Winton Street, Alfriston, Polegate

An Invitation Into the Past

Hidden away in the folds of the South Downs National Park, this Grade II listed 17th-century thatched cottage is more than a house, it is a portal to another time. A quintessential chocolate-box home, it whispers of centuries past while offering the opportunity to begin a new chapter in its remarkable story.

From the moment you arrive, you cannot help but be captivated. The freshly re-thatched roof sits proudly upon walls that have stood for generations, framed by oak beams said to have been reclaimed from the skeletons of old ships. Every beam, pane of glass, and stone carries the patina of history, creating a home of rare authenticity and charm.

Set against gently undulating hills, the cottage is cocooned by wraparound gardens, framing uninterrupted views of the Downs. Birdsong fills the air, roses climb along stone walls, and the fragrance of fruit trees lingers in the breeze.

Open the oak front door, and time falls away. Flagstone floors, polished smooth by centuries of footsteps, lie cool beneath your feet, while beams above radiate warmth and permanence. Light filters gently through leaded windows, scattering softly across plaster walls. It is a welcome both timeless and grounding, a doorway into history.

At its centre lies the drawing room, once a barn but now the cottage's grandest space. A vast inglenook fireplace dominates, bearing the marks of centuries of firelight and family gatherings.

This is a room of atmosphere and versatility: a place to gather on winter evenings, to entertain, or to retreat in quiet solitude. Its scale allows freedom for new possibilities, a second reception, a studio, or even an annexe, while never losing its essence as the warm heart of the home.

Throughout, the cottage reveals its history in the smallest of details. Alcoves carved into thick walls, timber beams crossing low ceilings, and uneven glass panes that scatter sunlight in gentle patterns. Practicality has also been considered, with a family bathroom and second WC sensitively incorporated into the ground floor.

Upstairs, three bedrooms provide intimate retreats, each cocooned beneath sloping ceilings and beams. These are not vast, modern spaces, but rooms filled with romance and character, sanctuaries where you wake to birdsong and views over gardens or Downs.

Gardens & Grounds

The outside space feels like a natural extension of the surrounding landscape. Mature apple, plum, and fig trees thrive here, their branches heavy with fruit in season. Roses spill colour along walls, and sweeping lawns offer the perfect setting for children to play, dogs to roam, or long summer afternoons with family and friends.

A patio provides space for outdoor suppers and evening wine as the sun dips behind the hills, while shaded corners beneath the trees invite quiet reflection. Outbuildings, two sheds, and a garage add practical storage, and off-road parking ensures ease of living.

Restoration Potential

For all its period beauty, this cottage also offers scope for sympathetic restoration. With its sturdy bones and abundance of character, this cottage invites a discerning buyer to enhance and refine while preserving its spirit. Whether restoring beams, cultivating the gardens, or integrating subtle modern conveniences, the opportunity here is to write the next chapter and a fascinating story.

Out & About

Life here offers the best of both worlds: the peace of a countryside retreat and the vibrancy of a village community. Just a short stroll brings you into the heart of Alfriston, one of Sussex's most treasured villages. Cobbled lanes lead you past traditional pubs and welcoming tea rooms, while the village store and independent shops provide everything from daily essentials to those little luxuries that make life special.

Step beyond the village and the landscape opens up into the South Downs, where the walking trails seem endless and the scenery is ever-changing with the seasons. The iconic Seven Sisters Country Park lies within easy reach, its dramatic chalk cliffs and rolling hills among the most striking in England. For those with a taste for fine wine, Rathfinny Wine Estate is close by, offering tours and tastings that celebrate the very best of Sussex viticulture. And when it comes to culture, few experiences can compare with an evening at Glyndebourne Opera House, an internationally renowned stage nestled within the countryside.

Families can enjoy days out at Drusillas Park Zoo, while golf enthusiasts have the beauty of Seaford Head Golf Course to test their swing against the backdrop of sweeping sea views. Despite the sense of rural seclusion, the area is surprisingly well connected: Berwick and Polegate stations provide quick and easy rail links to Lewes, Brighton, Eastbourne and even London, while Gatwick Airport is comfortably under an hour by car. Schools, healthcare, and supermarkets are all within easy reach too, ensuring that life here is as practical as it is idyllic.

This is a place where you can savour the quiet rhythms of country living without ever feeling cut off, a village and a landscape that invite you to slow down, while still keeping you connected to everything you need.

Please remember: many of the images provided are CGI visualisations designed to help you imagine the lifestyle this property affords. The description, however, is a reflection of its character, history, and setting.

Please Note:

Money Laundering Regulations 2007: Intending purchasers will be asked to produce identification documentation upon acceptance of any offer. We would ask for your cooperation in producing such in order that there will not be a delay in agreeing the sale.

Bees Homes use all reasonable endeavours to supply accurate property information in line with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. These property details do not constitute any part of the offer or contract and all measurements are approximate. It should not be assumed that this property has all the necessary Planning, Building Regulation or other consents. Any services, appliances and heating system(s) listed have not been checked or tested.

Floor plan measurements: These approximate room sizes are only intended as general guidance. You must verify the dimensions carefully before ordering carpets or any built in furniture.

For a brochure of this unique home please call the Bees Homes country office.

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Buyer Identification:
In accordance with Money Laundering Regulations, Bees Homes are required to obtain proof of identification for all buyers. Bees Homes employs the services of Credas to verify the identity and residence of purchasers.

Council Tax Band: G
Tenure: Freehold