Location

Parsonage House is occupies a corner plot of about three quarters of an acre, in a residential area a short distance from Henfield's bustling village high street. Henfield is a thriving village situated in glorious countryside, just outside the South Downs National Park and offers a range of independent shops, library, cafes and public houses, leisure centre and medical centre.   

Comprehensive shopping: Horsham 11 miles and Brighton 12 miles, both offering an excellent range of shops, trades, services and entertainment facilities.

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 the south coast, golf at Mannings Heath, Singing Hills and Pyecombe, and racing at Goodwood, Brighton, Fontwell and Plumpton. Spa and country house hotels include South Lodge, Wickwoods Country Club, and Ockenden Manor. There are miles of footpaths and bridleways across the surrounding countryside.

Hassocks lies seven miles to the east, and has a mainline railway station with services to London Victoria and Gatwick. Henfield is situated between the A24 and the A23 both of which give good access to the major routes in the area including the M23/M25 and national motorway network. Gatwick is approximately 24.5 miles.

Schools: There is an excellent range of state and independent schools and colleges in the local area, including St. Peter's Primary School, Handcross Park School, Hurstpierpoint College, Lancing College, Burgess Hill Girls, Windlesham House and Brighton College. A number of private schools offer bus services for students which stop in the village.   

All distances and journey times are approximate.

Description

Historical Note
Parsonage House was formerly the home of Henry Bysshop (1606-1692) who came into possession of the property on the death of his father. He was Post Master General from 1660 to 1663, an office granted to him by King Charles II. He is remembered for introducing the first postmark, now referred to as 'Bishops Mark', designed to show the date a letter was received by the Post Office to ensure that the dispatch of letters would not be delayed.

The Civil War (1642 – 1651) was a time of unrest for the people of Henfield, as in all areas within a reasonable distance from London. In the failed campaign of 1642 to capture Lewes for the King, Parliamentarians occupied Henfield and Bysshop is said to have escaped arrest by hiding in a secret cupboard at Parsonage House, known as a priest hole, which still exists today.

Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh filmed at Parsonage House and included it in his documentary series 'Crown and Country' due to its historic significance.

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Description
Parsonage House is a beautifully presented village house, set in a convenient location and extending to approximately 7,111 sq ft including the annexe and pool. It is Grade II listed, and the original house is believed to date from the 1400. The property was enlarged in the Georgian period and is characterised by an elegant double-fronted façade. Internally, the property benefits from well proportioned, comfortable reception rooms and a layout which is ideal for modern family living, cleverly combining its character period features, including exposed timbers and panelling, casement windows and a number of original fireplaces with stylish interiors.

The accommodation is arranged over three floors, and offers three generous reception rooms currently arranged as an elegant double aspect drawing room with a bay window to the front and marble feature fireplace with moulded surround.
There are two further formal reception rooms; a spacious dining room, featuring a handsome inglenook fireplace with oak bressemer and inset woodburner, and a family room with cast iron fireplace and stone surround.

Beyond is the kitchen/breakfast room, served by utility room which in turn leads to a large former fireplace which provides unique entrance to the indoor swimming pool complex. A cloakroom and plenty of storage completes the ground floor.

On the first floor, the principal bedroom has a beautifully fitted en suite bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe; there is a spacious guest suite and two further bedrooms with a family bathroom.

On the second floor is a wonderful guest suite comprising a sitting room/bedroom seven, shower room and a bedroom with eaves storage, and a further bedroom.

Studio Annexe
The annexe can be completely self-contained, with its own front door opening from the courtyard, and offers a living room, two bedrooms and a shower room.

Outside
Parsonage House is approached via electronically operated, double wrought iron gates, which open outwards, leading to a large gravelled parking area lying to the front of the house, with an EV charging point fitted. To the south of the parking area is an area of lawn with a pond; to the eastern side of the house is gated pedestrian access to the enclosed courtyard and seating area, giving access to the annexe, the covered storage areas and the boiler room.

The principal garden lies to the west of the house and is of particular note, being predominantly laid to lawn with a grass tennis court. It is well enclosed by a number of mature trees and shrubs. A stone terrace spans the western side of the house, which extends up to the pool complex, creating a fantastic pot for entertaining with arcade of wisteria and rose clad brick pillars.

In all, the plot extends to about 0.73 of an acre.

Directions

From Haywards Heath, proceed west on the A272 and at Cowfold, bear left onto the A281 to Henfield. Once in the village, proceed south along the High Street and take the first turning on the right into Church Street. Take the second turning on the right hand side into Parsonage Road and Parsonage House is the first property on the left.