East Grinstead Road, North Chailey, Lewes, East Sussex

Tucked away in the heart of North Chailey, yet remarkably convenient for Haywards Heath, Lewes and the surrounding countryside, Redmans is a handsome Arts and Crafts style home dating from the 1930s. Constructed of red brick with part tile-hung elevations, the house successfully combines period character with spacious, modern interiors. During our clients’ sixteen-year ownership, the property has been thoughtfully extended and remodelled to create a light-filled home with an excellent flow for both everyday living and entertaining.

Steps rise to an overhung porch and the original oak front door, accompanied by a charming oriel window. The spacious entrance hall, with its wooden floor and turned staircase, provides an immediate sense of welcome. Double glazed doors open to a cosy dual-aspect sitting room with a fireplace housing an electric woodburner-style heater, while further doors lead through to the impressive open plan living and dining room. This superb space enjoys an expanse of folding doors opening onto the garden, three Velux rooflights, a feature stained glass window and a contemporary Contura woodburner, creating a room that is equally suited to entertaining and everyday life.

The kitchen/breakfast room is fitted with oak cabinetry and granite worktops, complemented by a central island in pale sage with breakfast bar seating. Appliances include a Leisure range cooker with five-ring gas hob, integrated dishwasher and undercounter freezer, with space for a fridge freezer. French doors open directly to the garden. Beyond the kitchen are a range of useful ancillary spaces including a laundry room, deep understairs storage cupboard, cloakroom and coats cupboard. The kitchen and utility areas benefit from electric underfloor heating.

On the first floor, a generous landing incorporates fitted bookshelving and access to the loft space, for which planning permission has been granted to create additional accommodation. The principal bedroom overlooks the garden and is served by twin walk-in wardrobes and an en suite bathroom with roll-top bath, separate shower and electric underfloor heating. There are three further bedrooms, all with fitted storage, whilst bedroom two enjoys French doors opening to a glazed Juliet balcony. A modern bathroom serves the remaining bedrooms.

Outside
A shared private driveway leads from East Grinstead Road to the property’s own driveway and turning circle. Mature trees, post and rail fencing and an area of lawn planted with young apple and pear trees provide an attractive approach and a good degree of screening from the road. Ample parking is available alongside two detached garages; a double garage with power and adjoining log store, and a tandem garage with power and fitted workbench.

The gardens are a particular feature of the property. Wrought iron gates beneath a brick archway open to a south-facing terrace, where a wisteria-clad elevation provides a delightful backdrop for outdoor dining. To the rear, a broad west-facing lawn stretches away from the house, bordered by mature trees, beech hedging and richly stocked flower borders. A productive kitchen garden includes raised beds and a greenhouse, whilst a rose and wisteria-clad pergola leads to a secluded seating area centred upon a raised fish pond and framed by beautiful acers and young ornamental trees.

In all, the gardens and grounds extend to about 0.52 acres.