cabinetry and display cupboards, woodblock worktops, and a central island housing a butler sink. A tiled former fireplace provides space to accommodate a range oven, while integrated appliances include a dishwasher and plumbing for an American-style fridge freezer. Original servants’ bells remain in place over the kitchen door, a charming reminder of the home’s history. An adjoining utility room offers further space and plumbing for laundry appliances, while a beautifully appointed shower room, adorned with William Morris wallpaper and a Lefroy Brooks suite, completes the ground floor accommodation.

On the first floor, the wide turned staircase continues to a landing serving five attractively presented and well-proportioned bedrooms, four of which retain charming feature fireplaces. These rooms are served by a newly-created en suite shower room to bedroom four, together with a family bathroom featuring an elegant domed ceiling and a roll-top bath, alongside a separate WC. A hatch with fitted ladder leads to a partially-boarded attic which formerly housed Victorian servant quarters. The attic has standing room and expired planning permission for conversion into additional bedrooms, a games room and bathroom accommodation.

Outside
Fairlawn’s mature and beautifully tended gardens extend to just over half an acre, wrapping around three sides of the house. A charming archway in the hedge at the side of the house links the front garden to a further lawned area, edged with mature trees and shrubs. A raised, Mediterranean-style south-facing terrace adjoins the house, accessed directly from both the sitting and dining rooms, providing an ideal spot for outdoor dining and entertaining. The garden continues around to the east, where there are two greenhouses, well-stocked and productive raised beds, a wildflower garden, and a secret garden screened by a further arched hedge.

Vehicular access to the rear is via a secondary driveway off Ferndale Road, leading to a range of garaging including a modern detached double garage with electronic roller door and workshop area, alongside two attached single garages.

In all, about 0.53 of an acre.