Location

1 Coppards Bridge is situated in North Chailey, close to the South Downs National Park. The village is rural yet not remote, with a gastro pub, village hall and Roeheath recreation ground and park - just a five-minute walk from the house. The parish church is a pleasant walk along the lane and across a meadow. The nearby village of Newick's thriving community includes a health centre, pharmacy, shops, bakery and a three pubs. Comprehensive shopping is available at Lewes (six miles), Uckfield (6.2 miles), Haywards Heath (6.5 miles) or Brighton (13 miles).   

Lewes is one of the oldest and most important towns in Sussex, with a rich and varied history. The town offers good schools and transport links, and has many independent restaurants and shops, a thriving farmer's market and a range of supermarkets and High Street chains.      

There is a vibrant cultural and arts scene across Sussex. Both Uckfield and Lewes have independent cinemas (The Picture House and The Depot respectively), local theatre companies, and there is world-class opera at Glyndebourne. The annual Brighton Festival presents a huge programme of theatre, dance, classical music and literary events.   

There are many leisure activities available in the area with bridlepaths and footpaths across the surrounding countryside, including Chailey Common, Ashdown Forest and the South Downs. There is racing at Plumpton, sailing at Ardingly, local clubs for rugby, cricket and football, golf across the county, and open air swimming at the Pells pool in Lewes. Nearby Sheffield Park is home to both the Bluebell Steam Railway and the renowned Sheffield Park National Trust gardens.

Transport links: there are frequent rail services to London from Haywards Heath (journey time to London Bridge/Victoria from 42 minutes) and Cooksbridge (four miles, from 65 minutes). Gatwick airport (20 miles).

Schools: There are many highly regarded schools in the area, both state and private, including St Peter's CEP School, Newick CEP School, Chailey Secondary School, Lewes Old Grammar School, Cumnor House, Great Walstead, Burgess Hill Girls, and Ardingly, Hurstpierpoint and Brighton Colleges.

All times and distances are approximate, walking and driving times taken from Google Maps.

Description

Believed to be the oldest house in North Chailey, 1 Coppards Bridge is an enchanting 15th century Sussex open-hall house dating back to 1473, offering a buyer the rare opportunity to become the custodian of a truly unique piece of history. This Grade II* property has been lovingly restored over the years, carefully preserving its original period features, including a magnificent oak screen, a fine leaded-light window, stunning wood floors, and exquisite beam and plasterwork interiors. The current owners have thoughtfully updated and redecorated, seamlessly blending modern comfort with the home's historic charm; the house additionally benefits from a pending planning application to extend the existing garden room to create a kitchen overlooking the garden, for one of the attic rooms to have a roof light installed and for conversion to a cinema/hobbies room, and for a detached double car port.

Nestled in the rural village of North Chailey, close to the South Downs National Park, the property enjoys a rural yet wonderfully accessible location, within easy reach of amenities and a variety of well-regarded schools. The village itself offers a gastro pub and village hall, while the nearby village of Newick (a three-minute drive) provides a vibrant community with a range of conveniences; the historic county town of Lewes is just six miles to the south. This home is a truly rare treasure - an extraordinary blend of history, beauty, and modern living.

1 Coppards Bridge is accessed day-to-day at the rear of the house, via a pathway from the driveway. The front door opens to an entrance hall, off which lies a pretty garden room with French doors framing the view over the garden, a study and cloakroom. There are three beautifully presented formal reception rooms: the sitting room has an impressive inglenook fireplace with wood stove, dais beam and timber screen; the dining room also has an inglenook (not currently in use), and two original doorways with decorative arches. The cosy family room has a second wood stove.

The superbly appointed kitchen is fitted with a range of cabinetry and a central island by Neptune, complemented by marble worktops and a Stoves electric range.

The southern staircase rises to a spacious landing off which lie two bedrooms and a stylish shower room; adjacent to the principal bedroom is a dressing room which could be used as a further bedroom. The staircase in the northern wing leads up to two further bedrooms, served by a large recently re-fitted bathroom. The two attic rooms offer good storage space and have potential to be converted, subject to the necessary consents.   

Outside
The main drive leads up from Cinder Hill past the meadow to the rear and side gardens. These have a delightful rural outlook, and have been attractively landscaped into distinct areas, with a bridge over an ornamental pond, lawns and established herbaceous borders providing colourful and seasonal interest. To the south west lies a paddock, planted as a wild-flower meadow, and a small parcel of woodland. There is a private parking area and a single garage/workshop and timber garden sheds, all with power connected, and a log store.

The main drive extends behind the gardens, giving vehicular access to 3 and 5 Coppards Bridge.

Directly from the lane, brick steps lead up to a gate set in a low level fence opening to pretty cottage-style front gardens, where there is a covered well. A second garage at the front of the property with a short driveway provides further off street parking and storage.

The grounds extend in all to about 1.22 acres.

Directions

From the A272, take the A275 south towards Lewes, through Chailey Green. Pass the Five Bells on the right and immediately take the next left into Cinder Hill (signposted Cornwell's Bank). The white five bar gate and gate posts marking the driveway to 1 Coppards Bridge is on the right, immediately after the turning to Tomkin's Farm.