
This wonderful Grade II*-listed five-bedroom house near Lewes in East Sussex was built c.1640. Full of historical detail, such as oak beams and inglenook fireplaces, the house has been lovingly and comprehensively restored, conjuring up the mood of the past while being perfectly designed for modern living. Externally, there are sweeping landscaped grounds of about an acre, as well as ancillary buildings. Set on the edge of the charming village of Ripe, the house has fast access to London, with trains running from Lewes (taking just over an hour) every 30 minutes; Gatwick airport is a 40-minute drive away or a 34-minute train journey.
Setting the Scene
Originally built for the wealthy Acton family (buried in the village church graveyard), the house on Ripe Lane would have been state-of-the-art when it was built in the 1640s. The house originally comprised a brewhouse, fish pool, dairy and bakery. It was not until the 1680s when William Action came into a considerable inheritance that he decided to add a brick porch to the façade, which still bears the initials ‘WA’. Noted in Pevsner’s Guide to East Sussex for its historical and architectural significance, the house has a couple of so-called ‘witches’ marks’, engravings common in the 17th century, thought at the time to protect against evil spirits.
The current owners commissioned a complete history of the building by acclaimed author Fiona Rule, listing every owner and resident since the house was built, a copy of which will be left with the house. For more information, please see the History section.
History
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