Magical East Sussex country house

Magical East Sussex country house

Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh were among the first guests to stay in this house when it was converted from a sheep bar in the 1930s

Monday, 13 October 2008

Caroline Fetherstonhaugh


In a magical setting, surrounded by its own land at the end of a long private drive, The Sheephouse is on the market for the first time in nearly 400 years.

* Country
houses in East Sussex for sale


‘It has been in the family since 1671,’ says fund manager and author Jonathan Frewen, who inherited it from his great aunt in 1988; his family owned the Brede estate from the 17th century. He moved there full-time in 1990 with his wife, Anita, and daughter, Antonia, after it had been sympathetically renovated and extended.

‘My great uncle converted it from a sheep barn in the 1930s; his cousin Winston Churchill received the freedom of the house on its completion in 1936. Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh were among the first guests; he proposed to her in the drawing room. It has unbelievable views. The New York Times said the view from the drawing room was the best in the South-East of England.’

 


 

The Sheephouse, near Brede, East Sussex has 5 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, Sussex-style barn with garage and studio. 5 acres formal gardens, 105 acres let on an agricultural tenancy.

£1.5m. Strutt & Parker (01732 459900)

 

* Country houses in East Sussex for sale

Comments


Post your comment:




IPC Media Limited, owner of countrylife.co.uk, will collect your personal information solely to process your request.

View houses for sale in UK and premium overseas property for sale or Find property estate agents.

Country Life Poll Take part in our poll

Thinking of buying a property or moving house this year?

Poll

  • a) No we are staying put for now (48%)
  • b) We are renting and looking for a new house to buy (19%)
  • c) Yes we think we can drive a hard bargain so are looking to buy (34%)

Tottering-by-Gently by Annie Tempest

Tottering-by-Gently by Annie Tempest

Classifieds

The Magazine

Country Life is the essential weekly read for those who are passionate about the British countryside, fine art, gardening and property.