The Old Racecourse, Lewes

Tucked away in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Rhylstone forms part of the Old Lewes Racecourse enjoying exquisite views of patchwork Downland hills on all sides. The house and adjoining stable block offer exciting potential to developers and home seekers looking for their next project. The hard work has been done as planning permission has been granted, complete with architect’s drawings, to transform the house and stables into a contemporary detached family home set in a prime location in East Sussex.

Introducing: Rhylstone -The Old Racecourse, Lewes – Land and Building Development Potential Surrounded by Sussex Downland, 3 additional cottages and historic racecourse barn building.

Just five minutes’ drive from Lewes, sweeping up through picturesque Sussex countryside, you come to The Old Lewes Racecourse and Rhylstone which forms part of a small hamlet of properties and outbuildings elevated on the hill facing west. While the last race occurred in 1964, the land continues to be used for equestrian purposes with stables, paddocks and the 55-acre racecourse itself (available by separate negotiation).

Rhylstone House, Stables, Viewing Container & Padd - Set back from the road behind a neat, gated brick drive, Rhylstone House enjoys prime position within the development with uninterrupted views over the rolling hills of the South Downs below open skies. There is ample parking both on the forecourt (space for horse lorries if need be), and in the detached double garage which is also ripe for conversion. Adjoining the house is a 3 stable block which could easily be converted for habitable use linking through to the main building, or kept for equestrian requirements.

Externally, the house is smart and modest with white timber boarding to the front and large picture windows on all sides to flood each space with natural light. Stepping inside, it is a deceptively spacious home on a single level with a line of sight right through the house to the exceptional living room at the far end where the best views can be enjoyed via two large, arched windows, ever-changing with the seasons and the time of day. A mid-century style fireplace warms the room in winter, while in summer, you can spill outside via a sunroom to the stone patio for alfresco dining in sunlit surroundings. From here, the garden is large and lawned, facing west to enjoy the best of the views over rolling Downland hills where the sun sets, lighting up the sky with colour in the evening. There is huge scope for landscaping and ample space for ball games or children’s play equipment without compromising the views.

Returning inside, the kitchen offers a second reception space for formal dining and ample storage in country kitchen cabinetry, complete with a range cooker, utility room and freestanding appliances.

Peacefully tucked away from the main living areas, four of five bedrooms sit in the southerly wing of the house; three of which benefit from ensuite shower rooms or bathrooms. Bedrooms four and five share easy access to the family bathroom, and all rooms are double for versatile use.

Surrounding the house are three large paddocks with a weatherproof viewing room and a riding school which can be purchased with the house alone or as part of the larger listing. Development and planning would not be permissible for residential development on this piece of land as it forms part of the South Downs National Park.

While the house is attractive, well-maintained and functional, plans have been drawn up to convert the property into a timber clad, contemporary ‘Grand Design’ style home with an additional one-bedroom annex formed from the adjoining stable block which would add considerable value. Planning permission has also been granted to include developments to the nearby totalisator building and surrounding land as set out below.

Totalisator Building & Cottages: - Spanning approximately 3000 sq ft the existing totalisator building is an open plan brick, steel and timber structure offering huge business development potential. Current plans and permissions include a gallery space to preserve the heritage of the Old Lewes Racecourse, alongside a café with ample indoor and outdoor seating, and bunkhouse with private bathrooms for holiday letting. Consent to re-landscape the land in-front of TTB to create private gardens and parking has been granted.

There is potential to request planning for 5 further cottages in place of the heritage centre and café.

Adjoining the totalisator building are three cottages with gardens and parking which are currently let for long-term residential use. On the southerly wing are Manhattan Cottage 1: a 2-bedroom house currently let for £1650 pcm, while Manhattan Cottage 2 is a 3-bedroom house currently let for £1750 pcm. On the northerly wing, Groom’s Cottage is also 3-bedroom but larger with a potential rental income of £1950. These are to be purchased as one lot alongside the totalisator building.

Vendor’S Comments: - “This is a rare and exciting opportunity to acquire an exceptional set of properties with planning granted in a unique and highly desirable setting—ideal for multi-generational living, creative ventures, or simply enjoying the beauty of the South Downs.”

Education: - Primary: Hamsey Community Primary School, Wallands Community Primary School
Secondary: Lewes Priory
Private: Lewes Old Grammar School, Northease Manor School, Brighton College

Good To Know: - The land, house and outbuildings are situated within some of the most picturesque countryside, enjoying all the wonders of village life, yet they are superbly well connected to both London and Brighton & Hove. The A27 is just 7 minutes away by car and the Station at Lewes has links into Brighton and along the coast with London connections at Uckfield and Brighton. Cooksbridge Station is also nearby with a direct London link.

Harvey’s Brewery, Breaky Bottom Vineyard and Rathfinny winery offer tours and tastings throughout the year for lovers of fine wines and cultural offerings are abundant in Lewes with Depot Cinema—a contemporary three-screen venue—screening the latest films, classics, and documentaries, along with hosting community events. The town also boasts a selection of traditional pubs, historic inns, artisan coffee shops, and quality restaurants, catering to every taste. The monthly Lewes Farmers Market, held on the first weekend of each month, draws residents and visitors alike for local produce and handmade goods.
Just a few miles away, the internationally celebrated Glyndebourne Opera House offers world-class performances in a stunning countryside setting. For sports and recreation, Lewes offers first-class facilities including a swimming pool, athletics track, tennis courts, and local clubs for football, rugby, cricket, and hockey.

Families are well served by a wide selection of highly regarded schools. These include several popular infant and primary schools, Priory School (a well-respected secondary), Sussex Downs College, and the esteemed independent Lewes Old Grammar School—all within easy walking or cycling distance from The Old Racecourse.