Location
Extremely well presented detached family home in a sought-after private road on the edge of Cuckfield.
Merlewood is ideally situated: slightly elevated in well-enclosed gardens, in a sought-after private road. Its location is semi-rural and yet not remote, being within just four minutes' drive of both the bustling village of Cuckfield and its many village amenities, and Haywards Heath with its mainline station.
Merlewood dates from the 1930s and has been subsequently extended and improved over time - including a wonderful kitchen, dining and family area created by the current owners - resulting in a superb family home extending to approximately 3,021 square feet.
The front door opens to an entrance hall, off which lies a cloakroom and the formal dining room (a versatile third reception room). The two other reception rooms and the kitchen are arranged along the rear of the house, all with a lovely aspect over the garden and beyond, all with patio doors opening to the terrace, allowing the outside in. The spacious and elegant dual aspect sitting room features a large stone Minster fireplace; glazed double doors open to a dual aspect snug/playroom, in turn leading to the study.
The wonderful kitchen, dining and family room has been beautifully fitted with a unique range of hand-built solid wood cabinetry and a central island, with quartz worktops and an extensive range of integrated appliances; there is ample space for a large dining table and sofas. The room is flooded with natural light by way of a large roof lantern and bi-fold doors opening to the terrace, which create an almost seamless flow from the house to the garden. Lying off the kitchen is a utility room of generous proportions with plenty of cupboard space, plumbing for laundry appliances and a courtesy door to the integral garage.
There are five double bedrooms on the first floor, including an excellent principal suite comprising a generous bedroom with fabulous views, lots of fitted storage space and a fully tiled en suite bathroom including a bath and separate shower. The remaining four bedrooms are served by a family bathroom and separate shower room, both fitted with stylish modern suites. Bedroom five is currently used as a second study.
Outside
Merlewood sits in a plot of just under half an acre, with the house in an elevated position allowing some lovely views over the garden to the sunsets in the west.
The house is accessed from the lane through brick pillars, opening to a generous block paved driveway ahead of the house and integral garage.
A large paved terrace extends across the entire rear of the house, edged by outside lighting and offering a generous space for outside entertaining. Steps descend to the gently sloping lawn, which is dotted with shrubs and fruit trees and edged by high beech hedging and rhododendron, giving a high degree of privacy and seclusion. A second terrace is situated halfway down the garden, on which is the detached garden room and a sunken hot tub. The heated garden room is very well appointed, with power and Wi-Fi connected, offering the versatility to be used as an outdoor entertaining space, home office or gym.
Beyond the garden room are two timber storage sheds and a summer house with power connected, a greenhouse (in need of some repair) and a screened kitchen garden.
In all, about 0.44 of an acre.
View payable Stamp Duty for this property
I think the location of this house is spot on - it feels rural and yet not isolated, just a few minutes from both Cuckfield, one of my favourite Mid Sussex villages, and Haywards Heath with its many amenities.
Rohan VinesProperty agent