Bespoke Property Search Agents in Haywards Heath

Bespoke property search agents in Haywards Heath

Until Victorian times Haywards Heath was a small village and somewhat overshadowed by its neighbours Lindfield and Cuckfield. The town’s development almost came about by accident as in 1825 a survey proposed a route for a railway line from London to Brighton passing through Cuckfield. However local landowners protested and a new plan had to be redrawn. When the railway opened up in 1841 it passed through Haywards Heath and Cuckfield’s loss became Haywards Heath’s gain.

Haywards Heath (affectionately known by locals as The Heath) is now one of the most important towns in West Sussex and is fast becoming the economic powerhouse of Mid Sussex, growing at a steady rate and providing jobs for many people all over the county.  Inevitably Haywards Heath is modern and relatively uninteresting – at least compared to some of the many historic towns and villages in West Sussex. Pevsner described Haywards Heath as “large and quite amorphous” and it certainly hasn’t got any smaller since he made that remark!  Having said that there is some fine countryside right on the town’s doorstep in the Ouse Valley and the South Downs and the Weald are within close proximity. The Ashdown Forest lies to the north.

Best local event:  “Town Day” is an annual event that takes place in September and is a great day out for all the family with a whole host of varied events to enjoy with the day culminating in a fireworks display in Victoria Park.

Best place to grab a drink or a bite to eat:  The Broadway is the hub and there is an excellent choice of restaurants and cafes to suit all tastes.  For something fancy then try Ockenden Manor which has a fabulous Michelin-starred restaurant with superb views of the South Downs National Park and is only about 1.5 miles out of the town centre.

Best place to shop:  The Orchards is a partly covered shopping precinct where you can find all the usual High Street brands including Marks & Spencer, Next, Fat Face to name but a few.

Top tip when visiting the area:  There are some fabulous show gardens to visit in the nearby vicinity including Borde Hill and Beech Hurst which are a must whether you are a keen gardener or not.

Getting back to London or further afield (for work or pleasure):  Haywards Heath to London Victoria or London Bridge in less than an hour.  London Gatwick airport is only about 15 minutes away by train.

Educational facilities: Ardingly College set in a 230 acre campus is a co-educational school for boys and girls aged 2 to 18.  Preparatory schools in the area include Tavistock and Summerhill which prides itself on only accommodating 120 children at any one time and Great Walstead School which is situated in 265 acres.  Central Sussex College is a further education college which provides courses for young people right up to degree level.

Sports Facilities:  Haywards Heath Golf Course is a members only downland club with stunning views.  Cyclists are well catered for as the cycle path network is extensive and for the real enthusiast the Wiggle Haywards Heath Howler cycle challenge runs once a year in September when you can ride up hill and down dale for 107 miles (or just over 40 if you opt for the short route).  The Heath has two non-league football clubs and two hockey clubs.

Worst fact about the area:  Bit of a cultural desert so if you are an avid lover of the arts and theatre then be prepared to hop on the train to Brighton where the social scene is far more diverse.

The celebrity you would most likely find in the area:  You may spot Leslie Ash in the town or Kate Moss when she comes to visit her father who lives in the town.

What is the typical property like?:   Pretty much all styles of architecture ranging from classic Sussex-style farmhouses to Victorian and Edwardian red brick to contemporary grand designs.

Colin Mackenzie Property Search are bespoke property search agents covering the South East of England.  Our knowledge of Haywards Heath, West Sussex, and the surrounding area is extensive and we will work hard to find you your dream home in whichever area you are wanting to look.