Handcross Road, Staplefield

Situated on the outskirts of the sought-after village of Staplefield, The Studio enjoys an enviable countryside setting, surrounded by woodland, open countryside and National Trust-owned land. With beautiful rural walks and the wider Sussex countryside immediately surrounding the property, yet the village, Cuckfield and Haywards Heath all within easy reach, it offers a wonderful balance of rural seclusion and everyday convenience.

Believed to date in parts from the late 1500s, The Studio is a truly individual barn conversion, thoughtfully designed to combine the character and architectural features of the original building with the comforts and style of modern family living. Exposed beams, original stonework and brickwork sit alongside contemporary finishes, creating a home that feels both authentic and beautifully considered.

At the heart of the house is an impressive open-plan kitchen, dining and family room, creating a relaxed space for everyday life and entertaining. The bespoke freestanding Fired Earth kitchen features a central island, electric range cooker, American-style fridge/freezer, integrated dishwasher and walk-in larder. Fired Earth tiled flooring, a contemporary slate fireplace with space for a wood-burning stove and glazed doors open directly onto the enclosed courtyard.

The drawing room occupies part of the original late-1500s barn and is particularly atmospheric, with exposed timbers, beams and stonework, a vaulted ceiling and an impressive working fireplace. An adjoining office/snug, with exposed brickwork, creates a flexible space for working from home, relaxing or reading.

The principal bedroom has a vaulted ceiling, en suite shower room and views across the garden. Three further double bedrooms are served by a beautifully appointed family bathroom with a freestanding bath and walk-in shower. The accommodation is complemented by a useful additional WC, with the potential for further adaptation if required.

Outside, the gardens are a truly special feature of The Studio. Beautifully established and thoughtfully arranged into a series of distinct spaces, they offer a wonderful sense of tranquillity and privacy, with something to enjoy throughout the seasons.

The walled courtyard is perfect for entertaining, with a central pagoda and climbing jasmine, while beyond, a shingle terrace overlooks two ornamental ponds — creating a tranquil spot to relax and enjoy the surrounding countryside.

There’s also a substantial 20-foot greenhouse, three garden stores, a large log store, plus a two-bay open car barn and generous private parking.

Life at The Studio is as much about its setting as the house itself. Staplefield is a much-loved Sussex village with two village pubs, a primary school, churches, village green, village hall and cricket field. Cuckfield, with its independent shops, cafés and restaurants, is approximately four miles away, while Haywards Heath is around 5.6 miles away and provides a wider range of amenities together with a mainline railway station offering services to London.

The surrounding countryside provides an exceptional choice of walks and woodland, with National Trust land forming an important part of the landscape around the property. Nymans and High Beeches are nearby, while sporting and leisure facilities include Mannings Heath and Haywards Heath golf clubs, Hickstead and Brighton Racecourse.The area is also well served by a number of highly regarded schools, including Handcross Park, Cottesmore, Hurstpierpoint College, Ardingly College and Burgess Hill School for Girls.

The property is offered on a leasehold basis, with the freehold retained by the National Trust.The freehold is owned by the National Trust, providing the rare opportunity to live alongside National Trust-owned land and enjoy an enduring connection to the woodland, walks and countryside that surround the property.

Ground rent £260 Per annum