Chestnut Lodge, Rye, East Sussex

This pretty Grade II-listed Regency house lies at the heart of the High Weald National Landscape in East Sussex, near the popular town of Rye. Built in the early 19th century, with a modern extension, the house spans approximately 1,782 sq ft across two storeys, plus a garage of 375 sq ft. Architect-designed, the striking orangery kitchen forms the focal point, conceived to blend seamlessly with the original structure. It is accompanied by generous reception areas and three en suite bedrooms. Retaining a wealth of original features such as fireplaces, shutters and floorboards, the interiors balance a refined, contemporary sensibility with the home's period character. Lovingly tended gardens wrap around the building, offering a private retreat.



The Tour



Perched atop a gentle rise, the Grade II-listed Chestnut Lodge sits back from the street near the village church, in a commanding position with far-reaching views over the surrounding farmland. Flowering climbers weave across the sandstone façade, which rises gracefully across two storeys, punctuated by wooden-framed windows with canted heads and diamond paned glazing above. At its centre, the six-panelled gloss black front door also has a canted head and fanlight, alongside traditional furniture and lock, and a butler’s bell. The building is crowned by a distinctive tiled roof with three half-hipped gables.



Entry is to the inviting hallway, finished with a refined colour scheme by Farrow and Ball, where walls and floors are painted with ‘Blackened’ and ‘Off Black’ respectively, lending a striking yet subtle contrast. This cohesive and sympathetic palette continues throughout the house, while floorboards extend underfoot.



Two reception rooms lie at either side, with the dual-aspect sitting room immediately to the right. Generously sized, it is thoughtfully appointed with a combination of ‘Blackened’ and ‘Plummett’ on the walls and ‘Off Black’ floorboards. A large bay window frames leafy views of the topiary and parterre in the front garden, complete with a romantic window seat, ideal for relaxing or reading. The feature fireplace, fitted with a multi-fuel stove, has an ornate surround with three carved figures symbolising “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”. A built-in library with glazed cabinetry sits at the far end of the room, with a concealed writing slope. French doors lead to a decked area, bathed in early morning sunlight, that unfolds onto a side garden. Both the French doors and windows are fitted with working timber shutters.



Across the hallway lies a study, fully panelled and with a barrel-back niche display cabinet lending character and additional space for storage. A pair of antique French doors open onto a spectacular kitchen and dining room, set in the orangery extension, where a soaring glazed roof floods the space with natural light. Four sets of south facing French doors lead out onto the decked terrace and outdoor dining area, framing ever-changing views of the garden.



Bespoke kitchen units painted ‘Off Black’ by Farrow and Ball run the length of one wall, topped by black Silestone work surface. Integrated appliances include a Britannia multi-fuel range cooker and a fitted Neff dishwasher, above are four swan neck sign lights. The walls are finished in off-white ‘Blackened’ while the beaded panelled splashback and door frames are washed in ‘Plummett’.



Accessible from the study through a hidden panel, the utility room has beaded panelled walls painted in dark tones. There is a large sink and built-in storage cabinetry, plumbing for a washing machine, a hanging airer and a gas boiler. A cloakroom is found at the rear of the plan, and across the hall there is access to a flight of steps descending to the cellar, ideal for storing wine.



An elegant staircase rises from the hallway, its curved metal handrail and matching spindles gently unfolding toward the sleeping quarters. Three bedrooms are found on the first floor, all with access to en suite bathrooms with modern fittings. Appointed with a cohesive and delicate colour palette, all three bedrooms are finished with ’Skimming Stone’ by Farrow and Ball and white-washed floorboards. Brimming with character, all rooms have matching six-panelled doors, with brass reeded beehive doorknobs, fluted frames and deep skirtings.



Bright and spacious, the dual aspect principal bedroom takes advantage of tranquil views over the leafy pergola and front garden, with open fields stretching out into the distance. It has white-painted panelling behind the head of the bed, generous bespoke wardrobes, and a bathtub in the en suite bathroom.



