Lion Street, Rye, TN31

With its prominent frontage and superb trading location, this unique Grade II listed property is steeped in history. Originally thought to have been two buildings, it now forms one large property dating back to the 1500s, situated along one of Rye’s most prestigious streets.  The property has served the town well under several guises including a well-known Tuscan restaurant and popular tea rooms in recent times.   The current owners have carefully renovated internally, including updating the wiring, installing a new kitchen and putting in ventilation and sump in the cellar, amongst other things.

Whilst offering a spacious three bedroom living space upstairs, the property’s location means that Peacocke Gallery is brilliantly situated to take full advantage of the town’s amenities and passing trade. With a steady flow of both local and tourist foot traffic it offers many opportunities for different uses (subject to any necessary planning consent).

GROUND FLOOR GALLERY

5.44m x 4.22m

GROUND FLOOR Gallery space and studio: The main entrance opens into a commercial space with dark wooden floorboards throughout, exposed brick walls, a beamed ceiling and a fireplace. The leaded light windows each side of the door look out onto Lion Street.

GALLERY

5.44m x 4.83m

This is now a successful gallery with large paintings displayed on all the exposed brick walls. In recent past it has been home to the Peacocke Tea Rooms and Tuscan Kitchen Restaurant, so there is an opportunity for different business ideas.

GALLERY 2

4.45m x 3.73m

(rear) A door to the left leads to a useful utility room with space for a washing machine and drier. There is also a separate WC.

GALLERY 3

8.26m x 2.21m

Towards the back of the ground floor, is a large chimney breast with a working wood burner and this makes for a cosy space for a sofa.
Beyond this is a bright and airy space, with large roof lantern that makes the most of natural light, more exposed brickwork walls and glass doors out to the courtyard garden.

STUDIO

8.26m x 2.21m

Here is a large STUDIO which would make any artist jealous. With a large picture window at the end, with views to the courtyard garden, it could work just as well as a workshop. It has a tiled floor, lots of light and space for any maker. Here, several brick steps lead down to the

BASEMENT / CELLAR

9.65m x 3.71m

This has exposed brick walls and stone floor. Most surprisingly of all is the relatively high ceiling which is due to the floor being dug out – giving more height. It would make a wonderful place to store wine and thanks to new ventilation system and sump it feels dry.

FAMILY BATHROOM

The light family bathroom has a white bath with overhead raindrop shower.

SITTING ROOM

5.03m x 4.11m

This large room, with two internal doors either side of the wood burner, is spacious enough for an open plan living and dining area. It has a relaxed feel with plenty of space for a couple of sofas and large dining table for eight people. It has two sash windows looking out onto Lion Street, ideal for people watching.

INNER LOBBY

with space for a dresser, leads through to :

KITCHEN BREAKFAST ROOM

3.76m x 3.48m

The kitchen has wooden worktops, panelling, single sink and bright red lino flooring from Germany. There is enough space to eat here while rustling up dinner. The combi boiler is here too.

BEDROOM

6.17m x 3.58m

This large bedroom has wooden floors with views out to Lion Street from the front and rooftop views from the back. It has beams on the ceiling while walls are painted in bright colours.

SECOND FLOOR

The second floor has two separate staircases.

BEDROOM

3.53m x 3.05m

(maximum measurements). Up one winding staircase is a tucked away bedroom with wooden floorboards, built-in storage, bookcases and windows to the front and rear.

BEDROOM

5.89m x 2.49m

(maximum measurements).At the top of the house, is another bedroom with storage in the eves. It is currently a peaceful home office.

OUTSIDE

The rear lobby leads out, through glass doors, to the courtyard garden which gets the sun in the afternoon and early evening. There is also electricity. This secluded spot is large enough for relaxing and outside dining while private enough for a morning coffee. It is fully paved with potted plants and shrubs dotted here and there, so ideal for those looking for a low maintenance retreat.

Services

Mains water, electricity and drainage. Gas central heating. Local Authority: Rother District Council. Council Tax Band: D. We have been advised there are no flying freeholds.