WHYCHCOTE, PORTSLADE OLD VILLAGE - PROPERTY BROCHURE

Whychcote Portslade Old Village | Brighton

Step inside Whychcote

Set in the idyllic, leafy conservation enclave of Portslade Village, next to the Parish Hall, Whychcote is a magnificent, elegant mansion home relaxing behind an attractive flint wall and occupying a prime location opposite the village green. Built in 1888 this historic Victorian seven bedroom family home is a timeless treasure offering the privilege of a wealth of history both in its fabric and its past ownership.

The rich heritage of the building has been beautifully preserved as it has passed down to each successive owner, all of whom have felt a respectful debt to the past and a responsibility to the future in maintaining and creatively developing the home further.

Whychcote was originally built as a house for successful local businessman and brewery owner Herbert Mews, whose brother and business partner owned Loxdale House, another of the village’s substantial properties. In 1928, well-known theatrical impresario, Andrew Melville, proprietor of the Grand Theatre in Brighton, famous for his villainous roles, bought the property along with the village green, which was essentially his front garden until the road across it was developed. The green is now under a covenant stating that it can never be built upon.

The current owners have worked hard over the past 13 years to continue restoring the building to its former glory following a period of semi-neglect. It is now a perfect example of the purest form of Gothic Revival contemporary Victorian architecture typical of the late 1880s. The exterior is characterised by a dramatic mix of gables, bargeboards, chimneys and leaded, diamond-paned windows, whilst the interior presents a profusion of oak, used in the floors, panelling and beams and a wealth of traditional materials. Whilst the building is imposing in its

architectural presence and importance, the individuality of its interior, juxtaposing period features and historical detail alongside some perfectly appointed contemporary styling, makes this home aesthetically striking whilst eminently comfortable and welcoming, supporting and enhancing family life within.

Arranged spaciously over three floors with a separate one-bedroom cottage attached, extensive gardens and an intriguing tunnelled entrance with cellar rooms, this versatile home is a unique piece of history. The building’s orientation captures some stunning views of the village, its lush village green and the sea, whilst rewarding its interior with an effusive wash of light, illuminating every room in an individual manner and presenting a captivating vibrancy that makes every minute in this home a joy.

As part of a village with some very old cottages at its heart, a wealth of heritage and listed buildings and with excellent road and public transport links to the City of Brighton and Hove and the capital, the location couldn’t be any better, offering sublime country aesthetics with convenient access to the hub of urban city living. Local shops are a few feet away and nearby Portslade and Hove offer a broad range of independent retail outlets, restaurants, bars and amenities; the surrounding countryside offers some amazing walks and the coast with all of its attractions is a short distance south. Local schools are excellent and the sought-after private schools of Lancing and Brighton College are easily accessible. This prestigious property with its rich heritage and history, stunning views, peaceful gardens and versatility is a family home in the true sense of the word, but one of age-old glamour and style.

Step outside Whychcote

Owners Comments: “We absolutely love the sense of light and space in the house; the high ceilings allow the natural sunlight to flood in and fill each room. The way the light moves about the house is stunning and the ever-changing ambience really suits the way we like to live - it has a beautiful feel and energy about it. We love the fact that there is no back door in the kitchen and the utilities are separate, meaning that there are no distractions to food preparation! The parlour is the most amazing family room with its wood burning stove and comfortable layout - this for us is our favourite room as the whole family loves to sit in here, spending quality time together. We love our bedroom as it’s so peaceful and tranquil, so too the office and the views it’s an inspiring place to work. However, two places we love most are the garden and the outlook of the property.The garden, with all of its outstanding wildlife is a real wonder to us. We have seen woodpeckers out there and have to remind ourselves that were minutes from a bustling city centre! We both grew up in the country, so it seems unreal that this would find rural serenity so near to a city. The outlook of the property presents the most wonderful scenery for our life in the house, ever-changing and always surprising with its views and effect on the interior. At Christmas the house really comes into its own, and when carol singers call it truly is like living in Victorian times. There is so much about this house we adore, and restoring it has been a labour of love for all of us. For a family, this house is perfect, having the potential to grow as the family grows, and the location offers something for everyone.

We will miss it dearly.”

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Copyright Š 2017 Fine & Country Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg No. 4235622 Registered Office: Sawyer & Co Sales & Lettings Ltd, 85 Church Street, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 2BB.. Printed 06.05.2017

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