Beacon Road, Ditchling, Hassocks

Hillway House is a handsome and substantial Grade II listed Arts & Crafts house, dating from 1924 and designed by the architect and writer A. J. Penty. Closely aligned with his architectural thinking, it informed many of his ideas on domestic design, later set out in The Elements of Domestic Design (1930), and remains a clear expression of his approach, combining practicality with a disciplined focus on materials, proportion and craftsmanship.

Constructed of bespoke Belgian red brick with metal casement windows, the house makes consistent use of oak timbers and joinery throughout. Its linear plan is arranged on a north–south axis, allowing the principal ground floor rooms to enjoy a dual aspect and excellent natural light, while the bedrooms above are oriented towards the garden. The elevations are restrained and well balanced, reflecting Arts & Crafts principles in their emphasis on integrity of design over ornament.

The current owners have undertaken a thoughtful programme of improvement, enhancing the house while respecting its architectural integrity and Penty’s original intent. Later additions have been carefully assimilated, including the rebuilding and incorporation of the former servants’ wing in 1997, construction of a detached coach house in 2001, and the addition of an L-shaped garden store and potting shed in 2012, all in keeping with the original style and materials.

An oak front door, set within a stone surround with a date stone above, opens to a reception hall with woodblock flooring and a panelled staircase rising to the first floor. An inset iron stove set on a herringbone brick hearth forms a natural focal point, while French doors open directly onto the terrace. A cloakroom with WC lies off the hall.

There are three principal reception rooms. The sitting room is of generous scale, with an oak-panelled bay window incorporating mullions and a window seat overlooking the garden, and a brick fireplace with stone surround and herringbone hearth. The dining room features a square bay to the garden, parquet flooring and a clay-tiled fireplace. The breakfast room provides a more informal space, with tiled flooring and French doors to the garden, with room for both dining and seating. An archway leads to the kitchen, fitted with Smallbone cabinetry, granite worktops, a gas-fired Aga and integrated appliances, with an adjoining utility room.

A large triple-aspect study, fitted with extensive Neville Johnson cabinetry, offers flexibility and could equally serve as an additional reception room.

On the first floor are five well-proportioned bedrooms, all overlooking the rear garden, some with glimpses towards the South Downs. These are served by a family bathroom, separate WC and an en suite to bedroom two. A sixth bedroom has been arranged as a dressing room to the principal suite, fitted with Smallbone wardrobes and served by an en suite shower room.

Outside
The approach is defined by timber double gates, made to Penty’s design and set on brick piers, opening to a gravelled driveway with a turning circle centred on a lawn. Mature trees and established hedging provide strong screening from Beacon Road.

To one side stands the detached coach house, built in keeping with the main house, providing a double garage with electronically operated doors, together with a spiral wine cellar, store and a staircase rising to a versatile room above, suitable as a gym, studio or home office.

To the front is a fenced tennis court, while a separate pedestrian access leads to the original eastern entrance, from where an archway opens to a loggia and log store, continuing through to the rear garden.

The rear garden is well landscaped, with a raised stone terrace extending along the rear elevation, steps descending to a broad lawn with pathways and planted beds, centred around a mature magnolia. A deep belt of trees and mature laurel encloses the boundary, creating a strong sense of seclusion.

To the west, a pergola-clad walkway with climbing roses leads past a productive kitchen garden with fruit cage and raised beds to a range of outbuildings including a potting shed, workshop and garden store, all with power connected. Beyond lies a discreetly screened area for composting and storage, with a private gate opening onto a footpath leading directly onto the Downs.

A further area of lawn lies to the western side of the house, with a brick archway providing a visual link back towards the front approach.

In all, about 1.3 acres.