An elegant Arts & Crafts home in a glorious semi-rural setting, rich in character and with scope to modernise.
Set in a glorious semi-rural location between the sought-after villages of Cuckfield and Staplefield, Hammer Hill House is a handsome detached home of significant character, built in 1928 in the Sussex vernacular style. With brick and half tile-hung elevations, tall chimney stacks, the original metal-framed casement windows and gable ends, the house reflects the charm and principles of the Arts & Crafts movement - a celebration of craftsmanship, natural materials, and architectural integrity. Angled rooms, a sense of gentle asymmetry, and a wealth of oak joinery combine to create a home of quiet distinction and enduring appeal.
Owned by the same family for nearly four decades, Hammer Hill House has clearly been a comfortable and much-loved family home. Its generously proportioned rooms, many of which enjoy a dual aspect, offer both space and versatility, while the surrounding gardens and woodland, extending to just over four and a half acres, provide an idyllic backdrop and a sense of seclusion. The name itself is thought to be a nod to Cuckfield's historic links to the Wealden iron industry - a charming detail for those with an interest in local history.
The house is approached via a sweeping driveway, flanked by areas of lawn and fruit trees, which culminates in a parking area ahead of the double garage with EV charging point. A heavy oak front door opens to a tiled entrance lobby with coats cupboard and cloakroom, and from here, a part-glazed inner door leads into the entrance hall - a welcoming space featuring a turned oak staircase rising to the galleried first-floor landing.
The reception rooms are arranged to make the most of the natural light and garden views. The dual-aspect sitting room is a particularly lovely space, with a large square bay and a door opening directly on to the rear terrace. A stripped wood floor and a slate fireplace with a carved timber mantel and raised fire basket add warmth and character. The morning room/study also has garden access and an open fireplace, while the dining room - again dual aspect - features a square bay and stripped wood floors, creating an ideal setting for formal entertaining.
The kitchen is fitted with painted wooden cabinetry, a four-oven Aga set within a tiled recess, a butchers block-style island, and a ceramic sink with drainer. There is also a four-ring electric hob and an integrated dishwasher, and a walk-in pantry with marble cold shelf leads through to a wine store. The adjoining breakfast room has a wooden floor and ample space for a large table. A utility room with wooden worktops, painted cabinetry, and butler sink lies off the inner hall, and there is a second cloakroom and practical boot room to the rear, with a courtesy door to the garage.
Upstairs, the galleried landing opens to four bedrooms, each with its own aspect and outlook over the surrounding gardens. The principal bedroom has an en suite shower room, while bedroom two is fitted with a good range of bespoke furniture. Bedroom three, currently used as a study, features a cast iron fireplace. A family bathroom, separate shower room, and WC serve the remaining bedrooms.
Gardens & Grounds
Hammer Hill House is beautifully positioned within its plot, with gardens wrapping around the house and unfolding to reveal formal lawns, structured rose gardens, wildflower meadows, and a swathe of mature woodland with two tree-lined ponds. A paved terrace spans the rear of the house and offers a covered loggia with a mature wisteria - a perfect spot for al fresco dining or enjoying the westerly aspect.
To the south lies a formal parterre garden, edged with box hedging and brick pathways, centred around ornamental water features and richly planted with roses.
To the north, another formal area is planted with a variety of shrubs and perennials, and from here, a covered walkway leads into a belt of woodland that stretches westwards, where two large ponds provide a natural retreat.
To the front of the house, well-screened from the road by mature planting and fruit trees, is a productive kitchen garden with raised beds, timber garden sheds, and a greenhouse. In all, the grounds extend to about 4.6 acres.
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This home clearly radiates warmth and care, having been cherished by one family for decades. Its spacious rooms and beautiful gardens create a truly inviting home.
Rohan VinesProperty agent