Church Lane, East Grinstead, RH19

THE HOUSE.
Dating from the 18th century, St Swithun’s House is distinguished by its red-brick elevations laid in Flemish bond, sash windows and handsome panelled front door. Behind the elegant façade is a substantial and flexible home, combining impressive period proportions with a layout that works extremely well for modern life.

Steps rise from Church Lane to the entrance hall, from which the principal ground floor rooms are reached. At the front are the drawing room and dining room, both well proportioned and filled with natural light. The dining room has a deep window seat, while the drawing room provides a more formal reception space. A separate study sits beyond and enjoys an extraordinary outlook towards Sackville College.

At the rear, the kitchen/breakfast room is arranged around a substantial central island, with oak units, extensive work surfaces and plenty of room for informal dining. It opens into a bright glazed link, with a rooflight and full-height glazing overlooking the garden.

Together with the dining room, the kitchen/breakfast room creates a sociable part of the house, while the sitting room beyond provides somewhere quieter and more relaxed. This impressive room has a vaulted ceiling, substantial exposed beams and a wood burning stove.

On the first floor, the principal bedroom has extensive fitted wardrobes, a fireplace and a particularly generous en suite bathroom with a freestanding bath, separate shower and twin basins. There are two further bedrooms and an additional bathroom on this floor.

Two more bedrooms, a shower room and a useful study landing occupy the second floor.

The lower ground floor provides two substantial cellars, while the garage and adjoining store offer valuable additional space.

SACKVILLE COLLEGE.
Immediately behind the house is Sackville College, one of East Grinstead’s most remarkable buildings and a defining part of the setting.

Founded in the early 17th century as an almshouse, its sandstone buildings are arranged around a peaceful quadrangle and include a chapel and Great Hall. More than four centuries later, it remains in its original use.

From St Swithun’s House, Sackville College is not simply part of the outlook. Its architecture, gardens and long history form part of the everyday setting and give the house a position unlike any other in the town.

OUTSIDE.
The house has a small front garden enclosed by a low brick wall and railings. To the rear, the private walled garden is unusually generous for such a central position, with a wide paved terrace providing plenty of room for outdoor dining and entertaining and a lawn beyond.

Mature boundaries and the sandstone buildings of Sackville College create a setting that feels secluded and full of interest. A driveway to one side leads to the garage and store and provides off-road parking.

Tenure: Freehold
Council Band Tax: G
Local Authority: Mid Sussex District Council