Saxons, Sharpethorne

About this property

Paradise for steam enthusiasts! Bordering the Bluebell Railway and within two miles of Horsted Keynes

This is a bright and spacious wing of Saxons, the owners' home in this most glorious setting in Mid Sussex. The outlook is across gentle rolling countryside with National Trust properties nearby. Wakehurst Place, Sheffield Park Gardens and Standen are all within five miles, and the famous Bluebell Railway passes 150 yards from the end of the garden.

Saxons is just north of Horsted Keynes offering ideal accommodation for two people. In addition a cot and camp bed can be made available for families with two very young children without compromising on space.

The living area downstairs is relaxing and bright and opens out onto a private patio and a country garden beyond. Upstairs the bedroom is dual aspect with wonderful views across the surrounding countryside. The only noise around here is birdsong, and the occasional steam train, it is that tranquil.

Saxons is comprehensively equipped, coming with a fully fitted American style kitchen, and a large modern bathroom, featuring a bath and wall-mounted shower attachment as an ensuite to the bedroom.

Sharpethorne and beyond

Sharpethorne is a small village a mile north of Saxons that is located right next to the tunnel on the Bluebell Railway. The Bluebell celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2010 and runs from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead where it connects with mainline services. This takes the line to a total distance of about twelve miles passing through some of the most picturesque Sussex countryside that you will find. The railway is managed and run largely by volunteers and has the largest collection of steam engines in the UK outside of The National Railway Museum.

Right beside the station at Sheffield Park, Sheffield Park Garden is a magnificent informal landscape garden laid out in the 18th Century by ‘Capability’ Brown. Four lakes form the centrepiece of the garden. There are dramatic shows of daffodils and bluebells in spring, and the rhododendrons and azaleas are spectacular in early summer.

To the west Wakehurst Place is the National Trust’s most visited place, and home to the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. It is a feast for the senses, Wakehurst features natural woodland and lakes, formal gardens, an Elizabethan house, and the 21st-century architecture of Kew's Millennium Seed Bank which contains conserved seeds from ten per cent of the world's plant species. Like Wakehurst Place it is open daily.

Immediately to the south of East Grinstead, Standen is hidden at the end of a quiet Sussex lane with breathtaking views over the High Weald and Weirwood Reservoir. The design of the house is a monument to the combined genius of architect Philip Webb and his friend William Morris. All the big names of the Arts & Crafts period are represented, including ceramics by William De Morgan and metalwork by W. A. S. Benson. The beautiful hillside gardens provide year-round interest.

A little further afield at Handcross, Nymans House and Gardens is another National Trust property and so similar in appeal to both Sheffield Park and Wakehurst Place, while the Ardingly Resevoir which nestles into the wooded hillside near to Balcombe offers many walks and the opportunity to watch watersports on the 198 acres of water. Do read more about all of these properties and attractions under “Places to visit” on our website.

Local shop — 1 mile Sharpethorne

Nearest supermarket — 4 miles East Grinstead

Nearest restaurant — 1.5 miles West Hoathly

Local pub — 1 mile Horsted Keynes

Mainline rail service — 5 miles Haywards Heath for services to Gatwick Airport, London Victoria and Brighton

Gatwick Airport — 10 miles