The Ridings, Ovingdean

Originally built in 1999, this home has been thoughtfully transformed by its current owners into a ‘rustic country-chic’ retreat that blends effortlessly with its surrounding farm buildings and countryside views. Since moving in, they’ve installed a stunning new kitchen, upgraded the radiators, added reclaimed hardwood flooring, replaced the boiler (less than a year old), and landscaped the rear garden. Thoughtful finishing touches, including plantation shutters and carefully chosen Little Greene and Farrow & Ball paints, complete the look. The house is exceptionally well insulated, warming up quickly in winter with minimal spend and staying pleasantly cool through the summer months.

Step through the newly fitted front door, painted in Farrow & Ball ‘Off Black’ to complement the neighbouring buildings, and into a bright, wide hallway with space for coats and a shoe bench. There’s a practical understairs cupboard and a downstairs WC. The rich hardwood floors flow throughout the ground floor, beautifully preserved and full of character and adding to the design-led nature of this home.

To the left lies the kitchen: a handcrafted design by Handmade Kitchens of Christchurch, with shaker-style units, marble-effect composite worktops, and a timeless butler sink with Perrin & Rowe tap. Integrated Smeg appliances include an induction hob and full-size dishwasher, and underfloor heating keeps things cosy through the colder months. There’s also space for a dining table, sat under cosy wall lighting, making it a sociable hub of the home.

To the right, the living room offers a generous space for relaxing and entertaining. A log-burning stove with a reclaimed brick hearth (salvaged from the original farmhouse) creates a wonderful focal point. Double doors open onto the south-facing garden, where a patio catches the very last of the evening sun. The garden has been carefully landscaped with Mediterranean-style planting, a neat lawn, and fruit trees including apple and olive. It’s both bright and low-maintenance, with a large shed tucked neatly to one side. A practical side gate allows access to and from the garden to the front of the house.

Upstairs, the painted staircase leads to three bedrooms - two with built-in wardrobes - and a well-presented family bathroom with a bath and shower over. One bedroom is currently used as a home office, while another enjoys an en-suite shower room. From the rear bedroom, the view stretches across the South Downs National Park where you can even see walkers along the ridgeline and the 11th-century church, the oldest building in Brighton & Hove.

The top floor is home to the principal suite, tucked into the eaves and framed by stunning countryside views, where mornings are greeted by songbirds and evenings by the gentle calls of owls. It’s a peaceful retreat that comfortably fits a king-size bed, storage, and a dressing area. An en-suite bathroom is already plumbed in and ready for someone to finish to their taste. There’s even scope to add a freestanding bath beneath the Velux window to add a touch of luxury. Built-in storage, eaves cupboards, and access to a boarded loft space complete the picture.

Additional property information

Property type: Semi-detached house
Tenure: Freehold
Council tax band: E
Parking: Designated parking space located outside the front door
Boiler: Less than a year old
EPC: C

The area

The Ridings sits within the South Downs National Park, in the peaceful and picturesque village of Ovingdean. Surrounded by open countryside and scenic trails, it’s a wonderful setting for those who love walking, cycling, or simply being close to nature. Beacon Hill Nature Reserve and the iconic Rottingdean Windmill are just a short stroll away, while the seafront and Undercliff Walk - leading through Brighton Marina and into the city - can also be reached on foot.

Ovingdean itself has a close-knit village feel, complete with a charming village hall and Wild Flour, a much-loved local spot serving wood-fired pizzas to take away. Just along the coast, the neighbouring village of Rottingdean offers an excellent selection of independent shops, cafes, traditional pubs, and restaurants and is perfect for a relaxed weekend wander.

Schools

The property is ideally positioned for many popular and well-regarded schools catering to all ages, including; Ovingdean Nursery (0.1 miles), Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School (1.5 miles), St Margarets C of E Primary School (1.6 miles) Longhill High School (0.9 mile), Roedean School (1.8 miles) and Brighton College (2.3 miles).

Transport links

Branching out from the village, The Ridings is just a short drive along the coast from the exciting attractions of Brighton city centre (4.0 miles) and Brighton Marina (2.6 miles). There are regular bus services which run through the city and along the coast. From The Ridings, it is easy to access the A23/A27 with links to the motorway network and Gatwick Airport.

Parking - Off street

Disclaimer

All property details have been provided by the owners. While Number Twenty Four strives for accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness or correctness of this information. Buyers and renters are advised to conduct their own due diligence before proceeding with a purchase or let.