Malling Street, LEWES, BN7

Undercliffe House is perhaps one of Lewes’ most recognisable and unusual properties, situated in an elevated position to the east of the town centre with a hidden entrance that offers little clue to what lies behind. The setting is second to none: situated close to superstore shopping and a wealth of conveniences, yet approximately 10 minutes on foot to the historic centre of town and its mainline station.

The property was built in 1865 in the Gothic style by local architect and builder, James Berry, and has a striking appearance including towers, an octagonal porch and a French pavilion-style roof – the house was extended in the 20th century in a Post-Modern style, which adds rather than detracts to the original building. Internally there are a number of character features, including porthole windows, Victorian style toilets, exposed beams, picture rails and wooden floors. The house has been updated in recent years to include upgraded bathrooms, in particular an outstanding principal en suite featuring a double shower and a round copper soaking tub, and a beautifully appointed farmhouse-style kitchen. In the parlour rooms, the original fireplaces and crown mouldings remain, creating fabulous spaces for entertaining.

Despite being surrounded by woodland, the elevated home feels bright and airy and has excellent natural light, enhanced by the high ceilings, generously proportioned rooms and the tall windows which also serve to frame the magnificent far-reaching views over Lewes Castle, Malling Coombe and the South Downs.

The accommodation amounts to about 3356 sq ft across three floors, with the addition of the two towers providing further space and unrivalled views. The house is entered on the ground floor via a glazed entrance which leads to the main sitting room and separate dining room; the latter leads to a kitchen/breakfast room, a cloakroom with w.c. and a utility room. On the lower ground floor there is a further reception room, a bedroom, shower room an

Outside

A highlight of this property is how well-hidden the entrance is: tucked away in the east of the town at the end of Malling Street. The driveway leads up to the property through its well-established woodland and once at the top, it opens up to allow for parking for several vehicles. The gardens and woodland amount to about 2.2 acres (not verified) and are bordered by Malling Down Nature Reserve and the woodland adjoining Lewes Golf Club. There is a stile affording private access to the nature reserve and a stepped trail that leads up through gardens to allow private gated access onto the Golf Course and South Downs National Park beyond.

The gardens that surround the home are mostly lawned and shaded by the mature trees, of which there are a number of varieties plus a number of shrubs, herbaceous borders and hedges. The grounds also feature a detached study/outbuilding and a garden store, a raised decking area with outdoor heated swimming pool possible for year-round use and a hot tub.

Situation

The county town of East Sussex, Lewes is a popular town on the northern edge of the South Downs National Park set within spectacular countryside. The town offers a variety of amenities, including a Waitrose supermarket and Tesco superstore, a small hospital, a variety of schools for all ages and a number of shops and services for day-to-day needs. Leisure facilities include a seasonal open-air swimming pool, golf club, football and rugby clubs and fantastic walking and riding on the South Downs. The coast is also a short distance away with sailing, swimming and other water sports. There are a great number of charming villages surrounding Lewes, including East Chiltington, Plumpton, Barcombe and the Chaileys, which offer characterful pubs and independent stores. The bustling city of Brighton is about 9 miles away with the A27 also providing fast access to the A23/M23, Gatwick Airport and national motorway network. There is a large selection of excellent schools within the area, including Lewes Old Grammar, Brighton College, Roedean School, Burgess Hill School For Girls, Hurstpierpoint College, Cumnor House, Great Walstead, Worth Abbey and Ardingly College. Lewes station offers trains to London Victoria/London Bridge in approximately 60 minutes.

Additional Information

Council : Lewes District Council
Council Tax: Band G