The Gallerist

Introduction

A rich and layered country house, this West Sussex retreat balances refinement with warmth and ease. Inspired by the openness of loft living in New York's Tribeca, the renovation places celebration, conversation and connection at its heart. The result is a one-of-a-kind layout imbued with a calming energy, in which family and friends can drift between swimming, whipping up meze lunches and private cinema screenings; a space for gathering as much as retreat. Whilst the Georgian façade honours the building's 19th-century origins, a contemporary copper-wrapped extension opens to the landscape, leading to the hot tub patio, pool and seven acres of meadowland and woodland beyond.

Inside

From the minute you enter the columned portico, each element seems to have been picked for a purpose. A generous dining table made from yoked together tree trunks, a two-tonne hearth stone encrusted with fossilised shells, and a private collection of fine art from emerging artists converse with Soho Home furnishings and sumptuous textures. At its back, light pools into an open-plan space designed for hosting, where a countertop is fashioned from a single piece of violet-veined Calacatta marble from Italy’s Apuan Alps, a stepped ceiling rises to a triangular skylight, and a glass wall frames a mature oak, which sunset turns to the same shade of honeyed marigold as the velvet sofa.

Outside

With Ashdown Forest (of Winnie-the-Pooh fame) and the South Downs to the east and west, Brighton and London to the south and north, these are sought-after coordinates. Around Haywards Heath are a medley of conservation zones to wander; yet epicureans are well placed to source small plates spiked with preserved lemon and a crisp glass of local Sussex sparkling. In the grounds, beyond the wood-fired hot tub and tennis court, a woodland walkway beckons guests to a private sauna and cold plunge. Languorous summer days are spent poolside – between the al fresco kitchen and cabana striped loungers – whilst the fire pit draws everyone together for sundowners, whatever the season.

• PricingFrom £5,495 per week, £4,150 per short break for up to 12 guests
  An alternative group size of up to 6 guests is available during selected periods at a reflective rate
• FeaturesOutdoor heated swimming pool (available April - October), woodfired hot tub, sauna, cold plunge pool, tennis court, and cinema room
• PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
  Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof
• FamilyChildren and babies are welcome.
  
• PracticalitiesThere is off-road parking for eight cars, and access is via a well-maintained single-track lane with electric gates to the grounds. The kitchen has two ovens, grill, induction hob, microwave, dishwasher, boiling tap, tall fridge and two freezers. The utility room contains two Miele washing machines and tumble dryers, and storage. There is a combination of underfloor heating and radiators throughout. Please note that the pool does have an electric cover, but do exercise due diligence if you are travelling with children or dogs. There is one CCTV camera covering the gates. Outside the property, low-level road noise may be heard
• Private cateringWhether you're looking for a fully catered stay or a one-off meal for a special occasion, discover your bespoke catering options
  
  Explore private dining
• Eco-friendlyBiodiverse garden
• RestrictionsThe property is a much-loved family home, and the owner wishes for it to be enjoyed in the same capacity by families. Please note, parties are not permitted at this property

Haywards Heath

A rural retreat near London, Haywards Heath in West Sussex blends country charm with a creative spirit. It’s an ideal base for exploring southern England´s landscapes, with trendy Brighton and the South Downs nearby.

View property location Destination guide

Getting there

• On the map This luxury country house is located outside of Haywards Heath, close to London and Brighton, set between High Weald and the South Downs.
• By car The Gallerist is around ten minutes from Haywards Heath, half-an-hour from Brighton, and one-and-a-half hours from London by car.
• By train Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill are ten minutes away by car. There are regular trains from Victoria with a journey time of one hour on Southern Rail. Both stations are on the Gatwick Express route.
• By air Gatwick Airport is fifteen minutes away, Brighton Airport is half-an-hour away, London Heathrow Airport is one hour away, and Southampton Airport is one-and-a-half hours away by car.