* Guide Price £1,500,000 - £1,700,000 *

The coastal village of Ovingdean nestles at the foot of protected Downland which rolls to the sea and this historic, flint faced barn is in prime position on the small green by the 11th century St Wulfran’s Church. Beautifully converted into a luxury four-bedroom house with landscaped, south facing garden and parking for several cars, this immaculate home is one of a kind with a high-end finish and interiors which blend period character with the best of the 21st century. Oak beams, leaded windows and open fires grace the dining room and elegant living room, which flows into the garden, whilst the kitchen diner is streamlined and stylish with high spec appliances and a sociable in/out flow. Downstairs, large cellars have multiple spaces and upstairs all of the double bedrooms have picture perfect views. The principal is en suite with a dressing area, and at the top of the house, the fourth bedroom is designed for dreaming, stretching the full length of the barn with a wood burner to read by and windows at each end framing glorious countryside. Attracting professionals, and investors seeking fresh air and privacy but with swift access to the airports and London, families will appreciate a choice of good schools, both primary and secondary within a 7-minute radius and Ovingdean’ s shop as well as the local beach and café is just two minutes away. The rock pools and restaurants of Rottingdean are four minutes by cab and you have the best of both worlds with the bright lights of Brighton about ten minutes away.

EPC: E
Council Tax: F

* Guide Price £1,500,000 - £1,700,000 *

Enjoy the relaxed yet sociable lifestyle offered by this unique detached home tucked away in a sought-after coastal village where you can stroll across the Downs to the beach and which has a vibrant community as well as a village store. Located on the village green by rolling hills and local footpaths, this flint faced barn is a beauty with a gated arch leading through gardens to a broad oak door and inside an exceptional conversion. Interiors retain the period character of the building with original beams exposed, solid oak flooring and high-end fittings include timber framed windows in keeping with the age of the building.

Designed to keep the house private before you invite callers in, the entrance lobby has charm with a large cupboard for coats, a door leading to expansive cellars beneath the house and solid oak underfoot which leads through a fabulous, central hall into the reception for a relaxed, social flow.

The reception and dining room:

Facing south for the sunshine, the reception is a classic beauty where a broad bay, framed by a massive beam is lined with windows where central French doors sweep out to the garden. Of dual aspect it is always light and airy, and it winter it becomes a welcoming haven to return to with when the lights are dimmed, the fire is lit, and you can select a book from one of the handmade cabinets on each side of the stone fireplace.

Next door, the elegant dining room is ideal for sophisticated entertaining, where guests can relax in rare seclusion whilst enjoying the warmth of an open fire.

The kitchen diner:

Designed to celebrate friends and family in seamless style, the kitchen diner spreads its wings through the whole depth of this majestic building, with glorious views over the Sussex countryside and French doors to the garden to make al fresco summers easy. With room for a comfy sofa by built in shelving for cookbooks, travel books, textbooks, and power for a t.v., a large central isle seats at least 8 in comfort, perfect for informal suppers or discussions about homework as you cook.

Surrounded by streamlined units topped by marble, this is a kitchen gourmets dream of with a central multi fuel range, a microwave combi and fan oven at eye level, and a large fridge freezer, a washing machine and a drier.

The principal bedroom suite:

Making the most of its serene setting, the principal suite runs along the side of the barn which faces the green and open fields, where sheep graze. Private, peaceful, and calmly decorated it is ready for your move and the floorspace sweeps around to a dressing area with organised storage. Intended to refresh and revive, the spa-like en suite shower room has a dual head shower, designer hand basin and vanity unit and a cabinet.

Two family bedrooms and family bathroom:

Each light and airy where a raised area separates out an area for quiet study with inspiring garden views, both of these generous double bedrooms are tranquil retreats with plenty of space in which to unwind. The family bathroom is right on trend with metro tiling, a shower above the bath, inset mirrored cabinet and a warming rail for towels.

The top floor:

A private paradise, the fourth bedroom spans the barn from side to side with a ceiling which soars high overhead, adorned by huge, exposed beams. Leaded windows at each end bring in the South Downs and Sussex sunshine, and at the heart of the room is a wood burner to cosy up by.

The grounds:

A secret haven behind flint walls and beautifully landscaped for all year interest, this fabulous garden is child and pet secure with a sun-drenched terrace level with the house and a lawn for play, which is a feature hard to find in Downland villages. At the far end a second, raised lawn has a shaded dining arbour which is also a private spot for quiet catch ups when guests and children have retired for the night. Tucked away to one side close to the side path from the front, a covered area is used for bikes, but could be a play area, and there is also a brick-built storeroom hidden away.

Agent says:
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to buy one of the premier homes in the Village. Surrounded by the South Downs National Park and bordered by the sea, Ovingdean attracts national and international buyers wanting good schools and a healthy lifestyle within easy reach of Brighton, Lewes, London or Gatwick. Homes in this exclusive area do not come on the market often and sell fast as it is in a prime location between the city and amenities of the picturesque Rottingdean High Street.”

Owner’s secret:
“As well as the beautiful surroundings- both the countryside and the historic buildings, our family have enjoyed the freedom of privacy whilst within easy reach of the sea and the city. This has been a very happy family home and we feel very privileged to have been the custodians of this architectural jewel. We have enjoyed plenty of parties celebrating birthdays and holidays here but especially Christmas when the village meets on the green outside the house to sing carols. With so much space, we were always able to welcome our children’s friends when they wanted to stay over and with local bus routes they had a degree of independence, and everything we need – schools, restaurants, stations, sailing club, stables and cinemas are all within easy reach.”

What’s around you:
Shops: Local 2 minutes, Rottingdean High Street 5 minutes, Brighton 7 -10 minutes.
Station: Lewes and Brighton Stations 20-25 minute drive.
Seafront or park: Countryside opposite, seafront 2 minutes.

Closest Schools:
Primary: St Margaret’s C of E, Our Lady of Lourdes RC.
Secondary: Longhill.
Private: Roedean, Brighton College, The Old Grammar School Lewes, Bede’s.

The coastal village of Ovingdean is popular with families and professionals as it is quietly tucked away from tourists but close to the good schools and amenities of both Brighton and Rottingdean. For those who love the great outdoors, as well as the protected 628,2 square miles of the South Downs National Park and beaches on the doorstep, you can cycle along the pedestrian undercliff walk to the yacht club (and cinemas and waterfront restaurants) of Brighton Marina in 15 minutes. About a 15 minute drive to Brighton and Hove’s international city centre, bus routes – with bus lanes- along the coast and to the universities at Falmer are fast and frequent giving older children a degree of independence and with speedy access to both the A27 and A23, Lewes, Gatwick and London are a reasonable commute.