Station Road, Berwick

Enveloped in open skies and the soft, sculpted folds of the South Downs, discover a remarkable home where Victorian structure meets Edwardian style. Tucked away along a gated driveway, light-drenched, timeless and deeply connected to the land, experience country living with the convenience of the city at your fingertips, at this family home.

Character and convenience
Built in the late 1800s and extended in 1910, it is a family home sensitively restored to honour its heritage while embracing the light, flow and space of modern living. Reached via a gated drive and wrapped in wildflower gardens and open skies, it's a place of beauty - just minutes' walk from Berwick station and within walking distance of two fine country pubs.

Purchased in 1997, the current owners embarked upon a labour of love, fully renovating the home, replastering walls, reinstating fireplaces and restoring period features. For future owners, there is ample scope to further personalise this home, with the potential for self-contained annexe accommodation and the creation of additional bedrooms and bathrooms.

Enchanting arrival
Pull through the gated entrance and onto the driveway, where plenty of parking is available, and sense the uniqueness of the setting. With no neighbours, the privacy is absolute, allowing the sounds of nature to take centre stage. Pastoral views entreat, with a wildlife pond to the side, whilst lawn stretches out providing a verdant border to this wonderful home.

Classic meets contemporary
A handy glazed porch provides plenty of boot room space for shoes and outerwear, before stepping through into the embrace of the entrance hall. Setting the tone for the high ceilings and character found throughout, elegance emanates from the original French Godin stove, nestled beneath its handmade marble mantel shelf and complemented by bespoke tiles crafted to the owners' specification by JCJ Pottery in nearby Hankham.

Thoughtfully redecorated to reflect the home's heritage, refined period shades from Farrow & Ball and Little Greene feature throughout the reception rooms and hallways with sunlit yellows and rich reds. Moving upstairs, the bedrooms are softened by more contemporary tones from Dulux Heritage and Laura Ashley, complementing the expansive countryside views. High ceilings, some with original cornices, create a sense of elegance and space throughout, while every room resonates with airiness and light.

From the entrance hall, to the right, the drawing room is one of the most evocative and well-loved spaces in the home. Spacious and southwest-facing, golden yellow walls, are washed with light from large windows framing uninterrupted views of the South Downs, with Firle Beacon taking centre stage.

A striking black marble fireplace, salvaged from a Victorian villa in Brighton, has been carefully reinstated, adding depth and heritage to the room, while lighting from Christopher Wray in Chelsea further enhances the period ambience.

To the left of the entrance hall, the sitting room offers a cosy and inviting retreat on winter nights. Garden views beckon from the large windows, dressed in handmade curtains, flooding the room with natural light, while a refurbished fireplace housing a wood-burning stove infuses warmth.

An inner hallway provides access to a cloakroom beneath the stairs for handy storage, whilst a glazed door provides a tempting glimpse of the patio and lawns outside.

Peaceful and practical when working from home, the study sits to the rear of the home, featuring wooden flooring, a fireplace and is awash with light from the bespoke blind fitted large window overlooking the downs towards the Long Man of Wilmington on the hillside.

Wine and dine
Across the hallway, the dining room blends craftsmanship with character. Locally crafted, hand-built panelling envelops the room, whilst a brick chimney breast frames the ornamental fireplace. Savour the views out over the pond and summerhouse, creating a beautiful backdrop for meals and gatherings.

With its warm palette and generous proportions, this is the perfect setting for suppers and entertaining. Overhead, an original Art Deco light fitting from New York - sourced via Christopher Wray in London - adds a striking focal point and may be available by separate negotiation.

Feast your eyes
Follow the easy flow through to the kitchen, with its friendly, farmhouse feel and airy high ceilings. Italian tiled flooring flows underfoot with plenty of storage available in the hand-built units by Jason Furniture, finished in handmade doorknobs by JCJ Pottery. Cook up a feast in the bottle green, four-oven oil-fired Aga, nestled beneath a tiled splashback sourced from World's End in Battersea, forming the heart of the room.

With ample room for a breakfast table, additional appliances include a fridge, dishwasher and washing machine whilst dimmable ceiling LEDs enable you to set the perfect mood in this well-designed, welcoming space.

From the kitchen, a side door leads into the annexe and a barn style room - currently a calm, open space used as a gym and for yoga and fitness. Vaulted ceilings rise above the concrete floor, while windows frame views of the garden beyond. Light-filled and full of potential, this space could easily evolve - into a self-contained annexe incorporating the garage, or for use as a creative studio.

From the entrance hall, make your way upstairs to the first-floor landing, flooded with light. A separate WC is on the left while next door, the main bathroom features Fired Earth tiling, a power shower and a bath and sink sourced from an East Sussex specialist- all set against a view of the Long Man of Wilmington.

Back on the landing, discover the principal suite, tucked away in its own private enclave. Refreshment awaits in the porcelain-tiled ensuite with twin Sottini wash basins and bath, a Koralle spa shower and Fired Earth tiles throughout.

Once two rooms, the very large principal bedroom now forms a light-filled retreat with sweeping views over the Downs from all three windows. Stash all your seasons' attire in the 11 hand-built wardrobes providing elegant, practical storage - designed to be hand-painted and refreshed as tastes evolve. Settle into the hand-built window seat and take in the uninterrupted view of Firle Beacon and the South Downs - a perfect place to read, watch the wildlife drift by, or simply sit in stillness as the light moves across the landscape.

