Glorious views of the South Downs National Park stream through this peaceful four bedroom detached house tucked away in the famous Downland village of Rodmell, once home to Virginia and Leonard Woolf. Immaculate inside and out, this inviting home within the exclusive boundaries of the National Park itself has off street parking, a double garage and large sunny garden for the famous alfresco Sussex lifestyle. Designed to embrace the stunning views and ideal for sophisticated entertaining as it is, planning has been granted for a glamorous, vaulted sunroom opening to the grounds. Nestled in a no through lane with access to the South Downs Way just around the corner, this secluded home is close to riverside rambles and just 8 minutes from the sea, but with local amenities and a choice of good schools it is not isolated, and if you cannot always work from home, the county town of Lewes with a station serving London is a ten minute drive, and both Brighton and Gatwick are an easy commute.

In a stunning countryside setting this rare find is hidden away in a leafy cul de sac off a quiet, no through lane which culminates in the South Downs Way. A modern classic with an easy flow and designer finish it has been lovingly improved and extended to create a light filled retreat with energy efficient doors and windows, and although within the prestigious National Park, planning has been granted for both the dragon topped porch which has been completed, and a garden room with vaulted roof light by the living and dining areas of the ground floor which remains extant.

The open plan living room, utility and hallway:

Inside the broad hallway sets the refined tone of this home with a large window and glazed doors to allow a free flow of light from all directions, and the suspended oak floor continues through to an open plan living space of understated elegance which flows across the back of this large house. Classically beautiful with clean lines, fuss free decoration and a Defra approved iron wood burner there is a generous 20’11’’ x 17’10’’ (6.37m x 5.43m) to enjoy either together or whilst entertaining - and an artistic eye has kept the focus on restful garden views which stream through large windows to the front, back and side.

Skilfully thought through, the dining area is subtly connected to the kitchen by a lit cabinet and sociable bar where friends can join you or homework can be completed as you cook the incentive to finish. Well planned, with streamlined units topped by stylish but child friendly composite quartz, everything is to hand from the central Bosch touch induction hob, hood and oven with the fridge and freezer carefully integrated at the dining end of the run. A dishwasher is also already incorporated and as you would expect of a home of this quality, a separate utility room with plumbing, oak surfaces and access to the garden is tucked away.

Also on the ground floor to limit ingress of winter country walks (or rugby matches), a chic shower room is right on trend and the attention to detail continues in the high end fittings which include a sculptural radiator to warm towels.

The gardens and garage:

So large it gets the sun all day and surrounded by a sea of neighbouring gardens, the back garden is a scented oasis after a busy day in the city. Child and pet secure, expertly planted flower beds bring all year interest to a level lawn for play – a feature difficult to find on the Downs- and at the far end, a corner gazebo faces west for the last of the sunshine. By the house, the lit stone terrace is ideal for al fresco lifestyle Sussex is known for with views over a pond, whilst a green house, which could stay, provides flowers, fruit and vegetables for the table. There is a side gate from the front garden where the double garage has a remote controlled door and a Welsh slate path leads past a large lawn and water feature to create an inviting frontage.

Three first floor bedrooms and luxury bathroom:

At the top of the stairs the tranquil nursery at the front of the house is so light and airy it is currently used as an art studio with fitted maple surfaces. At the other end of the hallway, two pristine double bedrooms have plenty of character and remarkable views over the Sussex Weald towards the County Town of Lewes. Perfectly presented in an idyllic setting, neither are directly overlooked. Close by, the spa like bathroom is designed to both soothe and refresh with luxurious touches including a contemporary bath with an Aspirante shower above it, and matching mirror and storage above and below a smart handbasin.

The principle bedroom:

Private and peaceful with unique, open views of the glorious countryside of the South Downs National Park, the principle bedroom is a calm sanctuary, decorated to the highest standard with an entire wall of wardrobes delivering all the sophisticated storage you could dream of.

Agent says:

“Country views, fresh air and a champagne lifestyle come with this beautiful family home.”

Owner’s secret:

“As well as the beautiful surroundings, we and the children have enjoyed the freedom of living within Rodmell’s friendly community. There’s always local activities on offer - and friends love to come and stay as there are Downland walks and bridle paths just around the corner, riverside rambles at the end of The Street or seafront strolls a few minutes away. The house is ideal for entertaining either in the garden during summer or inside in the winter where we can appreciate the view in the warmth – and everything we need – schools, restaurants, stations, sailing club, stables and cinema are all within a 10 minute radius, and the village bistro pub is just a stroll.”

What’s Around You:

Shops: Lewes & Newhaven both 10 minutes

Station: Lewes 10 minutes

Seafront or Park: South Downs at the end of Mill Lane, West Beach 10 minutes

closest schools:

Primary: Iford & Kingston

Secondary: The Priory

Private: Lewes Old Grammar, Newlands, Brighton College, Bede’s

A quintessential English village, Rodmell was once home to Virginia and Leonard Woolf and has local amenities including a family run pub and a lively community. The opera house of Glyndbourne and thriving high street of the medieval castle town of Lewes are within easy reach as are walks and bridle paths of the National Park – one just around the corner! Sitting in the valley of the River Ouse, you can enjoy the restful pace of village life knowing that the bustling towns of Lewes, Newhaven and Seaford are close by all offering fashionable shops, restaurants and bars as well as plays, cinemas and music. The beach is not far and the coastal City of Brighton & Hove is a reasonable commute – about 20-30 minutes. For those needing to venture further afield, the railway station at Lewes is just 10 minutes away with a fast and regular service to Gatwick and London.