Built in 2011 by an engineer who has since led a distinguished career in the US Navy, the property has been crafted with military precision to combine the best of East Sussex tradition and charm with modern technology.
For example, an energy-saving Daikin Altherma hybrid heat pump powers ubiquitous underfloor heating with separate thermostatic controls (backed up by an additional new gas boiler), while the central air cooling/heating system ensures a comfortable environment, whatever the weather. The property also enjoys smart baths and showers, a central vacuum system (ideal for allergy sufferers), and a video security system.
A Peaceful Retreat
Tucked away at the end of a no-through road with a brick entrance flanked by lantern lights reveals an extensive private driveway trimmed with lawn and screened by mature trees and tall hedgerows. With its variegated brick and red slate exterior and Tudor-style gables, the house sits proudly in its immaculate surroundings.
To one side lies a two-storey detached brick garage/annexe featuring electric heating, a security alarm, loads of storage space, and a Tesla charger for an electric vehicle. The annexe area contains a fully equipped kitchen and a handy cupboard with a safe beneath a carpeted staircase. This leads to an additional (seventh) bedroom or studio with wooden flooring and eaves storage, and a modern tiled three-piece shower room.
You’ll also find further parking in the carport, which houses an American-style post-box and leads directly into an adjoining pump room with loft storage and garden access. It also opens into the utility room – a godsend when returning from a muddy walk.
Welcome Inside
For now, follow the stepping stones across the pebbled front patio to arrive at a canopied front entrance with charming wooden panelled double doors. Step through into a large reception hallway, where a galleried landing lit by a wide window and a feature pendant fitting above combine for a sense of understated elegance.
Neutral walls also highlight the wooden flooring underfoot, which echoes a beautiful half-landing staircase featuring wooden bannisters and a fitted runner carpet. To one side, you’ll find a useful storage cupboard, but pull-down wall pegs can accommodate numerous coats and bags. There’s also further storage beneath the stairs where the underfloor heating system is housed beside a part-tiled two-piece WC.
Maximum Living Space
The wooden flooring flows into a sizeable study, which extends in front of the hallway to draw light through large triple-aspect windows fitted with Venetian blinds. The built-in cupboard also houses the video security system and controls for the integrated speakers throughout the home.
Back in the hallway, French doors open into a gorgeous drawing room brightened by several big windows and glazed double doors to the raised deck overlooking the garden.
Soft neutral walls, a cream carpet with floor plugs, and recessed downlights also increase the sense of light and space while perfectly backdropping an inglenook brick fireplace with a wood-burning stove framed by a chunky timber beam and a slate hearth.
Another set of French doors then leads into a similarly decorated family room with a point for a wall-mounted television. Huge picture windows to the deep bay capture the leafy green views for a calming garden-room atmosphere. Where better to sit with a morning brew and a newspaper or read on a peaceful afternoon?
Only a change to tiled flooring separates this sociable area from the breakfast kitchen, creating a fantastic open plan flow for parties. Bifold doors open onto the deck – again, amazing for summer soirees and al fresco dining – while additional picture windows illuminate a generous range of white shaker-style cabinetry and a breakfast island bar with black granite worktops, plus pull-out pantry cupboards.
Features and remaining appliances include a new Rangemaster cooker, a Siemens dishwasher, an American-style fridge-freezer, and a new water filter tap to the double sink. There’s also plenty of space for a good-sized table and additional furniture.
Meanwhile, the adjoining utility contains matching units and worktops, an extra sink with a view over the drive, a new washing machine and tumble dryer, and a part-glazed door to the carport. However, the best feature is probably the ultra-convenient laundry chute, which makes household washing a breeze!
Back in the kitchen, sliding doors reveal the front-facing triple-aspect dining room, which has flooring to match the hallway and study. Two-tone white and red paintwork combine for a warming feel suiting formal mealtimes and festive occasions, while a decorative marble fireplace and attractive floral feature wall lights add a subtle, sophisticated air.
Sweet Dreams
Heading upstairs, you’re greeted by a light and spacious landing that bridges the staircase as it turns to meet the gallery overlooking the front entrance. The cream carpet underfoot unites the four neutrally decorated double bedrooms on this floor, including the fabulous master suite that fills the wing on your right.
This primary suite begins with an entrance passage large enough for furniture such as a vanity unit, bookcase, or seating. From here, turn right into the dual-aspect, garden-facing king-sized double, where glazed double doors flanked by full-height windows to the Juliet balcony create a romantic setting, especially at dawn and dusk.
Behind the principal bedroom, you’ll discover an en suite bathroom featuring large format floor and wall tiling – a luxurious and practical backdrop for a double basin vanity unit with a run of mirrored cabinets above, a bathtub with a shower attachment, a chrome heated towel rail, and a close-coupled toilet.
