Alfriston, Polegate, East Sussex

Follers Manor is grade II listed of historical interest and is believed to date from the eighteenth century or earlier and, having evolved over the years, it retains fine features of each of the different periods of its construction. In the earlier part of the house there are beamed ceilings of good height and elsewhere there are large elegant windows that afford good lighting through the principal rooms which command breathtaking views over the gardens to the South Downs. Evidence of the sensitive renovation programme over relatively recent years is noted throughout, resulting in a home of unusual quality enhanced by the most loveliest of settings with award winning gardens designed by Ian Kitson and featured in a number of national and European gardening magazines and television programmes by Alan Titchmarsh and The Landscape Man by Matthew Wilson. Paddocks flank the formal gardens, offering an equestrian opportunity, and the grounds have access to the picturesque Cuckmere River.

Features of note include downstairs, the well proportioned drawing room and library from 1848, as well as the panelled study, and modern garden room addition, which doubles as a home cinema. There is also a kitchen/breakfast room, well fitted in traditional country style and complete with an Aga.

The first floor provides four well-proportioned bedrooms complemented by four bath/shower rooms. Further accommodation includes two attic bedrooms and an additional bedroom above the utility room. In all, the house offers considerable versatility and can be arranged to provide up to eight bedrooms, using the further shower room to the ground floor, presently servicing the gym.

In addition, there is a very stylish and private, two bedroom cottage, providing ancillary accommodation to the main house.

The gated drive leads to excellent parking and garaging.

The scenic gardens and grounds extend to approximately 10 acres gently falling away from the house towards the Cuckmere River and commanding views to the downland beyond. The natural setting of the property must be one of the finest in the Cuckmere Valley and, over the years, it has been further improved by the well known garden designer Ian Kitson and beautifully maintained by the present owners.

The gardens radiate from the house in a series of ”rooms” and contain an outstanding collection of plants, shrubs and ornamental trees which provide colour through the year with paddocks beyond. A landscaped and naturally planted pond provides a haven for wildlife. There are hidden seating areas and almost all areas of the garden afford a glorious vista to scenic downland countryside. Flanking the formal areas of the garden and adding to the wonderful rural setting, the paddocks are grazed by arrangement with the local farmer. They also provide superb equestrian potential, with unrivalled riding across the surrounding South Downs countryside.

A large area of planted woodland is maturing beautifully containing a wide variety of native trees including oak, beech, hornbeam and birch. There is vehicular access from Whiteway to the paddocks. There is a public footpath which crosses the paddocks beyond the gardens and also a right of access for the water company maintenance.

Additional outbuildings include an aluminium framed greenhouse, brick and lint built gardeners office with wc, log store and old pigstye and a garden bothy/store.

Enviably located within the idyllic Cuckmere Valley and the South Downs National Park, Follers Manor setting is an important part of its appeal. The picturesque village of Alfriston, approximately 0.8 miles, affords vibrant village life, a local shopping facility, primary school and fine dining at several restaurants including The Star Inn and Rathfinny Wine Estate. The fabled coastline of the Seven Sisters is about 6.5 miles and the surrounding downland affords wonderful recreational opportunity for the equestrian and walkers.

The principal coastal town of Eastbourne, about 10.4 miles, offers a range of shops, theatres, golf courses and one of the largest sailing marinas on the south coast. Eastbourne’s private schools include St. Andrews, Bedes and Eastbourne College. There is world class opera at nearby Glyndebourne and the County Town of Lewes is about 10.6 miles. Train services to London Victoria and Gatwick are from Berwick Station (about 3.2 miles) and from Eastbourne and Lewes. Channel ferries are from Newhaven.

The nearby coastal town of Seaford, less than three miles away, offers a comprehensive range of amenities, with regular bus services running along the coast to Brighton and Eastbourne, including routes serving Brighton College.

All distances are approximate.

Services: Mains water, electricity and drainage.

Please note, Southern Water have right of access to treatment works.

Please note there is a public footpath that runs through the land, illustrated in blue on the site plan. A bridleway lies outside the site plan, marked in yellow.

Local Authority: Wealden District

EPC Rating: F

Cottage EPC Rating: D