Ripe Lane, Ripe, Lewes, East Sussex

With elevations of weathered vertical oak cladding, complemented by brick and flint, under a slate roof, Curls Barn is an impressive village residence, its evolution reflecting careful attention to detail and a considered approach to presentation. Our clients have designed the property to be environmentally friendly and easy to maintain.

The property is entered through tall double double doors into a reception hall with cloakroom off, and features a 'floating' staircase of ash, steel and glass. Generous glazing, high ceilings and a light neutral palette enhance the sense of space within the semi-open plan ground floor reception areas. The dining room and sitting room are divided by a see-through inset fireplace with gas-fired, log-effect fire. Doors from the dining room open onto the raised terrace, while French doors in the sitting room provide far-reaching views and direct access to the garden.

The kitchen/breakfast room is fully fitted with sleek cabinetry and quartz work surfaces and a large island. There are two glazed doors opening onto the raised terrace, and the whole provides ample space for dining and living. The adjoining utility room provides additional storage.

The striking staircase rises to the first floor, which offers four bedrooms including master bedroom with ensuite dressing room and shower room, the other three bedrooms being served by a large family bathroom with freestanding bath and walk-in shower. There is further flexible accommodation in the detached self-contained cottage, formally a dairy, comprising reception hall, kitchen/sitting room (at present used as a work room), bedroom/study, shower room.

The grounds have been thoughtfully laid out, with extensive paving including the raised terrace with steps down to more areas, inviting relaxing or entertaining. Brick walled raised beds extend alongside the barn and to the side of the cottage, complimented by architectural planting. Garden boundaries are mainly brick and flint walled, often allowing views over extensive fields. A further paved area approached by a timber pergola planted with roses and wisteria gives another opportunity for relaxing and entertaining. The lawned area leads on to a small orchard containing plum, damson, greengage, cherry, fig and apple tree, beyond which are raised asparagus and rhubarb beds. There is a further separate vegetable garden with raised beds plus productive fruit bushes and a pear tree.

The detached oak framed and clad double garage and adjoining garden store are set back from the drive, providing ample parking space for several cars, with further parking for four vehicles at the front of the house. There are also outbuildings which include two stores, a gardeners WC and a walk-in dog shower.

Curls Barn is nestled at the edge of the village of Ripe and very close to its centre, with far-reaching views in the village of Ripe, which offers a welcoming community with a village hall, parish church, and community owned shop with a superb reputation.

More extensive amenities can be found in the nearby market town of Lewes, approximately six miles to the west, providing a wide range of shops, cafés, restaurants and cultural attractions. Glyndebourne Opera House and Charleston Farmhouse are nearby. The coastal city of Brighton & Hove lies beyond, offering a vibrant mix of leisure and retail facilities. The area is well regarded for its choice of schooling, including a number of highly respected independent schools such as Bedes in Upper Dicker and Lewes Old Grammar School, as well as a selection of wellregarded state options. Communications are convenient, with mainline railway services available from Lewes to London Victoria and London Bridge, and road links via the A27 and A22 provide access along the south coast and to the wider motorway network.