East Sussex Historic Houses

Anne of Cleves’ House

A 16th century half-timbered house that formed part of Henry VIII’s divorce settlement to Anne of Cleves.

52 Southover High Street, Lewes, BN7 1JA  Tel: 01273 474610  Email

Bateman's 

Rudyard Kipling's home from 1902-36. The house is much as he left it and the strong reflections of the author's associations with the East can be seen and felt. The grounds run down to the river Dudwell where there is a watermill. The gardens contain roses, wild flowers and herbs. Kipling's Rolls-Royce is also on display here. The ground floor of the house is accessible, along with the gardens and a tea-room is open from March to September. A picnic area is available in the copse adjacent to the car park

Burwash, Etchingham, East Sussex    TN19 7DS  Tel:  01435 882302   Email

Charleston

This quirkily decorated farmhouse was home to ‘Bloomsbury’ couple Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell. Charleston is famous for its extravagant murals and unique cottage-style garden.

Charleston, Near Firle, Lewes, BN8 6LL. Tel: 01323 811626    Email

Firle Place

The home of the Gage family and has been for over 500 years. Set at the foot of the Sussex Downs within its own parkland this unique House, originally Tudor, was built of Caen stone, possibly from a monastery dissolved by Sir John Gage, friend of Henry VIII. The House contains a magnificent collection of Old Master paintings. fine English and European  furniture and an impressive , collection of Sevres porcelain 

Firle Place, Firle, Lewes, BN8 6LP Tel : 01273 858307    Email

Glynde Place 

A magnificent Ellizabethan manor house set in the heart of the South Downs. Glynde Place was built in 1589 from local flint and stone from Normandy and extensively added to in the 18th century. There is a collection of Old Masters, family portraits, furniture, embroidery and silver an belonging to the family who has lived there for over 400 years.

The Street Glynde Nr Lewes BN8 6SX Tel: 01273 858224

Great Dixter House and Garden

The spectacular planting here includes topiary, exotics and some stunning colour.

Northiam, Rye  TN31 6PH   Tel: 01797 252878    Email

Michelham Priory

A beautiful historic property nestling deep in the Sussex countryside and offers much to interest visitors – history, exhibits, superbly kept gardens, art exhibitions, wildlife, working watermill. Features a sculpture trail, kitchen garden, medieval cloister garden and the longest medieval moat in England.

Monks House

The former home of Leonard and Virginia Woolf, some of their personal possessions are on display.

Rodmell, Lewes, BN7 3HF  Tel: 01892 890110

The Royal Pavillion 

The Indian architecture contrasts with interiors inspired by China. Built for King George IV, and also used by William IV and Queen Victoria, this palace with its white onion-like domes and minarets re designed in the Indian Moghul style by John Nash between 1815 and 1823. A recent £10 million restoration scheme has returned the palace to its full Regency condition with lavish decorative schemes. The centrepiece of the Banqueting Room is a 30ft chandelier, a ton in weight, held in the claws of a silvered dragon. The music room is equally as impressive, with lotus-shaped lanterns hanging from a high domed gilded ceiling.

Brighton, BN1 1EE  Tel: 01273 290900   Email