Guide price
£675,0002 bedroom apartment for sale
Watchbell Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7HA
Virtual tour
Apartment
2 beds
2 baths
1,162 sq ft / 108 sq m
EPC rating: C
Key information
Features and description
A beautifully presented apartment forming the entire first floor of a Grade II Listed eighteenth century period residence, altered in around 1910, faced with roughcast render set with sash windows with Venetian style shutters all beneath a pitched tiled roof and parapet. The light, well proportioned living accommodation has ceiling heights in excess of 9' to the principal rooms.
The property occupies a commanding position in one of England's most famous and historic cobbled streets. Watchbell Street lies in the heart of the Conservation Area of the Ancient Town and Cinque Port of Rye, renowned for its historical associations, medieval fortifications, including the Landgate and Ypres Tower. As well as its charm and history, the town has a comprehensive range of shopping facilities and an active local community, with the arts being strongly represented. Rye Arts Festival and Rye International Jazz Festival are held annually. From the town there are local train services to Eastbourne & to Ashford with high speed connections to London St. Pancras (journey time 37 minutes). The M20 may be joined at Ashford via the improved and upgraded A2070 and A259. Sporting facilities in the area include golf at Rye, Cooden and Hastings, sailing on the south coast and many fine countryside and coastal walks.
ACCOMMODATION A rear entrance door opens into a communal hallway with a door to the basement and a turned staircase leading to the upper floors with panelling to the stairwell and a leaded light oriel window at the half landing.
A front door opens into the reception hall with moulded cornicing to the ceiling, steps down to an inner hallway and a built-in storage cupboard. Entry phone. The combined living room and dining room has large sash windows overlooking Watchbell Street with distant views to the sea, an attractive wrought iron fireplace with a fluted Adam style surround and arch display cupboards to either recess, together with a dentil cornice. The kitchen/breakfast room has oak flooring, an exposed brick wall and townscape views to the rear over Lamb House and the Citadel. The shaker style cabinets comprise cupboards and drawers beneath wood work surfaces with a Butler sink, a Miele induction hob with oven below and filter hood above, an integrated Bosch dishwasher, an under-counter fridge, space for a free standing fridge/freezer and table and chairs
Bedroom 1, which enjoys distant views sea views beyond Camber Castle, has bespoke hand painted wall art by renowned landscape artist, Fujiko Rose, a double wardrobe cupboard with overhead storage, a cast iron fireplace with marble surround and an en-suite shower room with contemporary fitments including a shower enclosure, close coupled wc and counter top wash basin. Bedroom 2 has a large sash window to the rear providing townscape views over Lamb House, a range of fitted wardrobe cupboards to one wall and Acanthus Leaf plasterwork to the ceiling
The inner hallway has a part glazed door to the roof terrace. The bath/shower room has vertical sliding sash windows to one elevation providing roofscape views to open countryside in the distance. The fitments comprise a panelled bath with a rain shower above, a wash basin set into a vanity unit and a close coupled w.c. The utility room has worktops with space below for a washing machine and under counter fridge, freezer or dryer. High level storage cupboard.
The roof terrace 16' x 11' enjoys southerly views to the front along Watchbell Street and to the sea in the far distance. A spiral staircase leads from the upper flat as an emergency fire escape only. Basement store 16' x 5'6: Light and power connected.
Communal entrance hall, Private entrance hall, Living/dining room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Bedroom 1 with ensuite shower room, Bedroom 2, Family bathroom, Utility room, Gas central heating, EPC rating D, South facing roof terrace, Basement store
LEASE DETAILS Lease details: Term 150 years from 1966. All three flat owners contribute approx. £2,000 per annum into a 'sinking fund' for repairs and agree all maintenance charges.
A one third share of the freehold transfers with the property. The exterior of the property is painted every 5 years, and was most recently redecorated during 2024. Note: Pets can only be kept with the consent of the other freeholders.
PARKING A resident's parking scheme is currently operating in Watchbell Street whereby permanent residents can apply for a permit for 12 months to park on a ''first come, first served'' basis in a restricted part of the street, subject to availability.
FURTHER INFORMATION Local Authority: Rother District Council. Council Tax Band E
Mains electricity, water, gas and drainage.