Outdoor Space



The house is embraced by beautifully landscaped gardens, with areas designed for quiet retreat and outdoor dining, with lush and expertly layered planting. At the front of the house, a tall wrought-iron gate flanked by two peacock-shaped topiary yews opens to an impeccable front garden. Here a path to the front door is flanked by trimmed hedges and standard wisterias with cascading blooms bringing bursts of colour in the summer. There are two WBC beehives, traditionally shaped with pitched roofs based on a 1890s design by William Broughton Carr. Plantings of iceberg roses, Japanese anemones and espaliered Tickled Pink apple trees lead to a sentry box shed, allowing for easy maintenance of the outdoor spaces.



The kitchen opens to a south-facing decked terrace, perfect for entertaining or relaxing, with a short flight of sleeper steps leading to the summer house. Green and white hydrangeas bloom with colour in the warmer months, while bunches of Golden Hornet crab apples emerge in autumn, harvested for making preserve or left in the garden to attract wildlife. An old oak gate gives access to the front garden.



In the side garden, a pergola supports grape vines of Muscat Bleu, White Muscat of Alexandria, Suffolk Red and Strawberry, along side golden hop and wisteria Shiro Noda, blooming with long trusses of perfumed white flowers.



A shared driveway to the side leads to a parking area and a recently built double garage, with an electric up-and-over door, EV charging point and personnel door into the garden which leads to the kitchen.



The Area



Beckley is ideally placed for easy access to the town of Rye, and the coast approximately 5 miles away. Set within the High Weald National Landscape, the house is surrounded by a network of walking and cycling paths, which can be combined in countless ways to suit the season and the mood. Beautiful coastal walks are also found in Camber, Winchelsea Beach and Pett less than half an hour away by car.



The village of Northiam is 1.4 miles away, well-served with essential amenities including a post office, a GP, a dentist, a veterinary practice, opticians, two general stores and a hardware store. The family-run Will’s Bakery & Deli is a local favourite, serving freshly baked goods and a tasty lunch menu. Great Dixter House & Gardens are home to immersive gardens created by writer and gardener Christopher Lloyd, and a 15th-century house restored by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Tenterden is approximately 9.5 miles away, with supermarkets Waitrose and Tesco.



The ancient Cinque Port town of Rye can be reached in 15 minutes by car, renowned for its period architecture as well as its brilliant independent dining and boutique scene. The twisting lanes are peppered with independent galleries and an independent cinema, Kino, set within an old church building. Popular places to shop include Merchant and Mills, Puckhaber, Sailors and The Rye Bookshop. Rye is also home to a renowned International Jazz and Blues Festival, taking place every August, and a large outdoor market on Thursdays.



There is plenty to choose from when it comes to dining out in Rye. The Landgate comes highly recommended for special occasions, while The Union serves delicious pub fare. The Fig, The George Hotel, The Mermaid Inn and The Globe in Marsh. The original branch of Knoops serves wonderful hot chocolates. Salts Farm Shop is a lovely spot to shop or stop off for coffee and cake. The Whitehouse is an all-day cafe and bakery selling excellent sourdough. For fresh catches, Rye Bay Fishery is an excellent fishmonger.



Perfect for a day trip and 30 minutes away by car, Dungeness National Nature Reserve is one of Europe’s largest expanses of shingle, with a lunar landscape and fishermen’s huts lining the beach on each side of a quiet through road. It is also the setting of Prospect Cottage, the house of late artist and film director Derek Jarman. Its iconic garden, made of pebbles, driftwood, scrap metal and a few hardy plants, reflects the windswept landscape of the peninsula. The Snack Shack is famous for its tasty and unpretentious seafood menus featuring the day’s catch.



There are excellent schools in the area, Beckley Primary School is a short walk from the house. Beneden a well-regarded independent boarding and day school is approximately 6.8 miles away. Further options are available in Northiam, including Honeybees Pre-school, Northiam Primary School, and Frewen College specialising in dyslexia.



The closest railway stations are in Robertsbridge and Battle - both around 10 miles away - with connections reaching London in 69 and 76 minutes respectively. There is easy access by car to the motorway system via the A21.



Council Tax Band: F