Location

Situated in the picturesque village of Ditchling, which falls within the South Downs National Park and is well-known for its artistic community and many historic listed houses. Little Straddles is on the outskirts of the village, yet enjoys easy access to its independent shops, two public houses and primary school. The nearby town of Burgess Hill (four miles) offers a range of high street shops and supermarkets including Waitrose; the seaside City of Brighton and Hove (seven miles), which lies beyond the Downs to the south and is regarded as one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, with a fantastic mix of award winning restaurants, theatre culture, and comprehensive shopping.

There are many leisure activities available locally, including local clubs for football, rugby, cricket and theatre; across Sussex, activities include show jumping at Hickstead, sailing at Ardingly and golf at Mannings Heath or one of the many courses across the county. The surrounding countryside offers miles of footpaths and bridleways. Sussex has a diverse cultural and arts scene, with world-class opera at Glyndebourne, and the annual Brighton Festival presenting a huge programme of theatre, dance, classical music and literary events. There are many renowned gastro pubs and Michelin accredited restaurants locally, and the region is at the heart of England's emerging wine scene. Spa and country house hotels include Gravetye Manor, Alexander House, Ashdown Park Hotel and Ockenden Manor.
   
Mainline rail services: Hassocks station (2.6 miles, London Bridge/Victoria from 48 minutes) and Burgess Hill station (four miles, London Bridge/Victoria from 51 minutes).

Schools: There are a number of highly regarded schools and colleges in the local area, including St. Margaret's Primary School in Ditchling, Downlands Community College in Hassocks, Hurstpierpoint College, Ardingly College, Burgess Hill Girls, Brighton College and Roedean.

All times and distances are approximate.

Description

Situated on a country lane on the outskirts of Ditchling, Little Straddles is a substantial detached modern home. The house was originally built in the 1950 and significantly extended in the 1980s. The current owners acquired the house 2018 and began a programme of redecorating and upgrading, including replacing the double glazing throughout. The property has a pleasing layout, arranged over two floors, and outstanding views from its front, south facing elevation to Ditchling Beacon and the South Downs. It is ideally suited to family life, offering between four and six bedrooms across the ground and first floors, depending on needs, and a ground floor shower room.

The 25 foot dual aspect sitting room is particularly light and bright, with a large bay window to the front, French doors to the patio at the rear, and the benefit of a working open fireplace.

The kitchen/dining room is well-equipped with bespoke grey painted wood cabinets, granite worktops and an island fitted with a Butler sink; there is space for a range cooker in a tiled recess, and space for a dishwasher and a fridge/freezer. The kitchen is open to the dining room, a vaulted single storey extension to the front of the house, with full height glazing (including French doors) to two elevations framing the spectacular views of Ditchling Beacon.

There are three more versatile rooms on the ground floor, a study which shares the views to the front and at the rear, two further rooms which offer additional bedroom or study space, or space to relax – they are currently configured as an office (bedroom five) and gym (bedroom six). Beyond, at the rear of the a kitchen, is a ground floor shower room, and a utility room with space for a washing machine and tumble dryer .

Little Straddles is reached via a gravelled driveway which slopes up, opening out to offer parking for several vehicles. To the side of the drive is an elevated level lawn and a sunny south-facing patio, accessed by French doors from the dining room, creating a wonderful spot to eat al fresco and enjoy the wonderful setting. The rear garden is fully enclosed, with side access via a wrought iron gate; there is brick paved path spanning the rear elevation, opening out to a patio offering space for table and chairs. The large timber framed workshop at the rear has power connected, and a raised bed ahead. The rear garden is mainly laid to level lawn, with ornamental beds at the rear; there is panelled fencing at the rear and sides.

Agent's Note: The freestanding kitchen appliances (including the range cooker) are not included in the sale.