An imposing, unlisted house in West Sussex with stables which are 'every young rider’s dream'
Plummerden House is a large country home with infinite possibility - and a set of handsome stables to boot. Penny Churchill takes a look.


Long gone are the days when an equestrian house meant a dusty barn at the end of a dirt track, far removed from the grand mansion of the estate. Now equestrians (and their horses) are housed in grand estates, with far reaching views over paddocks and woodland, some within surprisingly easy commuter distance.
‘You get more for your money in West Sussex,’ believes Toby Whittome of Jackson-Stops, who are joint agents with Savills in the sale of imposing Plummerden House near Lindfield – located three miles from the commuter hub of Haywards Heath – at a guide price of £4.775m.
Once part of the Paxhill estate, unlisted Plummerden House stands in 37 acres of gardens, paddocks and woodland, and boasts outstanding southerly views of the glorious South Downs.
The substantial Victorian main house offers 9,668sq ft of living space on three floors, including three reception rooms, a study, kitchen/breakfast room and six bedroom suites, with a studio/gym on the first floor and cinema/games room on the lower ground.
‘With seven beautiful stables, a sand school and extensive paddocks surrounded by quiet country lanes in all directions, Plummerden House is every young rider’s dream,’ adds Mr Whittome.
The country itself is a haven for country sportspeople who enjoy pursuits other than riding. Sussex offers 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 and the coast.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
A beautiful former rectory with equestrian facilities and a lake
Church House sits in 11 acres on the edge of Bredon Hill, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Worcestershire.
Dreamy Cotswold farmhouse complete with excellent equestrian facilities and a party barn
Bosmere Farm is a wonderful family house in a stunning rural setting.
Immaculate country house with equestrian facilities that are second to none
Idyllic Standen House at Chute Standen on the Hampshire-Wiltshire border has been cleverly redesigned for family life.
An exceptional equestrian estate with mouthwatering stabling and training facilities
Recently renovated The Manor at Lillingstone Lovell is set in 120 acres and offers extensive equestrian facilities.
A grand country house built by Robert Bruce, with a billiards room, tennis courts and equestrian facilities beyond belief
-
A Hampshire Manor for sale that dates back to the days of Alfred the Great, with the most beautiful staircase we've seen in years
The ten bedroom property features an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa complex and stables, and it was restored by the same architect who worked on Downing Street.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
A bridge just far enough: Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 4, 2025
Lions, castles and even a couple of US-themed questions for the 4th of July in Friday's Quiz of the Day.
By Country Life Published
-
A Hampshire Manor for sale that dates back to the days of Alfred the Great, with the most beautiful staircase we've seen in years
The ten bedroom property features an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa complex and stables, and it was restored by the same architect who worked on Downing Street.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
The new property hotspots where you can have it all: Beautiful houses, great schools and idyllic lifestyle
Across the country people are selling up and heading to the towns where there's no compromise on dream homes, outstanding schooling and the good life, according to analysis from two of Britain's top estate agents. Anna White explains.
By Anna White Published
-
Where Venice once ruled: The roving Venetians left handsome imprints across the Greek world, from its religion to its rambling villas
Matthew Dennison explores the lingering traces of Venice's vanished empire — and the best places to buy where it once stood.
By Matthew Dennison Last updated
-
A delightful 16th century home with some of Kent's most beautiful gardens has come on to the market
The Grange puts the 'garden' into the Garden of England.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A pristine Scottish island for sale at the price of a garage in Fulham
A dot on the map of the west coast of Scotland has come on to the market, where you'll be surrounded by sea, living off grid and be neighbours with the local seal colony.
By Toby Keel Published
-
18 beautiful homes, from charming cottages to a Highland mansion with unbeatable views, as seen in Country Life
Our look at some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life in the past week includes Georgian manor houses, charming commutable homes and the grandest home in Newcastle.
By Toby Keel Published
-
The gorgeous Somerset home of the designer behind one of Glastonbury's chicest spots
The Manor in Hinton Blewitt is a glorious Georgian home that ticks every box.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A 600-year-old National Trust property that you can call home
This blooming property in Kent showcases the original garden of England. Penny Churchill takes a look.
By Penny Churchill Published