South Street, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, West Sussex

Believed to be one of the oldest inhabited properties in Cuckfield, Grade II listed Ockenden Cottage is a detached timber framed property offering plenty of character, with part-tile hung, part-stuccoed, and part-red brick elevations under a tiled roof. The central portion of the house is believed to date from the C15th and was possibly built as an open hall; it is flanked by later additions, including two wings believed to date from the C16th and C17th, and an early C20th extension.

Ockenden Cottage has been in the same family for over 50 years, and has clearly been a much-loved home; it now offers an exciting opportunity for its next owners to acquire an historic village house, and reimagine it to create a wonderful home.

The property has many delightful period features and offers plenty of living accommodation coupled with excellent storage space. Please note that, in keeping with the property’s age and history, there are some low beams and lintels, however head height is generally good.

The floorplans give comprehensive overview of the full extent of the versatile layout, which is arranged over two floors.

On the ground floor is a split-level reception hall, a drawing room, a dining room, and a study. At the rear, the kitchen/breakfast room has a two-oven gas fired Aga and a delightful arched breakfast area with a fanlight framing the view over the garden. Practical rooms include a pantry, a laundry, a cloakroom and a boiler room.

On the first floor, the principal suite comprises a bedroom, a bathroom and a dressing room/bedroom seven. There are six further bedrooms served by two bathrooms; these bedrooms could easily be configured as additional reception or study space if required.

Outside
To the south, Ockenden Cottage is set behind charming wrought iron railings, which are separately Grade II listed, and hedging; a lawn flanks the brick path which leads to the front door.

To the east of the house is an attached double garage, accessed via a right of way over the drive from South Street. It is attached to the former stables, which lead on to the studio, a two storey building offering a ground floor machinery store and storage, and a light and bright first floor studio with water and power connected, formerly used as an artist’s studio. This whole section may have potential for conversion to residential use, subject to the necessary consents and permissions.

The property has the benefit of rear access from Ockenden Lane, via a long private drive which leads up to the rear courtyard, opening out to provide parking for a several vehicles. There is an attached greenhouse, and a two-bay garage with access in turn to the former stables and to the laundry.

The gardens lie mainly to the west of the house and are a particular feature of the property; they are enclosed by an elegant brick wall at the rear and the sides, with fencing and hedging to the front. The gardens are beautifully landscaped with features including a rockery, a pond, a pergola walkway, lawns with well stocked beds, two west facing terraces and a further terrace accessed from the kitchen, creating a variety of spots to entertain and enjoy the garden. About 0.46 of an acre.

Agent’s notes
1. Ockenden Cottage enjoys right of access over the driveway from South Street to the garage and storage, owned by Oddynes.
2. Ockenden Cottage owns the driveway from Ockenden Lane, with the neighbours having right of access to their properties.
3. Ockenden Cottage is Grade II listed under ‘Ockenden House’. The wrought iron fencing to the front of the property is separately Grade II listed.