There’s also a separate shower enclosure controlled by a button above the wash basin (a feature all the bathrooms enjoy – perfect for rushed mornings!). Twin dressing rooms lying to the front also ensure an easy start to the day.
Back on the landing, continue along to find handy storage cupboards (containing the laundry chute and central vacuum system); two massive light-filled king sized-doubles with lovely garden views, integrated wardrobes, and attractively tiled three-piece shower rooms; and a super spacious front bedroom with an in-built wardrobe and a basin vanity unit.
This bedroom has direct access to a big Jack-and-Jill suite (with attractive tiling, a separate bath and shower, a heated towel rail, a vanity basin unit, a back-to-wall toilet and integrated storage) that doubles as the main bathroom.
Versatile Accommodation
A second full staircase with a plush cream carpet rises from the landing to the top floor, where you’ll find two further doubles lit with Velux windows and decorated with light-grey laminate flooring and neutral paintwork.
The sloping roofline makes the top floor great for children or creating a private and peaceful library, yoga studio, or home office, and there’s eaves storage on hand if needed. A part-tiled WC with a Velux window, alcove storage, and a vanity basin unit incorporating the toilet cistern completes the set-up.
An Al Fresco Haven
Outside, you can explore the formal gardens wrapping around the side and rear from either side of the driveway. A variety of parkland trees, shrubs, and flowering plants bring shade and colour to the well-maintained sweeping lawn ensuring total privacy.
Walking through the grounds, you’ll discover ‘Friston Cottage’ (a lovely brick outbuilding hiding a gated secret passage leading to the main road and the school bus route) and an inviting summerhouse. With French doors and electricity, it would make a delightful Wendy House for the children.
You’ll also find plenty of wood storage, secluded seating areas, a large shed by a screened compost heap, a vegetable patch, and a languorous lilypond teaming with fish, complete with a relaxing water feature.
Returning to the house, you’ll come to a lower paved terrace hosting a firepit, where spot-lit steps lead up to an extensive raised deck with a covered barbeque area, where you can store the Weber grill that comes included. Why not sit here with a drink while the kids run wild in the serene garden beyond?
On Your Doorstep
The parish of East Dean and Friston in East Sussex lies equidistance between Eastbourne, a few miles to the east, and Seaford to the west. Much of the beautiful landscape rolling towards the area’s dramatic coastline is owned by the National Trust, limiting development and creating a coveted and affluent rural escape attracting well-known names.
The pretty village of Friston is home to numerous grand country estates, enjoys views towards Belle Tout Lighthouse, and lies within walking distance to Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters. You’ll also discover numerous walking, cycling, and running routes in nearby Friston Forest and along the River Cuckmere.
Beyond this, the parish is served by a church and village hall, a 16th-century pub (The Tiger Inn) on the village green, a weekly market, cafés, and a Thai restaurant. Drive through the village of East Dean to reach the Beachy Head coastal road for hiking routes and stunning clifftop scenery.
Just down the road in Eastbourne, you’ll discover the quaint Victorian streets of Little Chelsea, various retail centres, supermarkets and amenities, and five miles of bustling seafront, a three-tier promenade and a Victorian pier.
The A259 runs from the village right into the heart of this thriving seaside resort, providing direct access to the old town, the Royal Eastbourne Golf Course, and Southern line train services (reach London Bridge and London Victoria in 90 minutes).
Alternatively, head west along the A259 into Seaford, which is surrounded by beauty spots, including a nature reserve and more fantastic coastline. Both towns also host several well-rated schools, including St Andrew’s and Bede’s Preparatory Schools.
In addition, it’s just a straightforward drive along A-roads to the M23, M25, and the heart of London – perfect for commuters and day-trippers. All in all, Friston offers an idyllic blend of rural, coastal, and semi-urban living, promising a wonderful family lifestyle.
Home Nuances
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Book your viewing today or for a brochure of this home call the Bees Homes country office on 01323 332344.
Viewing strictly by appointment with Bees Homes.
If there is any point which is of particular importance to you, we invite you to discuss this with us, especially before you travel to view the property.
Please Note:
Money Laundering Regulations 2007: Intending purchasers will be asked to produce identification documentation upon acceptance of any offer. We would ask for your cooperation in producing such in order that there will not be a delay in agreeing the sale.
Bees Homes use all reasonable endeavours to supply accurate property information in line with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. These property details do not constitute any part of the offer or contract and all measurements are approximate. It should not be assumed that this property has all the necessary Planning, Building Regulation or other consents. Any services, appliances and heating system(s) listed have not been checked or tested.
Floor plan measurements: These approximate room sizes are only intended as general guidance. You must verify the dimensions carefully before ordering carpets or any built in furniture.
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