This Grade II-listed three-bedroom former pottery sits in the heart of Rodmell, East Sussex. The beautiful house retains much of its original 18th-century character, including the hearth, once used for firing ceramics, which is now the heart of the kitchen. The house has been carefully decorated, allowing the bones of the building - pretty timber framing and exposed flint work - to take centre stage. The village of Rodmell is ideally situated for both access to Lewes, coveted for its shops and restaurants, and for revelling in the immense open spaces of the South Downs.

Setting the Scene

Rodmell is a charming village in the heart of the South Downs. It is best known for being the home of Virginia Woolf, who lived in the 16th-century cottage known as Monk's House, close to the River Ouse. The present house, together with the adjoining building, once served as the mill and pottery, using red and grey clay found in the surrounding South Downs. It was a working pottery until the 1970s, with products made on the two kilns sold to small stores in Lewes and Brighton. Tucked into a quiet courtyard, it is faced with local flint with accent red brick dressings and white wooden framing, typical of the area. For more information, please see the History section.

The Grand Tour

The pretty pale blue front door with its white surround opens directly into the kitchen, where the history of the building is immediately apparent. The floor is paved with robust bricks, and a flint wall has been left exposed and painted white. A neat kitchen wraps around the space, with smokey-green cabinets. The room's focus is the large exposed fireplace with its original cast-iron burner.

Next door is an open-plan dining space where pale wooden floorboards are paired with teal-painted beams that run overhead. A double glass doorway transitions to the sitting room, where a wood burner is set into an exposed brick hearth; extensive in-built shelving keeps the space streamlined. The adjoining room is a light-filled space, currently used as a home office but would suit a variety of uses including as a third bedroom.

Two staircases lead to the first floor. One ascends from the kitchen and is defined by elegant ebony balustrades. The principal bedroom has a double-height ceiling accentuated by white wooden beams. A mezzanine is accessed via a ladder, a good spot for storage or as a low seating area. A set of sliding doors leads to a paved patio that is a lovely spot to listen to the birdsong of the surrounding area.

The second bedroom is characterised by wooden panelling and black wooden floorboards. The room has ample storage cupboards and a lovely view of the Downs through a pretty casement window. The white and iron grey colour scheme continues in the bathroom, complementing the wide bath. A wide skylight creates an airy atmosphere.

The Great Outdoors

A charming patio garden with flint walls is accessed from the principal bedroom. It is an ideal space for catching the glorious sun of the South Downs, where, in the summer, the sunlight lasts late into the evenings and the smell of honeysuckle fills the air. At the front of the house is a small pebbled spot, perfect for setting up a table and chairs to bask in the tranquillity surrounding the house.

Out and About 

The village of Rodmell is just 10 minutes' drive from Lewes, recognised as one of the gateways to this section of the South Downs. It is renowned as the residence of Virginia Woolf, and her residence is now under the jurisdiction of the National Trust. Rodmell itself is a sleepy residence, but its major perk is the direct access to the South Downs. Countless footpaths lead from the village and crisscross the landscape towards Kingston Ridge or Firle Beacon.

Local pubs in the area are typical of an East Sussex spirit, with favourites being The Juggs in Kingston and The Ram in Firle. Just across the road from the house if the well-regarded Abergavenny Arms that occupies a 15th-century building and serves up excellent home cooking. The proximity to Lewes means ready access to a host of small boutiques, such as Freight. Restaurants include the original outport of Bill's, in addition to renowned antique shops that flank the high street.

The proximity of Rodmell to Lewes means it is well connected by rail and road. In the latter's case, it is a short drive to connect to the A27 that leads to Brighton in around 15 minutes. By rail, the nearest train station is Southease that is walking distance from the house and has regular services to Brighton and Lewes. Lewes train station has regular services that connect to London Victoria in 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Council Tax Band: E