7 bedroom house

The Old Rectory dates from the early 18th century (possibly 1720, with later additions) and provides beautifully presented and tastefully decorated, bright and well-arranged accommodation over three floors. On the ground floor there is a superb and very welcoming entrance hall with a flagstone floor, a wonderful double aspect drawing room with a wide bay window, full height sash windows and an open fireplace. The generous family room also enjoys a dual aspect with large wide bay window and fireplace; this is separated from the formal dining room by an inner hall and cloakroom.

An elegant library with an extensive range of fitted bookshelves. A beautiful refitted kitchen/ breakfast room, with French doors and view onto the garden. A generous utility room and separate laundry room complete the ground floor. Notable features of this stunning home include high ceilings; many sash windows with window shutters, a superb round-headed window above the principal staircase, panelled doors, numerous attractive fireplaces, two staircases to the first floor and wooden panelling.

The easy flowing layout at The Old Rectory is ideally arranged for both formal entertaining and comfortable family living, complemented on the first floor by four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a study and dressing room. On the second floor, there are three further bedrooms, a library, study, utility room/kitchen and bathroom. This floor of the house offers great flexibility providing potential for a home office, or possible accommodation for an au pair/nanny or teenagers.

The Old Rectory lies in a wonderful position situated in the South Downs National Park, bordering the 10th century parish church of St Andrew’s and in the small rural village of Jevington, which provides a popular gastropublic house. The surrounding South Downs provide excellent walking, bicycling and riding country, with the South Downs Way lying immediately adjacent to the property.

The pretty downland village of East Dean is about 2 miles to the south, with its picturesque village green, church and public house; the village of Alfriston, with its boutique hotel the Star Inn is about 4 miles cross-country; whilst the coast at Birling Gap is about 4 miles, with Cuckmere Haven and Beachy Head close-by.

The town of Polegate lies some 3 miles to the north east and provides a good range of shops train station providing direct and regular services to London Victoria and Brighton.

The historic county town of Lewes is approximately 15 miles to the west and offers a good range of shopping and recreational facilities. The coastal, business and entertainment centres of Eastbourne and Brighton & Hove are approximately 6 miles
and 19 miles respectively. Both offer a good selection of schools including Brighton College (with a nearby school bus service); Roedean, Eastbourne College; and St Bede’s and St Andrew’s preparatory schools in Eastbourne.

The A27 is about 3 miles from the property and gives access to the A23/M23, Gatwick Airport and to the national motorway network.

The Old Rectory can be approached from both the Street and Church Lane, via electrically operated gates leading to wide gravel parking areas. Adjacent to The Street entrance is a period former stable block providing a garage, workshop and garden store with a boarded loft over, again offering scope for conversion. The flint part-walled gardens complement the stunning accommodation having been beautifully landscaped over the years.

Lying to the front and side of the house is a wide gravel area with various lawns, parterre, colourful well-stocked herbaceous borders, side of the ormal gardens is an attractive secret garden, enclosed by an old flint wall and in part by a mature beech hedge.

From here, wrought iron gates give access to a flight of steps leading up to a paved sitting area, with a walled, lawned, former kitchen garden beyond. Bordering the gardens are two post and rail enclosed paddocks with a wooden five bar gate on to Church Lane, which gives direct access on to the South Downs Way.

From the parking area approached via Church Lane, a path leads through a beech hedge to a sheltered, brick paved courtyard, bordered on one side by the house and on the other by a substantial detached brick and flint outbuilding with light, power and water. There is also a Tesla charging station.

From the property and its grounds, there are wonderful views towards St Andrew’s Parish Church. One of the paddocks leads directly into the churchyard. In all about 2 acres.

Marketed by: Strutt & Parker, Lewes