Impressive and imposing coastal house in over 1.5 acres
Wonderfully tucked away, astonishingly given its scale, and nestled within its own 1.62 acres affording a high degree of privacy, 5 High Street is a highly impressive Arts and Crafts house. Built in an 1903, and recently the subject of a thorough programme of renovation, the house was formerly a private home, requisitioned by the army during both world wars, before becoming the Overstrand Court Hotel in the 1950's, The current custodian has returned the house to its former glory as one of the principal houses of the village.
The works have been extensive. Most obvious is the complete rendering of the external facades, for a uniform look despite the additions to the house, new windows throughout, and the hidden elements of upgraded plumbing and electrics. The space inside is exceptional, with the tone set by an expansive entrance and staircase hall. The living rooms, with fireplaces, are of a scale that allows them to be designed in many ways, with one part open plan to a breakfast area. The focal point of the house is the impressive kitchen, another open plan space, with Laura Ashley kitchen with island unit and fitted appliances, with French doors out to the south facing garden. A utility is conveniently off the kitchen for practicality, together with a more formal dining room, again with French doors out to the gardens. A number of store rooms are essential, whilst a study can also double as a future proof ground floor bedroom, with shower room adjoining.
The bedrooms are divided over two floors. There are two initial bedrooms worthy of becoming the principal room. A bedroom of 10m x 5.75m, bay window and en suite bath/shower room, is one candidate, whilst the other is a bedroom on the south side of the house with adjoining dressing room through to a shower room. Alongside these on the first floor is the guest bedroom, with triple aspect and en suite bathroom, and three further bedrooms served by a bath/shower room. The main staircase continues up to the second floor, configured as four double bedrooms and a bathroom. On the south side of the house is a extensive balcony with glass balustrade overlooking the gardens.
The house enjoys plenty of natural light throughout, with tall ceilings, and fine views out over the grounds.
Gardens and grounds
The grounds of 5 High Street, are one of the defining features of the house, given the extent it enjoys within this central village location. A total of about 1.62 acres, affords a great amount of privacy and feeling of seclusion yet with the village on your doorstep.
Panelled gates open onto a gravel drive sweeping up the house, with plenty of private parking for many cars. If garaging is required that are obvious locations without the need to compromise on parking. Lawns to the front of the house frame the parking areas.
The majority of the gardens are to the south, mainly laid to lawn that sweeps away from the house, dotted with fine specimen trees including oak and horse chestnut. The gardens are a wonderful area to entertain in, relax, dine, and also present a blank canvas to landscape to something more formal. It is an inspiring space and one that could evolve to suit many different needs and requirements.
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I was in awe of the size of both the house and grounds, given its central village setting.
Ben RivettProperty agent