Birch Grove, Horsted Keynes

Idlehurst is a gorgeous family home set in an idyllic location, just outside Horsted Keynes, on the edge of the Ashdown Forest. The house is typical of the period with a wide hallway, large sash windows, high ceilings and generously proportioned rooms. The property and the gardens are full of charm and romance, sitting on a rural plot in a small hamlet of houses near the forest. The views to the south and north are breath-taking and the many bridal and public footpaths around the area are numerous.

It is believed Idlehurst dates from the mid-19th century with later additions and has been a much-loved family home for many years. The accommodation is perfectly laid out for both formal entertaining and family life, with all rooms offering beautiful views of the gardens.

The property is entered through a covered porch into a large entrance hall laid with terracotta tiles and a staircase leading up to the first floor. Off the hall is a delightful country style kitchen with fitted cupboards, oil fired four-oven AGA, a breakfast area and French doors leading out to a paved patio, used for alfresco dining. There is a large double aspect drawing room with fireplace, leading to the formal dining room, which has French doors leading out into the garden. Off the other side of the hall is a family room and the original entrance door and porch to the southern elevation. The ground floor also boasts a fantastic boot/utility room with fitted cupboards and shelves and a downstairs cloakroom completes the ground floor area.

The staircase leads to a spacious first-floor landing with fitted bookcases, off which is a viewing balcony showcasing the incredible views of the South Downs. Off the landing is the principal bedroom suite with ensuite bathroom. There are 2 double bedrooms and a single bedroom/study and a large family bathroom on this floor. There are two more good-sized bedrooms and a bathroom on the second floor with spectacular views across the Sussex countryside and considerable eaves storage.

Idlehurst is set in a quiet hamlet on the edge of Horsted Keynes, full of charm and wildlife. There is off-road parking and a garage all fenced in for privacy and ease of access. The gardens and grounds are truly magical with formal topiary hedges and roses, beautiful mature specimen trees, and large hedges with many herbaceous and perennial borders. There is a pond at the rear of the property and a large field across the lane, with an orchard, fruit cage and a spectacular view of the Ashdown Forest on the horizon.

The property benefits from a large swimming pool and enchanting self-contained cottage with shower room, kitchen area and a large downstairs sitting room plus an upstairs studio.

Idlehurst is situated off a quiet country lane on the edge of the village of Horsted Keynes and the Ashdown Forest, in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Outdoor pursuits available include horse riding and golf, there are also many footpaths and bridlepaths across the countryside.

Comprehensive shopping can be found in Haywards Heath (8.4 miles) and East Grinstead (7 miles). Further shopping and an excellent range of leisure and entertainment is on offer in Tunbridge Wells (14 miles) and Brighton (22 miles). There are mainline rail services from Haywards Heath and East Grinstead to London Bridge and Victoria.

There are many highly regarded state and independent schools in the area; Danehill and Horsted Keynes Primary schools, Cumnor House, Brambletye and Great Walstead Prep schools, Michael Hall School, Ardingly College and Worth, Chailey and Warden Park Secondary schools.

Key facts

• EPC rating: F (score 37; potential rating C).
• Parking: off street, garage.
• Outside: garden, land.