Predicted mobile phone coverage: EE, Three and 02
Broadband speed: Superfast 71Mbps available. Source Ofcom
Flood risk summary: Very low risk. Source GOV.UK
The property occupies a commanding position in one of England's most famous and historic cobbled streets. Watchbell Street lies in the heart of the Conservation Area of the Ancient Town and Cinque Port of Rye, renowned for its historical associations, medieval fortifications, including the Landgate and Ypres Tower. As well as its charm and history, the town has a comprehensive range of shopping facilities and an active local community, with the arts being strongly represented. Rye Arts Festival and Rye International Jazz Festival are held annually. From the town there are local train services to Eastbourne & to Ashford with high speed connections to London St. Pancras (journey time 37 minutes). The M20 may be joined at Ashford via the improved and upgraded A2070 and A259. Sporting facilities in the area include golf at Rye, Cooden and Hastings, sailing on the south coast and many fine countryside and coastal walks.
ACCOMMODATION A rear entrance door opens into a communal hallway with a door to the basement and a turned staircase leading to the upper floors with panelling to the stairwell and a leaded light oriel window at the half landing.
A front door opens into the reception hall with moulded cornicing to the ceiling, steps down to an inner hallway and a built-in storage cupboard. Entry phone. The combined living room and dining room has large sash windows overlooking Watchbell Street with distant views to the sea, an attractive wrought iron fireplace with a fluted Adam style surround and arch display cupboards to either recess, together with a dentil cornice. The kitchen/breakfast room has oak flooring, an exposed brick wall and townscape views to the rear over Lamb House and the Citadel. The shaker style cabinets comprise cupboards and drawers beneath wood work surfaces with a Butler sink, a Miele induction hob with oven below and filter hood above, an integrated Bosch dishwasher, an under-counter fridge, space for a free standing fridge/freezer and table and chairs
Bedroom 1, which enjoys distant views sea views beyond Camber Castle, has bespoke hand painted wall art by renowned landscape artist, Fujiko Rose, a double wardrobe cupboard with overhead storage, a cast iron fireplace with marble surround and an en-suite shower room with contemporary fitments including a shower enclosure, close coupled wc and counter top wash basin. Bedroom 2 has a large sash window to the rear providing townscape views over Lamb House, a range of fitted wardrobe cupboards to one wall and Acanthus Leaf plasterwork to the ceiling
The inner hallway has a part glazed door to the roof terrace. The bath/shower room has vertical sliding sash windows to one elevation providing roofscape views to open countryside in the distance. The fitments comprise a panelled bath with a rain shower above, a wash basin set into a vanity unit and a close coupled w.c. The utility room has worktops with space below for a washing machine and under counter fridge, freezer or dryer. High level storage cupboard.
The roof terrace 16' x 11' enjoys southerly views to the front along Watchbell Street and to the sea in the far distance. A spiral staircase leads from the upper flat as an emergency fire escape only. Basement store 16' x 5'6: Light and power connected.
Communal entrance hall, Private entrance hall, Living/dining room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Bedroom 1 with ensuite shower room, Bedroom 2, Family bathroom, Utility room, Gas central heating, EPC rating D, South facing roof terrace, Basement store
LEASE DETAILS Lease details: Term 150 years from 1966. All three flat owners contribute approx. £2,000 per annum into a 'sinking fund' for repairs and agree all maintenance charges.
A one third share of the freehold transfers with the property. The exterior of the property is painted every 5 years, and was most recently redecorated during 2024. Note: Pets can only be kept with the consent of the other freeholders.
PARKING A resident's parking scheme is currently operating in Watchbell Street whereby permanent residents can apply for a permit for 12 months to park on a ''first come, first served'' basis in a restricted part of the street, subject to availability.
FURTHER INFORMATION Local Authority: Rother District Council. Council Tax Band E
Mains electricity, water, gas and drainage.
