High Street, Hastings

The Property: located on one of the most recognisable corners in the heart of Hastings Old Town this Grade II Listed commercial and residential premises is believed to date back as far as 1511, very few can rival the impressive history of this property. The building is arranged over four storeys boasting a wealth of character features and charm. Occupying the site of 42a & b High Street and No.1 Courthouse Street with shop fronts on both of these roads, benefitting from a huge footfall. The main retail unit spans the ground floor measuring an impressive 30'5 x 16'8 with a second commercial room and access to the cellar, providing a dry and useful storage area. The upper two floors can be accessed via a second entrance where the accommodation comprises of a versatile space, there are three rooms along with a kitchen area with a beautiful, original stained glassed window, a bathroom and additional shower room. The external of the building has recently undergone refurbishment. Being sold with no onward chain.

The location: the building, locally known as ‘Stone Corner’ enjoys an exceptional position in the Hastings Old Town. Until 1800 Hastings was confined to the Bourne Valley between the large unspoiled open areas of the East and West Hills. The High Street was one of the two original streets that were divided by the Bourne stream, the High Street and All Saints Street were the most popular areas with George Street being known as ‘the suburbs’.

The History - The earliest deeds are believed to date back to 1511 with more recent work carried out on the property in 2002 revealing some extraordinary features from the 15th century. For the past 50 years the building has been locally owned and run as ‘Stone Corner’ selling stone jewellery, minerals and crystals. Prior to this, the building was occupied by Howard Lucy who ran a violin making and repair shop. ‘Historic Hastings’ quotes the following passage; “One inn name that unfortunately is no longer with us today is the ‘Three Partridges’ which stood next to the Market House, now 42 High Street in 1656’. More research on these promises to be intriguing and rewarding. It is noticeable that the property has many features of different ages, most specifically the Courthouse Street front elevation roof timbers which date back to Tudor age, the kitchen window has the original glass from the 1600s, maintained by a local glass specialist and there is a panel of wallpaper from the 19th century.