Boundary Place

Boundary Place sits on a quiet country lane on the periphery of Warninglid, West Sussex. This remarkable seven-bedroom home is firmly embedded in its rural position with far-reaching views of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Originally built in the 1970s and remodelled in 2011 by architect Nicolas Pole, the house has been sensitively added to under current ownership to a total of 5,343 sq ft, with a highly sophisticated material approach. An impressive triple-aspect glazed southern elevation overlooks the landscaped garden and epitomises the home's intimate relationship with the landscape.

Environmental Performance

Sustainability is integral to the architecture and 'fabric first' design. The building has been carefully orientated to harness natural light and passive solar gain, while high levels of insulation, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, a ground-source heat pump and photovoltaic panels contribute to its exceptionally rare A rated energy performance.

The Tour

The home is approached via a private gated gravelled driveway flanked by dense woodland and emerges as a dramatic counterpoint – yet utterly sympathetic to its rural setting. The architectural profile has shifted over time from the original pyramidal form to a contemporary timber-clad, flat-roofed design with high-end finishes and extensive glazing, lending the rear elevation an exceptionally bright composition.

A blueprint of two halves: the current configuration places a glass-and-steel-framed partition, currently arranged as an at-home gym, between the main five-bedroom house and a two-bedroom annexe.

On the left, the principal entrance hall opens to an arresting open-plan kitchen-living area that introduces the considered design applied throughout and leads out to the garden – perfect for entertaining. At its centre, an open Bulthaup kitchen with imposing steel-and-oak units, matching Gaggenau appliances and smooth poured concrete underfoot is arranged in a free-flowing sequence around versatile seating areas. Abundant glazing amplifies the room’s capacious proportions and the natural pigments of the materials, while a direct line of sight extends towards sublime views of the landscape.

A log-burner encased in local stone grounds the living area, finding intimacy in the enormity, and a separate snug and library room respectively are placed at two ends. Meanwhile, a dramatic wall of book-lined joinery captures the gaze.

Beyond, a spiral oak staircase rises under the light of a well-placed rooflight, next to a stone wall that emulates the design’s tactile palette. Five double bedrooms, two of which are currently arranged as his-and-hers dressing rooms with en suite bathrooms, complete this floor, alongside a designated laundry room. The principal bedroom is oriented toward the garden that is spectacularly framed by three symmetrical full-height windows. Another thoughtful element of the design includes air conditioning in all the bedrooms.

The annexe is similarly laid out: angular volumes define an open-plan kitchen-living room with excellent finishes, opening out to a rear patio. Two double bedrooms and a shared bathroom with a bath and a walk-in shower occupy the rest of the plan.

Outdoor Space

The house is set in an exceptionally secluded position within acres of woodland, immersed in the beautiful South Downs. The layout has been designed to incorporate the landscape as a natural continuation of the house, with extensive glazing and doors from the main living space that open onto the terrace and gardens at the rear. The terraced garden unfolds towards panoramic, uninterrupted views of the surrounding wooded valleys and continues to beds of wildflowers and thriving beehives. Meanwhile, the landscaped patios are bordered by rows of herbaceous and perennial plants.

Outbuildings on the grounds are currently arranged as an office space, a carport, and also a shepherd's hut as an additional living area for guests. Entertainment is core to the design: a pétanque court, hot tub and fire pit lend themselves well to hosting in warmer months.

The Area

Boundary Place sits on Spronketts Lane, surrounded by rolling farmland and ancient woodland in the heart of the Sussex High Weald. From the house, a network of public footpaths and bridleways leads directly into the surrounding countryside. The South Downs National Park lies a short drive to the south, while the dramatic coastline around Brighton and the Seven Sisters is easily reached for days by the sea.

The nearby villages of Bolney and Cuckfield provide every amenities, pubs, and schools, and there is a popular vineyard and winery at Bolney Wine Estate. Cuckfield is lined with independent shops, cafes and restaurants, alongside the acclaimed Ockenden Manor Hotel and Spa. Haywards Heath has a wider range of destinations, including a thriving weekly market.

There is an excellent range of schools locally. State options are Bolney CE Primary school and Warden Park Secondary Academy in nearby Cuckfield. Independent options include Great Walstead, Cumnor House, Handcross Park, Ardingly College, Hurstpierpoint College, Brighton College, Roedean and Burgess Hill Girls – with some running a local minibus pick up service.

The home is exceptionally well connected. Haywards Heath station is around 15 minutes away by car and provides regular direct services to London Victoria and London Bridge in approximately 42 minutes, as well as Brighton and Gatwick Airport.