Ripe Lane, Ripe, Lewes, East Sussex

This exceptional home combines striking modern architecture with sustainability, accessibility and everyday practicality. Built in 2013 on the footprint of a former ancient barn, the elevations combine traditional flint knapping and brick, plus green oak planking, creating a contemporary interpretation of classic downland architecture. Aluminium rainwater goods, accoya doors and windows, and green oak planking make for lasting good looks with minimal maintenance.

The property is energy efficient, with photovoltaic panels generating a feed-in tariff income, offsetting electric underfloor heating throughout the ground floor and in the upstairs bathrooms, supported by mains supply. Hot water is heated by immersion, although the solar thermal panels provide more than enough when the weather permits. The mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system contributes to year-round comfort in the main house.

With turn-key accommodation, Curls Barn has been thoughtfully designed with wide doorways and space to install a lift, offering the potential to adapt to changing lifestyle needs.

Features that enhance everyday convenience include concealed in-wall speakers, at present operated by a Sonos sound system. There is also a central vacuum system, Kinetico automatic water softener and a laundry chute between the ensuite and the utility room below. The ground floor of Curls Barn has high ceilings, ‘floating’ staircase, generous room proportions and tall windows which maximise natural light and frame the far-reaching views across the gardens and surrounding countryside.

The open-plan layout of the reception rooms is ideally suited to entertaining, with a double sided gas log-effect fire between them. The well-appointed kitchen/breakfast/family room offers ample space for day-to-day family use. There is also a large cloakroom and well-equipped utility room meeting practical needs.

The bedroom accommodation is versatile: the first floor of the main house provides master bedroom with ensuite shower room and dressing room. The three further bedrooms, all with built in storage, are served by a large family bathroom. There is a large walk-in loft accessed from bedroom two providing additional space for storage or a variety of other uses.

The detached self-contained annexe offers two further rooms and a shower room. This highly flexible space could be used as guest accommodation, a home office, studio, treatment room, gym, hobby room or granny annexe.

Please refer to the floor plan for a comprehensive overview of the full extent of the property.

Outside
The gardens are designed to be both beautiful and productive, with extensive terraces for entertaining, lawned area, a pergola walkway, raised asparagus, rhubarb and vegetable beds, plus multiple fruit trees and bushes. Four taps are positioned around the exterior of the house and grounds for convenience.

A detached green oak-clad garage provides two bays with power connected, plus a garden machinery store. There are two gravelled parking areas (situated ahead of the garage and next to the house) with generous space for both residents and visitors, while an EV charging point supports modern motoring needs.