Next door, a second king-sized bedroom featuring a characterful original fireplace offers spectacular views over the Downs. Filled with natural light, each bedroom at Beacon View offers a front-row seat to the ever-changing landscape.

Another king-size room lies further along the landing, with an original fireplace and dressed in soft green tones, emanating a calm, natural feel. Verdant views extend out over the pond, weeping willow and summer house to a seven-acre paddock and field, which the local farmer is happy to rent by separate agreement.

From the landing, stairs lead to the second floor, where another large window fills the landing with natural light. This large bedroom is currently used as both a study and bedroom, with built-in storage and elevated views over the Downs. There are two rooms linked to the bedroom - both with vaulted ceilings and wooden floors which are currently used for storage, have the potential to convert into a bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, creating a self-contained suite.

There is an additional large roof space above the master bedroom which could also be converted to another living space.

Outdoor oasis
Outside, the gardens wrap around the house in four distinct areas, blending structured spaces for dining and relaxing in sunshine, with pockets of wild beauty.

At the front, a yew hedge and flower beds frame the path to a hidden gate leading to the station and South Downs trails. To the side, herb garden, raised rose beds and a lilac-filled wildlife area border the kitchen, whilst to the top, a rewilded paddock attracts bees, butterflies and hedgehogs, a spot so idyllic it once hosted a marquee wedding with around 80 guests.

Meanwhile, the main lawn and orchard area includes apple, plum, quince and pear trees, with flowerbeds, bird baths, and open space to sit and enjoy the views. Sunrises illuminate the paddock and orchard whilst sunsets melt over the Downs.

Set in a prime spot overlooking this splendour, the fully insulated summer house - with power and internet - is perfect as a home office, studio or music room, offering peace, privacy and inspiration in equal measure. With its flexible layout, peaceful setting and excellent connectivity, Beacon View could easily support a home-based business or creative practice.

Outbuildings: potential and possibilities
Accessed from the kitchen, a connected outbuilding, currently used as a gym and yoga space, offers scope to create a self-contained annexe with power and lighting already in place. The adjacent garage also has loft storage and could be incorporated to expand the space further. With the home sitting just outside the South Downs National Park, there is plenty of potential here for extending the property, subject to planning permission.

Out and about

Though surrounded by fields and with no neighbours for a quarter of a mile, this family home while rural, is by no means remote.

A hidden gate from the front garden opens onto a footpath leading to Berwick Station in under ten minutes. With direct trains to Lewes, Brighton, Gatwick and London, alternate between supper in the city and dinner at home, watching the sun set across the Downs.

Berwick and the surrounding villages embody a real sense of community, with a friendly network of childrens' events, WhatsApp groups, regular yoga, art and craft classes in the village hall, and well-supported seasonal events - from produce shows to Christmas fairs.

Families are welcomed, and children enjoy freedom and independence, with excellent state and private schools served by direct school bus pickups, including Bede's, Mayfield, Eastbourne and Brighton College.

With two much-loved pubs within walking distance, The Cricketer's Arms, a traditional country inn, and The Berwick Inn, known for its warm welcome, opera nights and early morning coffees for commuters, stop off for a thirst-quencher after a day out on the Downs.

From the door, you can step straight onto trails leading through the South Downs National Park - a dream for walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders alike.

With Glyndebourne Opera House, the Towner Art Gallery and Charleston Farmhouse near Lewes close by, alongside the theatres of Eastbourne, and regular events in Alfriston, savour culture locally, whilst the coast is close enough for impromptu trips to the sea.

Whether gathering friends in the grand drawing room, walking straight out onto the Downs, or watching deer at dusk from the window seat, this is truly a home to fall in love with - and grow into.

** Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the fixtures and fittings mentioned throughout, items included in sale are to be discussed at the time of offering **

Book your viewing today or for a brochure of this home call the Bees Homes country office.

If there is any point which is of particular importance to you, we invite you to discuss this with us, especially before you travel to view the property.

Please Note:

Money Laundering Regulations 2007: Intending purchasers will be asked to produce identification documentation upon acceptance of any offer. We would ask for your cooperation in producing such in order that there will not be a delay in agreeing the sale.

Bees Homes use all reasonable endeavours to supply accurate property information in line with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. These property details do not constitute any part of the offer or contract and all measurements are approximate. It should not be assumed that this property has all the necessary Planning, Building Regulation or other consents. Any services, appliances and heating system(s) listed have not been checked or tested.

Floor plan measurements: These approximate room sizes are only intended as general guidance. You must verify the dimensions carefully before ordering carpets or any built in furniture.


Why not join our VIP BUYERS CLUB!

Once a member of our VIP BUYERS CLUB, you'll receive details of homes coming to market up to 7 days before everyone else. This gives you the opportunity to view and offer on the home before it goes to the open market.

A proportion of our unique homes are not advertised on the open market since many of our clients prefer a more discreet approach

As a member of the VIP BUYERS CLUB you will also be sent details of those properties we have been asked to sell privately.

Buyer Identification:
In accordance with Money Laundering Regulations, Bees Homes are required to obtain proof of identification for all buyers. Bees Homes employs the services of Credas to verify the identity and residence of purchasers.

Council Tax Band: G
Tenure: Freehold