The Old Penny School, St. Leonards-on-Sea

Occupying part of a former national school and attached school mistress' house dating back to 1855 is this charming Grade II listed house in St Leonards. Originally designed by renowned architect SS Teulon, The Old Penny School has retained a high level of early detail, typical of its Gothic Revival style.

Inside
Entry to the property is through an early oak timber door, framed by a pointed limestone arch, partnered with a leaded casement window. A light filled entrance hallway with terracotta floor tiles and pine staircase opens into a kitchen with adjoining dining space. Stainless steel worktops, units and shelves give a stark industrial contrast to the exposed Cotswold stone and wooden beams. A large arched window to the front of the space provides gentle natural light throughout. The newly fitted bathroom with terrazzo style tiles and pretty recessed chapel window sits at the end of the hallway.

The first storey gives way to a large open plan living area, an exposed brick fireplace and high ceilings add to the feeling of volume and Gothic grandeur. Dramatic lancet windows provide adjacent aspects of the surrounding area with views of the coastline to Beachy Head, St Leonards rooftops, and St Thomas of Canterbury Church to the rear.

Original detail continues on the second storey, which offers a principal double bedroom with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and a playful ensuite WC with pops of modern colour. There is a second smaller bedroom with sloped ceilings, currently used as a nursery. Both rooms give elevated views of the sea and beyond.

Outside
Nestled within The Old Penny School development, the house is accessed via a private entrance on St Johns Road, providing allocated off-street parking. To the front of the property there is a secluded south facing courtyard tucked behind mature shrubs. To the rear, a private courtyard garden is footed by St Thomas's Church, with raised rockery beds and a patio for dining.

Area
Ideally situated in the centre of St Leonards within minutes of Kings Road and Norman Road, offering an array of independent shops, restaurants and galleries. The seafront and promenade are moments away, with Hastings Old Town also within walking distance. St Leonards Warrior Square mainline station is a five minute walk, allowing a direct link into Central London.