Location

Ditton Place is situated in the beautiful countryside of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, between the villages of Balcombe and Handcross. The house is rural yet not remote; the thriving village of Balcombe is three miles distant and, as well as having a station with regular services to London and Brighton, provides for day to day needs with a pub, village store, primary school and doctor's surgery. Haywards Heath and Crawley (both 6.5 miles) offer further amenities including a range of shops, restaurants, leisure centres and supermarkets.      

Sussex offers many excellent sporting opportunities with golf at Royal Ashdown, Haywards Heath and Piltdown, and many other courses across the county. There is racing at Goodwood, Lingfield and Plumpton, and sailing at Ardingly Reservoir. There are many bridle paths and footpaths which are in close access of the property.   

Spa and country house hotels include South Lodge, Alexander House, Ashdown Park Hotel, Gravetye Manor and Ockenden Manor.   

Rail services to London and Brighton are available at Balcombe (three miles), with a fast service from Three Bridges (6.4 miles) or Gatwick airport (ten miles). The A23/M23 is readily accessed to the north of Balcombe and connects to the coast and the national motorway network.

There is an excellent range of highly regarded schools in the area, including Handcross Park (Brighton College), Ardingly College, Worth School, Hurstpierpoint College, Cumnor House, Great Walstead and Brambletye. All times and distances are approximate

Description

Ditton Place is a grand country residence, built in 1904 in the neo-William and Mary style. Its elegant red brick elevations have beautiful stone dressings, including a cornice, pilasters and keystones, and a hipped slate tiled roof set with six tall chimney stacks. It was built to replace an older manor house and was in use as single residence until the Second World War, when it was used as a base by the Canadian forces, when it became a school before being converted into apartments in 2008. Its exterior has many fine features including an impressive, curved stone entrance porch with four Ionic columns, opening to the shared entrance vestibule, which leads in turn to the grand communal reception hall. At the northern end, stairs rise to the first floor and a wide landing leading to apartment 6.

The scene is set by the wide front door, with an elegant fan light over. The apartment has beautiful period features including sash windows, antique wood floors to the hall and reception room. The 27' reception room is on the west, with three tall sash windows framing the wonderful views over the grounds; it offers plenty of space for sofas and a dining table. The well-equipped kitchen is opposite, with views to the front; it has a good range of under counter drawers and wall hung cupboards with marble worktops and a breakfast bar. Integrated appliances include two ovens, an electric hob with extractor over, a dishwasher and a washing machine.

The principal bedroom suite has a dressing area with fitted wardrobe, a spacious en suite shower room, with a shower cubicle basin with marble surround and shelving, and a range of cupboards under; the second bedroom could be used as a study, with bespoke purpose built desk, shelving and storage, arranged either side of the sash window and views to the front. Across the hallway is a bathroom, with a free-standing bath, separate shower cubicle, basin with marble countertop and a WC.

Ditton Place is surrounded by approximately 13.57 acres of parklike communal gardens and grounds, including the formal gardens which lie to the south and west, with a west facing loggia and terrace adjoining the ground floor; there is a tennis court, and acres of parkland. The long driveway which winds through the estate is also a public footpath, connecting to the surrounding countryside. Residents parking is to the front of the house.

Directions

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