Predicted mobile phone coverage: EE, Three and 02
Broadband speed: Superfast 71Mbps available. Source Ofcom
Flood risk summary: Very low risk. Source GOV.UK
Property information from this agent
About this agent
Full profileProperty listings
Phillips & Stubbs – a regional property consultancy with a national profile at home in Rye LOCAL KNOWLEDGE – BETTER RESULTS We know every square mile and having an intimate knowledge of the local area and market enables us to get outstanding results for our clients. Whilst we may never compete with the large, corporate concerns in terms of their financial might and self promotion, they can never get close to the local community in the way that we can and develop those all important long term relationships on which the success of our business and reputation is built. Knowing the various micro-markets that make-up the local property scene and forging affinities with individuals in those communities over a long period of time gives us a deeper understanding and permits us to make those all important connections that go beyond conventional marketing. Despite all the advances in technology, this business is still very much a people business and local ‘know-how’ is often the difference between success and failure. COASTAL & COUNTRY We understand that particular properties require a bespoke, lifestyle approach and our Coastal and Country brand gives us the platform to market intriguing properties of merit using a tailored service built around a team of experienced professionals specialising in their field, high impact marketing and a clear understanding of the local market. One of the UK’s natural treasures is its unique coastline. Often charming, sometimes awe-inspiring, never boring, it is not surprising that so many people choose to live along the 7,760 miles of UK coast. We are acutely aware that properties with a sea view or located in close proximity to the beach are among the most sought-after for the lifestyle opportunities they provide. It’s the dream of many to live on the coast and in response to this strong demand we have set up a dedicated coastal service for the discerning buyer. It is a distinct market with different forces at work to the mainstream one and characteristics requiring our deep level of local knowledge that our team can use to deliver outstanding results through innovative marketing for our clients. Just as we benefit from a unique and historic coastline, so the inland rural areas, villages and market towns are exceptionally beautiful being both diverse in nature, from the rolling countryside of the High Weald to the low lying plains of Romney Marsh, and wide ranging in style with a high density of architecturally interesting buildings and Grade II listed properties including converted outbuildings, old farmhouses and charming cottages, which collectively ‘have been slowly and richly coloured by the personality of the people who have dwelt in them these hundreds of years. One may say of them that they are of the colour of English history’. W. Beach Thomas. Such unique properties demand particular attention and a focus on the special qualities of an individual property through tailored marketing rather than a ‘one size fits all approach’ in order to ensure you get the best possible outcome. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION It is the advice you hear from us all the time and we apply it to ourselves. Our distinctive office in Rye occupies a high profile, corner position which ensures your property will get noticed. It also has a contemporary feel reflecting our forward thinking approach whilst being conducive to discussing business and property related matters in a relaxed yet professional environment. Rye is a destination of choice for people and often the starting point for their property search, not just in the town but right across the wider area as many people are simply too ‘time-poor’ to travel around the outlying villages to register with estate agents, thereby, making them increasingly irrelevant whilst boosting our own profile as a regional property hub. In addition, we open 7 days a week and most Bank Holidays to make sure we take full advantage of any opportunity to market your property. It is vitally important to maintain this presence given that high number of buyers who come to this area from London looking to relocate or to buy a second home and yet the vast majority of estate agents are closed for business on these prime viewing days. We find it bizarre in this day and age but we are not complaining! STYLE & SUBSTANCE Contemporary marketing is integral to our business. From branding to advertising, from how our office looks to the bespoke brochures we produce using floor plans, professional photography, dusk shots and aerial images and through our online presence and the use of social media channels, journalist interviews and historical research on individual houses, we are committed to constantly evolving our marketing approach to ensure your property is shown to maximum advantage. The benefits are greater awareness and better results for both us and our clients. A STRONG ONLINE PRESENCE Over 80% of all property searches begin online and so it is a very important factor when it comes to marketing but in order to differentiate your property in an overcrowded market there is in our view a need to go beyond simply replicating what can be seen on the main property portals on our own website. Accordingly, our website continues to develop to become a valuable resource for anyone looking to buy or rent property by providing additional information about individual houses and the locality and has an interactive design delivering an enhanced experience. In addition, individual micro-sites with extra features can be created for an individual property. PARTNERSHIP We see our relationship with our clients as a partnership. We all have a stake in the result and the importance of focusing and working together is vital in getting the best result for our client. Like any relationship, communication is vital in understanding what each party wants to achieve. Any estate agent would covet the opportunity to market your property on your behalf and at the outset you will probably see plenty of enthusiasm but often the activity can tail off if there is no early result. Not every property sells within a few weeks, of course, but from the outset we agree a marketing strategy with you that has regular reviews built-in to it to ensure your property remains firmly at the forefront of our minds. By working together it takes less energy and time and creates a better understanding and appreciation of the outcome. As an independent firm with a ‘can-do’ attitude and a business built on professionalism, energy, enthusiasm and extensive knowledge, we understand it is the quality of service we offer to clients that determines our success and we are particularly proud of the repeat business and recommendations we get from satisfied clients. LET ME SELL YOU A SECRET Evoking Robert Cialdini’s Scarcity Principle of Influence, there are certain circumstances where it may be advantageous for a property owner to sell off-market and we have a discreet service aimed at search agents and specific buyers who have clearly defined criteria.
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