“A singular and storied 19th-century house centred around a magnificent great hall”
“A singular and storied 19th-century house centred around a magnificent great hall”
A significant part of the town's architectural fabric, this astonishing Victorian house is a handsome presence in ever-popular St Leonards-on-Sea. It spans some 7,180 sq ft, with versatile living and sleeping quarters and a separate, well-equipped annexe. Original features abound, including beautiful stained-glass windows, extensive timber panelling, and a series of tiles designed by Randolph Caldecott, a celebrated 19th-century illustrator. Outside, enchanting grounds of approximately 3/4 acres are filled with mature trees, an ornamental pond and swathes of open lawn. The beach is a short walk away, along with the town's thriving independent scene.
Setting the Scene
Built in 1879 by a local architectural practice, the house was designed in a vernacular style inspired by the architecture of northern France. In 1922, it was purchased by the London Omnibus Company and converted into a convalescent home, with additions including a dining room, steward's office and staircase. It later served as a school journey centre and rehabilitation facility. In 2012, the original building and later extension were separated and sold individually.
Occasionally used as a filming and photography location, the house today retains a remarkable sense of atmosphere, with extensive period panelling and a wealth of original features. A generous and versatile home, it has been thoughtfully adapted by its current owners, interior architect Scarlett Gowing and her husband, with subtle contemporary interventions. In recent years, it has also been featured in Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, and Inigo’s Almanac.
The Grand Tour
Caple-ne-Ferne's silhouette is eclectic and immediately striking. Its asymmetrical façade combines Arts and Crafts influences with vernacular detailing, including broad canted bay windows, decorative timber framing and richly coloured brickwork. A prominent tower rises above the roofline, crowned by a sweeping tiled roof and balcony.
Inside, the house is centred on a magnificent entrance hall, where extensive timberwork and soaring stained-glass windows create a dramatic first impression. Beautiful parquet flooring extends into the principal living spaces on either side.
To the right lies a library, where a former fireplace is framed by decorative Caldecott tiles illustrating The House That Jack Built, beneath a central date plaque inscribed "1880". A stained-glass window and glazed door open onto the garden, drawing in soft natural light.
The principal reception room is wonderfully expansive, with impressive ceiling heights and finely detailed stained glass. A garden room extends from one side, filled with light from tall windows and centred on a romantic window seat. Another fireplace forms a focal point here, finished with beautiful green-blue tiles.
Beyond lies a dining area that flows into a beautifully executed contemporary kitchen. Marble has been used to masterful effect, pairing elegantly with white cabinetry and dark parquet floors. Integrated appliances include a Miele dishwasher, induction hob, large oven and a combi oven/microwave, and Vola taps.
On the opposite side of the hall is a formal dining room, a stately space well suited to seasonal gatherings and special occasions. A projecting bay lined with tall stained-glass windows invites abundant natural light and incorporates a further window seat.
The central staircase ascends to a first-floor gallery, where the full scale of the entrance hall's proportions comes into view. The current configuration provides four bedrooms, including two exceptional suites with dressing rooms. One incorporates a freestanding bathtub, while the other has a luxurious Jack-and-Jill en suite bathroom.
Each bedroom enjoys peaceful views and a distinct character, courtesy of a carefully considered palette of colours. Additional WCs are positioned on this floor, supplementing those on the ground level. A further staircase rises to the tower, an extraordinary vantage point with views stretching towards the sea.
Part of the house is currently arranged as a self-contained two-storey annexe, ideal for multi-generational living or guest accommodation. It comprises an open-plan living space, three bedrooms (one with an adjoining WC) and two separate bathrooms. The annexe has its own front door as well as an internal connection to the main house.
The ground floor is completed by a spacious laundry and utility room, while a separate staircase descends to a substantial basement extending to over 1,400 sq ft.
The Great Outdoors
Gardens of approximately 3/4 acres surround the house, enhancing its sense of privacy and seclusion. A tapestry of mature trees, including over 40 holme oaks, frames expansive lawns for games, gatherings and summer picnics. To the rear, a generous south-facing sandstone terrace catches the best of the day's light and provides an idyllic setting for outdoor dining.
A thoughtful planting scheme by the owners has introduced grasses, topiary, alliums, santilina, a wide variety of roses and other perennial varieties that soften the landscape throughout the seasons. An ornamental pond, flanked by two charming stone swan sculptures, forms a delightful focal point.
To the front of the house, a large driveway provides parking for up to five cars.
Out and About
St Leonards-on-Sea was the brainchild of architect James Burton and later his son, Decimus. Conceived as a Regency seaside resort, it continued to expand east and west along the coast into the early 20th century.
The town’s shingle shores are a short walk away, as is the artist quarter, enclosed within Shepherd Street, Norman Road, Gensing Road and Mercatoria. With its hub of galleries and restaurants, the area is famous for being home to the Hastings Antique Centre, Lucy Bell Gallery, Project 78 Gallery, and the Fleet Gallery.
For the culinarily inclined, there is Galleria Seafood Bar, St Clements Restaurant, and the Kino-Teatr. Heist Market, an indoor food hall with a wide range of independent local businesses sharing street food, craft beer, natural wine, coffee and cocktails, is also a short walk away.
Hastings is close, as is Bexhill-on-Sea, the setting of the De La Warr Pavilion. The area’s rejuvenation is perhaps best epitomised by the addition of the Hastings Contemporary gallery by HAT Projects, which won several architectural awards, including a RIBA National Award.
There is an excellent choice of state-run and private schools locally. Primary options include Ark Little Ridge Primary Academy, St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, and West St Leonards Primary Academy. Claremont School, Saxon Mount School, and St Richard’s Catholic College provide secondary education.
Trains run from St Leonards Warrior Square to London Bridge and Charing Cross in less than two hours, and to Brighton in just over an hour.
Council Tax Band: G
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