The Street, Lewes, BN7

Aylwins sits within beautiful gardens in one of the area’s loveliest villages. The property enjoys magnificent, far-reaching views over its own grounds towards the village centre and the South Downs beyond, and there are excellent leisure facilities including an outdoor swimming pool. The house was built in the 17th century as a farmhouse and has, over the years, been significantly extended and remodelled to create the spacious and versatile home it is today. The vendors have made a number of improvements to the property, including updating all of the bathrooms and redecorating throughout, and have made the most of the expansive gardens by offering semi-permanent spaces as holiday lets via Airbnb, which could be continued if desired and are offered via separate negotiation. The property also offers equestrian potential for anyone with horses or small livestock, with stables located to the side of the tennis court with gate access into the paddocks.

Interior
Though an older, Grade II listed, characterful property, the house benefits from having been extensively modernised. The interiors are presented to a high standard and with a décor scheme sympathetic to its age and character: exposed beams and stone fireplaces are complemented by engineered wood floors, neutral décor and a stylish kitchen with an AGA and matching blue and white tiles. The rooms are generously proportioned throughout, affording good natural light and separation between family spaces and rooms for entertaining. A highlight is the double-height sunroom to the rear, which has a magnificent open fireplace and beautiful views onto the garden. There’s also a sitting room, study and formal dining room, the latter with double doors opening to the kitchen/breakfast room and the utility. The principal bedroom on the first floor has a useful dressing area leading to the en suite bathroom, while the remaining bedrooms – arranged over the first and second floors – share a shower room. There is excellent storage including built-in cupboards, eaves and cellars.

Outside

The gardens at Aylwin are beautifully landscaped and a highlight of the property. They are wonderfully private and secluded, with an open aspect to the rear which looks out over a paddock towards the village church. The gardens are made up of several different spaces, including a lawn enclosed by mature trees – including a 500-year-old chestnut, shrubs and borders, a swimming pool set within a brick and flint walled terrace, a separate seating area beside the house which is perfectly angled to enjoy the stunning views and a tennis court. Towards the rear of the garden there is a summerhouse and a block of stables, which, with some improvements, could be repurposed or alternatively reused as stabling. Currently the meadow is used as the setting for two Airbnb rentals: an Airstream and a geodesic dome. To the front of the house there is a good-size driveway with ample private parking for several cars.

Situation

The small village of Offham is remarkably self-sufficient, with a church and public house, The Blacksmiths Arms, a farm shop and filling station with convenience store. There is a train station just 0.6 miles north in Cooksbridge with trains to Victoria/London Bridge in approximately 60 minutes. Lewes (4.5 miles) offers trains to London in about 70 minute and offers more extensive day-to-day shopping, with the city of Brighton about nine miles away. The village is situated within the South Downs National Park which provides outstanding countryside for riding, walking and cycling. The A27 provides 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.

Property Ref Number:

HAM-0730

Additional Information

Local Authority
Lewes and Eastbourne Councils. Council Tax Band G
Services
Mains water and electricity
Private drainage and Oil-fired central heating
Tenure
Freehold