East End Lane, Ditchling, Hassocks, East Sussex, BN6

Exceptional Grade II listed former medieval hall house in the heart of this sought-after downland village.

Description

Tucked away in the very centre of one of Sussex’s most picturesque and historic Downland villages, Brewers is a beautifully presented Grade II listed home of great character and architectural significance. Believed to date from between 1430 and 1450, this rare example of a Sussex medieval hall house has evolved over the centuries – first converted into two cottages during the 20th century, and then thoughtfully reconfigured into a single dwelling. Today, it is a charming and welcoming home, combining rich period character with a sensitive modern aesthetic.

From the entrance lobby, the house opens into a number of very well-presented and comfortable living spaces, where the character of the building is immediately apparent. Rich oak floorboards run throughout much of the ground floor, complemented by bespoke oak doors with traditional wrought iron fittings. Exposed ceiling timbers and other period details are sensitively highlighted by a soft, neutral colour palette, complementing the house’s heritage.

There are three inviting reception rooms: the elegant sitting room, with deep oak beams and a magnificent stone inglenook fireplace housing a Morso woodburning stove; a formal dining room featuring an original bread oven and leading to a well-fitted utility room and cloakroom; and a cosy family room, again with a fireplace and woodburner, ideal for relaxed evenings.

The kitchen has been carefully designed in a modern Shaker style, with bespoke cabinetry, granite worktops, and a suite of quality appliances including twin Bosch ovens, a four-ring induction hob, Bosch dishwasher, and Quooker hot tap. A secondary staircase rises from the kitchen to the first floor.

Beyond the kitchen lies a stunning vaulted Alitex orangery, added by the current owners. With a limestone tiled floor, French doors opening to the garden, and space for informal dining, it beautifully connects the house to its outdoor surroundings and creates a wonderfully light and versatile living space.

Upstairs, Brewers offers four well-proportioned bedrooms, each benefitting from built-in storage and characterful outlooks, many with sash or casement windows and dual aspects. Two staircases provide independent access to the first floor. A family bathroom and separate shower room serve the bedrooms.

Outside
The garden at Brewers is an enchanting space - landscaped in a classic cottage style, with a stone patio next to the house and steps rising to a raised lawn and further paved seating area, bordered by richly stocked and colourful beds. A timber arbor offers a shaded seating area, while a raised ornamental fish pond, Gabriel Ash greenhouse, and cleverly concealed rainwater harvesting system add both charm and practicality.

To the front of the house, accessed from the utility room, a small courtyard gives access to the boiler room and timber shed, with space for bins and storage. A driveway provides parking for two to three vehicles and leads to a detached weatherboarded garage with an electronically-operated roller door and a useful workshop area to the rear.

Location

East End Lane is close to the heart of the picturesque and popular village of Ditchling, which falls within the South Downs National Park and is well-known for its artistic community and many historic listed houses.

The village has many community facilities, including post office, primary/nursery school, health centre, pharmacy, cafes and two public houses. There are miles of footpaths and bridleways in the surrounding countryside, across Ditchling Common and on the South Downs.

The nearby towns of Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath (three miles and five miles respectively) offer a wider range of high street shops, supermarkets and leisure facilities; the seaside City of Brighton and Hove lies beyond the Downs to the south and is regarded as one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, with a fantastic mix of famed nightlife, award winning restaurants, theatre culture, festivals and events.
Sussex has a diverse cultural and arts scene, with world-class opera at Glyndebourne, and the annual Brighton Festival presenting a huge programme of theatre, dance, classical music and literary events.

Mainline rail services: Hassocks station (1.6 miles, London Bridge/Victoria from 48 minutes) and Burgess Hill station (3.2 miles, London Bridge/Victoria from 51 minutes)

Schools: St. Margaret's Primary and Nursery School in Ditchling, Chailey Secondary School, Downlands Community College in Hassocks, Hurstpierpoint College, Ardingly College, Burgess Hill Girls, Brighton College and Roedean.

All times and distances are approximate.





Additional Info

Services: Mains gas fired central heating. Electric under floor heating in the orangery. All mains services.
Broadband: Fibre to the cabinet is available.

Outgoings: Lewes District Council. Tax band G.

Photographs taken: June 2025.