"Tall windows capture arresting views across the expansive garden and adjacent countryside, sketched by J.M.W. Turner"
"Tall windows capture arresting views across the expansive garden and adjacent countryside, sketched by J.M.W. Turner"
This wonderful house sits on the edge of Winchelsea at the heart of the High Weald National Landscape, a short distance from Winchelsea Beach. It has been the subject of a complete refurbishment in recent years; a beautiful, serene palette, which takes inspiration from the home’s marshland position, has been adopted in each room, diverting attention to the far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside.
Setting the Scene
Turners sits on School Hill, within the conservation area of the ancient Cinque Port town of Winchelsea. School Hill benefits from one of the finest vantage points in the area, with views looking back across the marshland toward Rye. During the Napoleonic Wars, J.M.W. Turner famously sketched Winchelsea and its surrounding landscape.
Winchelsea, as it stands today, was founded in 1288, replacing an earlier town known as Old Winchelsea. As a result, it is filled with a historic buildings: there are two impressive stone gates and the ruins of a Greyfriars monastery, now an English Heritage Scheduled Monastery.
The Grand Tour
Turners’ black clapboard and red-tiled silhouette nods to local vernacular styles, while its long profile hints at the flowing lateral plan within. A shared driveway leads to the front door, where entry is to a central hallway that connects to each room, creating an easygoing flow.
The reception spaces are at the far end, where a spacious sitting room sits beneath a dramatic pitched ceiling with tall windows that frame immersive pastoral views. White-stained floorboards run underfoot, while crisp white walls amplify the bright atmosphere.
Two exposed timber steps ascend to the kitchen and dining room, which has been beautifully finished with olive-green cabinetry, smooth quartz countertops and a rooflight that punctuates white-painted beams overhead. Appliances are integrated and include Samsung fridge/freezer and Neff oven and induction hob.
The sleeping quarters lie at the other end of the house with two bedrooms, both with a calm feel and distinct characters. In the principal bedroom, a bank of windows runs across from the sleeping area into an open en suite with sea-green zellige tiles and a roll-top bath; a WC is concealed behind a door. Nickel tapware is from The Cast Iron Bath Company.
The second bedroom has a wonderful pitched roof and dual-aspect windows. A separate shower room has also been wonderfully finished with pink-painted storage and a walk-in shower with a striped, tiled shower tray and brass fittings from The Cast Iron Bath Company and Francone bespoke taps above dual sinks. There is also a smart utility and storage cupboard opposite.
The Great Outdoors
A generous garden unfolds across the quiet street, with mature trees and shrubs lining its borders. There is plenty of space to dine or play outdoors, and a handy shed is useful for storing garden equipment. The view is expansive, facing out over field upon field.
Out and About
Just south of Winchelsea, Winchelsea Beach is a quiet seaside village and shingle beach. It partly backs onto Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, which is composed of varying habitats: scrub, woodland and lagoons, and is home to thousands of species of native wildlife.
The ever-popular Rye is chock-full of restaurants, including the Globe Inn Marsh, The Fig and Standard Inn. There is also an independent cinema alongside a growing number of boutiques. The Old Town in Hastings is home to the Hastings Contemporary, as well as a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Charles Palmer Vineyards lies to the south-east, while Good Ground Pilates is to the north.
Nearby Pett Level marks the end of the Royal Military Canal, a defensive structure that runs for 28 miles to Hythe in Kent, built in preparation for a possible invasion by Napoleon. The Saxon Shore Way footpath (running from Gravesend in Kent to Hastings) is easily accessed and there are spectacular walks along the Jurassic Coast across the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Pett Level Beach is also nearby and great for swimming, with a sandy cove which stretches all the way towards Winchelsea and Rye Harbour.
There is a wide choice of state and private schools in the area, including Claremont School, Battle Abbey School, Buckswood at Guestling, Eastbourne College, Vinehall at Robertsbridge and Marlborough House in Hawkhurst.
Winchelsea station is a short drive away and runs services towards Ashford International and Eastbourne; the former provides swift connecting services to central London. There are also excellent road connections towards the rest of the south-eastern coast.
Council Tax Band: E
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