High Street, Rye, East Sussex, TN31

A real gem of a property, this distinctive grade II listed property is in a prime central position in the quaint town of Rye. Situated in a Conservation area that is renowned for its fine period architecture and medieval history.

With over 4,000 square feet, of accommodation situated over three floors, there are plenty of historical references and original character throughout this eight bedroom property as well as plenty of space and flexibility for any family.

The property has considerable architectural merit comprising the major portion of an early sixteenth century building with a Georgian façade, an unusual gabled rear elevation and a large vaulted medieval cellar.

The structure is timber framed with a fine mathematical-tile front elevation under a peg tile roof. The property, has generous ceiling heights in all the principal rooms, and a wealth of fine period features including Elizabethan and Georgian panelling and enjoys the benefit of a large secluded garden, charming views and a private drive leading to a substantial garage.

Admire the Georgian frontage with its attractive and symmetrical sash windows and enter through the part glazed front door which opens into a panelled reception hall divided by glazed doors with exposed timber framing, a Georgian curved display cupboard with scalloped shelves and oak floorboards. From the hallway enter the well-proportioned panelled drawing room which has a wide bay window overlooking the rear garden, an Adam style fireplace, fine oak floorboards and a part glazed door with an external wrought iron staircase leading down to a sheltered terrace.

The sitting room has exposed oak beams, an inglenook fireplace with a wood burner and fitted cupboards to either side. The dining room, which overlooks the High Street, has original window shutters and a moulded ceiling beam. The kitchen has double aspect windows and a door for a side entrance. This kitchen/breakfast room has a fitted range of worktops, cupboards and shelves, a stainless-steel double drainer sink unit, electric cooker point, quarry tiled floor and pantry. There is a downstairs cloakroom with a quarry tiled floor.

At the rear of the hallway is the panelled staircase to the upper floors as well as stone steps leading down to a lower hall with a flagstone floor and doors which lead through to the garden, garage and former laundry room which has a window to the rear and an old brick floor. There is a lower hall which has brick steps leading to a barrel-vaulted medieval cellar with slate wine racks.


On the first floor the main bedroom has a panelled bay window overlooking the garden and with delightful views over the surrounding countryside, there is a fine Georgian fireplace and an en suite shower room. The second bedroom is a double aspect room with lovely views overlooking the rear garden, with exposed studwork, wide oak floorboards and an open brick fireplace. On this floor there are two further double bedrooms a family bathroom and a shower room.

Stairs lead to the second floor where there are a further four attic bedrooms, two have rear garden views, and another bathroom.

Outside, to the right of the property there is a gated private drive which leads to the parking area and substantial garage with timber double doors, a vaulted ceiling with exposed timber framing and a wide opening to an integral garden room/studio with a glazed roof, old brick floor and doors to the driveway and main garden.

Immediately to the rear of the house is a delightful stone paved terrace with mature climbing plants and an arch door leads to a brick garden store.

The terrace steps lead onto a pleasant and sheltered part walled formal garden which has many fine and established specimen trees including acers, bay and magnolia. There are plenty of well stocked borders with a large collection of matures plants and shrubs. The garden is approximately just under a third of an acre and recently hosted a family wedding, so plenty of well-kept lawn space to enjoy too.

SERVICES Mains electricity, water, gas and drainage. Council Tax Band G


The property is in the High Street of Rye with its beautifully preserved town centre, renowned for its cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and unique charm. There is much to enjoy in Rye, enjoy a coffee or lunch in one of the town’s many independent cafés, or have dinner in one of the variety of restaurants, or enjoy an evening at the cinema in the charming Kino cinema or visit the popular Jazz club. There are local galleries, antique shops and boutiques, local supermarkets, a post office, and pharmacies.

Families benefit from close proximity to Rye Community Primary School and Rye College, both of which are within walking distance.

Train connections are excellent, there are local train services, in one direction to Eastbourne and in the other to Ashford International, and from there the high speed train to London St Pancras takes just 39 minutes.

Sporting facilities in the area include golf at Rye and Lydd, sailing on the south coast and nearby are plenty of coastal or countryside walks, Rye nature reserve is a great circular walk with plenty to see.