“A sensitive conversion and restoration breathed new life into this former chapel and antique centre”
“A sensitive conversion and restoration breathed new life into this former chapel and antique centre”
This singular three-bedroom apartment is set within a converted chapel in Lewes’ historic town centre. Set over three levels, the lofty interiors have been meticulously finished and updated with contemporary interventions such as double-height Crittall windows, maximising natural light. Residents have access to a private courtyard and a designated parking space with EV charging. Lewes' High Street is just around the corner, and Lewes train station is a four-minute walk from the house.
Setting the Scene
Lewes has a history dating to pre-Saxon times as a significant strategic point thanks to its position on the slopes of the Ouse Valley. A busy river port exporting the Sussex crops of grain and wool, the area's agricultural nature remained relatively unchanged from Saxon times right through to the beginning of the Victorian period.
Chapel Quarter was recently the subject of a stunning conversion into four split-level apartments characterised by their quiet and secluded feel. Set back from the street behind black-painted metal railings, the façade cuts a striking figure, enhanced by a careful restoration of the rosary window and all stone and brick work. A new slate roof has also been installed.
The Grand Tour
A soaring, black-painted arched gate lends a sense of grandeur upon arrival while hinting at the lofty proportions within. It opens a communal entrance, where a covered portico leads to an internal courtyard and footpath connecting to the private front entrance.
Access to the apartment is from a double-height Crittall door. Inside, an airy entrance hall with direct sightline to the patio is set within a dramatic void and flooded with natural light. Across the home, lofty ceilings and a pared-back colour palette enhance the impression of openness and brightness. Wood-effect porcelain flooring in light tones extends throughout, complete with underfloor heating.
The plan flows onto an open-plan living space, carefully designed for both everyday living and entertaining. Crittall doors open onto a south-facing courtyard, while drawing in soft morning light. The inviting sitting area is anchored by a tall built-in library running along one side of the space.
To the left is a bespoke kitchen by Berger organised in an L-shape layout with matte grey cabinets and stone surfaces. Integrated appliances include an induction hob, oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing/drying machines. Italian tiles by Porcelanosa line the floors. The dining area is set to the back and can accommodate a large table. Also on this floor is a separate WC room, accessible from the hall.
A staircase with storage underneath and a handcrafted metal balustrade leads to an impressive galleried landing overlooking the hall. The two top floors are fitted with soft carpeted flooring.
The first floor is home to the spacious principal bedroom, positioned at the back of the plan and bathed with light pouring in from two large arched windows. Fitted wardrobes offer plenty of storage space, and the en suite has a rainfall shower and tiling.
Two further bedrooms are found on the top floor. The largest of the two is set within high vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and has two large roof windows drawing in natural light. A second room of more modest proportions is at the front and ideally suited as a quiet home office/study.
A shared bathroom serves this floor, fitted with a shower over bathtub and tiled splashbacks.
The Great Outdoors
The living spaces open to a private south-facing courtyard, the ideal spot for keeping a potted garden and relaxing in the warmer months.The communal areas have automatic illumination, and residents also have access to a designated parking space for one car and EV charging.
Out and About
Chapel Quarter is just around the corner from Lewes' High Street, which is home to a wide range of excellent restaurants, cafés and pubs. Local favourites include The Lewes Arms, which serves delicious pizza, The Pelham Arms, and Caccia and Tails. Taith is a delightful café with a breathtaking view and an impressive bookshop offering. By way of amenities, Waitrose is just five minutes' walk from the house.
Lewes has many independent shops, antiquarian bookshops, and several antique markets. A new cinema and art complex, The Depot, shows various mainstream and arthouse movies. There is also Lewes Castle, a wonderful local landmark with stunning panoramic views across Sussex, and Pells Lido, a spring-fed outdoor pool.
Brighton is a 15-minute drive from the house, with an increasingly vibrant culinary scene. Plateau and Mange Tout are renowned for their natural wines; The Coal Shed is famous for its steak; Burnt Orange, their sister restaurant, specialises in wood-fired cuisine.
There are excellent schools in the area. The independent, all-through Lewes Old Grammar School is just a short walk from the house. Southover CofE Primary School and Western Road Community Primary School are also nearby. For secondary education, Priory School, King’s Academy Ringmer, and Plumpton College are well-regarded by locals.
Lewes train station is a four-minute walk from the house, servicing London Victoria in 76 minutes, the University of Brighton in seven minutes, and Hastings in around an hour. Gatwick Airport can be reached in approximately 40 minutes by car.
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