Shortbridge Road, Piltdown, Uckfield, East Sussex

Grade II listed, The Forge is a characterful and well-balanced home, centred around a much older core dating back some 300–350 years, later complemented by a sympathetic 1930s addition and subsequent extensions. The original forge – now the sitting room – together with the adjoining workshop (now a snug), forms the historic heart of the house, while the later accommodation provides comfortable and practical living suited to modern needs.

Externally, the house sits beneath a tiled roof with attractive half-weatherboarded, two-colour brick elevations. Double glazed casement windows with latticed panes sit comfortably alongside retained period details, including an original cast iron window within the sitting room. Our client has undertaken a thoughtful programme of improvement throughout, carefully preserving the building’s character. In particular, the former forge has been enhanced by opening the vaulted ceiling to reveal handsome timbers, alongside insulation, re-tiling and the addition of underfloor heating.

A solid wood front door with fanlight above opens into a welcoming entrance hall with oak flooring, staircase to the first floor and a well-appointed cloakroom. There are three reception rooms, each with its own distinct character. To the front, the snug – formerly the workshop – is a comfortable dual-aspect room with fitted cupboards, shelving and exposed timbers. The sitting room is a striking space, where the building’s origins are most evident, with a vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and a brick beehive fireplace forming a natural focal point. Leaded light windows with timber mullions, together with retained tool holders set within the frame, provide a clear link to the building’s past, while a stable door opens to the side. The dining room is a well-proportioned space with oak flooring, a carved stone fireplace and a bay with a door opening onto the terrace.

The dining room leads through to the kitchen, fitted with bespoke cabinetry, a combination of stone and wood worktops and a central island with breakfast seating. A bright breakfast area, with French doors opening onto the garden, provides space for informal dining. The kitchen is supported by a practical utility room with further storage and garden access.

Upstairs, the landing includes linen storage and access to the attic. The principal suite occupies the western wing and comprises a spacious bedroom with fitted wardrobes, eaves storage and a refitted en suite bathroom. There are three further bedrooms, all with fitted storage (two with basins), served by a shower room.

Outside
The property is approached via a short stretch of private lane from Shortbridge Road and is well screened from view by neat, mature hedging. A block paved driveway provides parking to the front and leads to a weatherboarded tandem double garage with doors at either end, together with an adjoining workshop. A secondary access behind the garage provides additional parking and gated entry to the garden.

The gardens have been carefully landscaped during our client’s ownership and are particularly well stocked, offering colour and interest throughout the seasons. To the rear of the house is a generous stone terrace with flower and shrub borders, beyond which steps rise to an expanse of lawn edged by shaped planting, with a raised well. A rose-covered archway leads to a more relaxed area of garden, laid to meadow with mown pathways, alongside a greenhouse, raised vegetable beds and a well-appointed garden office/gym (installed in 2021), with electric heating, lighting and modern fittings.

In all, the grounds extend to just over half an acre, enclosed by post and rail fencing and mature trees, with a more open aspect along the western boundary allowing for views across the surrounding countryside.