SUSSEX AREA GUIDES

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East Sussex

Hastings, Eastbourne, Crowborough, Hailsham and Rye areas of East Sussex.

As with many counties in the south of England, East Sussex cannot be described in general terms. The northern areas are within easy reach of London for the commuter whilst the south is far more rural, save for coastal towns such as Eastbourne, Hastings and Bexhill.

For the country house buyer, there is a world of difference between East and West Sussex. Where the more open rolling countryside of the west has traditionally been the preserve of the large estates, with few good-sized family houses or even cottages, the hills and woods of the east have been farmed on a much smaller scale with relatively large villages and towns every few miles – hence a larger number of properties of all types.

In the north-east of the county, villages such as Hartfield and Forest Row have good access to London via trains from East Grinstead (51mins) as well as the amenity of the Ashdown Forest, a popular walking area.

To the south of Tunbridge Wells (London 50mins by train) is the Weald, a richly wooded area that runs east to west through the middle of the county and provides wooded scenery with pretty, small towns and villages, such as Rotherfield and Wadhurst. Oak from the forests was the main building material until the 16th century, often weather boarded or tile hung for extra protection from the elements. In the 17th century many of these houses were encased in Sussex brick.

The south of the county is relatively poorly serviced by main roads with the A21, A22 and A26 all predominantly single-lane. This means that many southern areas, particularly towards Rye in the east, are quieter and more rural.

East Sussex has some wonderful country houses but, in the main, a poor road network has left prices somewhat behind those of its neighbours in Surrey and West Sussex.

West Sussex

Crawley, Brighton, Littlehampton, Chichester, Haywards Heath, Horsham, Billingshurst, Eastbourne, Worthing and Hove areas of West Sussex.

West Sussex is a diverse county – from the new town of Crawley in the north-east growing around Gatwick, to the undulating South Downs, to the sailors' haven of Chichester Harbour. It is surprising, given its close proximity to the capital that the total population is only circa 750,000. There are a number of reasons for this.

The county is predominantly made up of small and medium-sized towns, controlled in size by the district councils. Over half the county is made up of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the large estates such as Goodwood, Cowdray and Petworth have not in the past released land for development. Relatively few houses and ease of access have combined to push prices firmly upwards.

The northern areas of the county are popular with commuters. Trains from Haslemere to London Waterloo take 51 minutes with the A3 providing a quick road link. Particularly popular are houses in the Milland Valley, Marley Common, and on Black Down where many houses have exceptional views.

In the north-east the Thames Link commuter train service to London Bridge and Blackfriars (33 & 43 minutes respectively from Three Bridges) along with the M23 provide easy access to London. However, there is a price to be paid – with a busy road network and aeroplanes from Gatwick, picking a quiet area can be tricky.

In the country house market, areas along the South Downs and coastal plains are increasingly in demand for second homes, particularly between Midhurst and Petworth.

The coastal plain south of Chichester and the A27 provide a mish-mash of settlements from the pretty at Bosham, where high premiums are paid for views over the water, to Bracklesham which is best described as suburban sprawl.

Major towns

Brighton, Hove, Lewes, Worthing, Eastbourne, Bexhill, Rye, Chichester, Hastings, Haywards Heath, Horsham, East Grinstead, Crawley, Petworth, Midhurst.

Transport links

Train:Victoria to Brighton 1hr; to Crawley 45min; to Chichester 1hr 45 min.

Car: Brighton to central London 50 miles, via the A23 and M23; Crawley, 31 miles, via the M23; Chichester 71 miles, via the A3.

Schools

Ardingly College (01444 892577). Co-educational, age range 2-18, day and boarding. http://www.ardingly.com/

Battle Abbey School (01424 772385). Co-educational, age range 3-18, day and boarding. www.battleabbeyschool.com/

Brighton College (01273 605788). Co-educational, age range 13-18, day and boarding. Associated preparatory school. www.brightoncollege.org.uk/home/

Burgess Hill School (01444 241050). Girls only, age range 3-18 years, day and boarding. www.burgesshill-school.com/

Brighton and Hove High (01273 734112). Girls only, age range 11-18, day. Associated preparatory school. www.gdst.net/bhhs/

Bellerbys College, Mayfield (01435 872041). Boys only (co-educational sixth form), age range 11-18, day.

Christs Hospital, Horsham (01403 252547). Co-educational, age range 11-18, boarding. www.christs-hospital.org.uk/

Roedean School, Brighton (01273 603181). Girls only, age range 11-18, day and boarding. www.roedean.co.uk/

St Leonards, Mayfield (01435 873652). Girls only, age range 11-18 years, day and boarding. www.stlm.e-sussex.sch.uk/

Leisure

Golfcourses: Rye (01797 225241); Goodwood (01243 785012).

Hunts: the Crawley and Horsham; the Southdown and Eridge; the East Sussex and Romney Marsh.

Yachting clubs: Eastbourne, Itchenor and Rye Harbour Sailing Clubs.

Fishing: rivers Arun, Rother and Ouse; Darwell Reservoir and Weir Wood Reservoir.

THE BEST SUSSEX COUNTRY HOUSES FOR SALE
(A breakdown of what was for sale & purchase prices)

Wilderwick Estate, East Grinstead, West Sussex (country estate, 173 acres): £3.5m

Exfold Farm, Rudgwick, West Sussex (period farmhouse, 120 acres): £4.5m

Garlands, Slinfold, West Sussex (Grade II*, 88 acres): £3.5m

Trotton Place, Midhurst, West Sussex (Grade II*, 31.75 acres): £3.5m

Shelley's Folly, Cooksbridge, Lewes, East Sussex (Grade 1, Queen Anne House): £3m

The Mill House, Wadhurst, East Sussex (16th century house, 23 acres): £2m

Sources: Land Registry data in the public domain, our own research via contacts (selling agents, buyers, solicitors etc.) and information published in Country Life magazine. Where a private sale/exchange of trust took place (i.e. no registration at The Land Registry) figures stated are asking prices. Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this information. Sands does not guarantee or accept responsibility for its accuracy. E&OE.

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Telephone: 01425 462549 (+44 1425 462549)

Website: www.sandshomesearch.com

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