Downsview Wellhouse Lane | Keymer | Burgess Hill | West Sussex | RH15 0BN Downsview.indd 1
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Seller Insight This extremely attractive family home, which is a fine example of 1930s architecture, occupies an enviable semi-rural location, just a few minutes from Burgess Hill. “My husband and I have six children and so what initially attracted us to Downsview was the fact that it had space for all of them individually, combined with rooms large enough for us to enjoy as a family,” says the owner. “However the other real selling point was the setting. It has all the benefits of a peaceful rural location, a lovely big garden and views to the South Downs, and yet at the same time it’s exceptionally accessible to all the local amenities.” “When we purchased the property it had been well maintained by the former owners but was quite dated and didn’t make good use of space, so during our time here we’ve made significant alterations. We added a two-storey rear extension, which greatly increased the space on the ground floor, and on the first floor we made all of the bedrooms accessible via a central corridor. We also added two en-suite shower rooms, a new family bathroom and on the top floor we created a stunning master suite with dressing room, en-suite bathroom and a lovely little balcony. Our aim was to make a 1930s house have every benefit of modern functionality and it’s now not only a really beautiful home but also wonderfully comfortable to live in.” “The property has also been a fantastic way to showcase my husband’s architectural glass business. Glass has been used extensively and is not only incredibly functional but it also gives the house a contemporary feel without interfering with the original architecture.” “The garden is another lovely feature of this property and relatively low maintenance with lawns, shrubs, two beautiful mature willow trees and a small orchard area. We added a planted area with a swing seat to break up the lawns, and of course the swimming pool, which is heated and deep enough for diving and big enough to actually swim in, and it has been a real highlight of family life. The garden is also a wonderful place for entertaining and during our time here we’ve held two weddings. Both had the benefit of glorious sunny days and while one was a full sit-down affair in a huge marquee, the other was more bohemian with picnic hampers on the lawn and dancing until the early hours. They were both much enjoyed by us and our guests!” “The kitchen!” says the owner. “It’s a wonderful space for family gatherings and entertaining, with plenty of room in the kitchen area to allow people to help or sit and chat, and the dining area is big enough to comfortably seat our extended family, which now includes partners and grandchildren. It also opens directly onto the patio making it very light and airy, and the adjoining reception space is a perfect place for games or relaxing.” “It’s a wonderful private and peaceful place that gives the impression of being miles from anywhere, yet it’s within walking distance of a mainline train station with easy, direct links to London and Brighton – which the children really appreciated as teenagers – and less than thirty minutes from Gatwick airport. We’re also just minutes from the South Downs National Park and close to the pretty villages of Ditchling and Hurstpierpoint.” “We originally built the summerhouse as a small home office but later extended it to accommodating a thriving business. It has all services and is fully wired for computer networks, phones and alarms. At one stage we used it as a games room but the building could easily be converted to provide additional living accommodation or maybe used as a fitness space and sauna adjoining the swimming pool.” “I think it will be the ease and comfort of living here that we’ll miss most,” says the owner. “Everything has been designed and built to a very high standard and works very efficiently, so it’s an exceptionally comfortable house to live in. When we did the renovations every aspect of it was thought through and it’s the little things that make a big difference. It will take a long time to replicate this in a new home.” * These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.
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Step inside Downsview
DESCRIPTION Downsview is the perfect example of the forever family home, well designed for exceptionally comfortable family living with six double bedrooms, spacious reception areas and a large mature garden of just under an acre. Originally built in the 1930’s it has been developed by the current owners to a very high specification, with much of the design reflecting the owners business as a leading provider of architectural glass. The house offers views of the South Downs, combining a secluded location on a private road with easy access to local facilities. Halfway along Wellhouse Lane you will find Downsview, flanked by two mature oak trees and overlooking fields. On first sight it is deceptive from the lane but clear benefits include ample off street parking, a large detached double garage and a workshop.The pretty front lawn leads up to the front door, with a side gate into the rear garden also providing separate access to the garden building (currently used as a home office/studio). Upon entering through the front door you are immediately struck by the quality and proportions of the home, the hall, which is complemented by solid oak flooring, is separated from the entrance porch by a bespoke frameless glass door, maximising the natural light into the space. Leading off the hall, to the right are two large reception rooms: the sitting room/snug would have originally been the dining room and sits at the front of the house with a bay window overlooking the garden; the principal lounge is set to the rear and has a lovely wood -burning stove, perfect in the winter months. Sliding doors connect the lounge to the heated conservatory, ideal for entertaining and with access to the patio area. Back across the hallway, passing by the cloakroom, you enter the true hub of the home. The kitchen/dining room runs the full depth of the house with French doors opening onto the garden. A fine space to enjoy the company of friends and family you are spoilt by the open nature of the kitchen. Beautiful bespoke coloured glass work surfaces and splashbacks complement the extensive range of wooden units built to accommodate a Rangemaster dual-fuel range, built in wine fridge and separate boiling water (Quooker) sink. The large walk-in pantry includes a floor to ceiling wine rack, American-style fridge and separate freezer; there’s also a separate utility room.
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A wide archway leads into a further family reception area which has had a variety of uses over the years, including a generous and accessible play area for younger children. The room benefits from a wood burning stove and doors leading into the rear garden. Completing the ground floor there is a dual-aspect study, with south-facing views and a separate side entrance door. Moving onto the first floor the well proportioned accommodation continues; a spacious landing area bathed in natural light, courtesy of the floor to ceiling windows over the staircase, connects the five double bedrooms. Three overlook the rear garden whilst the other two overlook the front with views to the Downs. The primary bedroom comes complete with its own en-suite shower-room, whilst the remaining bedrooms share a large family bathroom and separate shower-room. All the bath/shower-rooms are individually designed, showcasing luxurious bespoke frameless glass shower enclosures and high-spec styling. The bedrooms benefit from extensive fitted cupboards and spacious storage. A well-lit further staircase leads to the master suite on the second floor. With large windows to the front and a wonderful balcony overlooking the rear you are surrounded by greenery being level with the treetops. An extensive dressing room with a range of fitted cupboards is a highly desirable feature adding to the exquisite private bathroom, again individually designed and featuring a fully bespoke frameless glass shower enclosure with steam and body jets in addition to the separate bath. Externally the rear garden has been landscaped; predominantly laid to lawn but interspersed with various beds, mature hedging and trees providing seclusion and privacy without encroachment. In the summer months the heated swimming pool provides a focal point for entertaining the whole family. A variety of outbuildings, sheds (including a former stable-block) and a greenhouse prove very useful.
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Step inside Downsview
The garden also benefits from the installation of a large summer-house. Currently home to a thriving business the building is separated into three rooms plus a cloakroom and kitchenette. Whilst proving beneficial in its current guise it would be fair to offer this space as ancillary accommodation for elderly relatives or a younger family unit. The property lies 1.5 miles from the town of Burgess Hill benefitting from a mainline railway station to London Victoria & London Bridge, an excellent range of shops and facilities including a Waitrose supermarket. Burgess Hill School for Girls; Hurst College and an excellent choice of primary and secondary state schools are within easy reach.The A23 offers easy access to Brighton and Gatwick Airport whilst the pretty villages of Ditchling and Hurstpierpoint are nearby; the South Downs National Park offers a lifetime of walking and outdoor adventures.
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Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Copyright Š 2017 Fine & Country Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg No. 06959315 Registered Office: Morgan Alexander Kent Ltd (formerly Fine & Country Kent Ltd.) 36 King Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1BS. Printed 17.04.2018
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Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1825 767575 uckfield@fineandcountry.com 160 High Street, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 1AT
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