Thinking of moving to Lewes?
We asked Laura Brown and Robert Nettleton of Lewes Estates what makes their town the place to be
Lewes – The County Town of East Sussex – is nestled within the glory of the South Downs, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and widely regarded as one of the countries finest and most painted landscapes in Britain. A little under ten miles from the vibrant city of Brighton, Lewes boasts all the attributes of a quintessential historic English market town whilst benefiting from its proximity to and the attractions of the United Kingdom’s favourite seaside city.
Depending on your viewpoint, Lewes is: “The birthplace of English democracy, a hotbed of radicalism and independent thinkers.” The history of the area and the names and lives of those involved hold relevance to the history of the development of our country as a whole.
Designated The County Town of East Sussex, it is agreed by Lewesians and tourists alike that Lewes harbours and creates a spirit, an atmosphere, a unique world of its own.
Lewes castle is perhaps the iconic symbol for this particular market town, though there are many historically important buildings to be explored and investigated. The Town Hall contains a splendid 15th century Renaissance staircase and some very early stained glass. The Lewes martyrs were held in the Undercroft before their execution and it is believed that Jane Austin’s The Watsons was set there.
Lewes Priory – established by William De Warenne in 1077 – was once the country’s biggest building and mother house of the Cluniac order in England. Demolished in 1538 on the orders of Henry VIII, large quantities of the stone were used in other notable town buildings.
Opened in 1812, the exterior of Lewes Crown Court includes friezes representing Wisdom and Boy, Justice and Boy and Mercy and Boy, which were designed and sculpted by Coade and Sealy of Lambeth. The Portland Stone façade covers five courtrooms in which many high profile cases have been heard.
Lewes has a diverse artistic community and many small privately owned galleries. Antiques shops, reclamation yards and specialist bookshops are a prominent part of the Lewes economy.
Featured property: A stylish south-facing property with internal galleried balcony and further open balcony. Features include walnut and limestone flooring, contemporary designer fittings to the kitchen and bathroom, remote controlled cedar louvres and landscaped gardens. Cloakrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 3 bedrooms (one with en-suite bathroom), further family bathroom. Guide price £800,000 – £815,000.
Those who have visited often remember its narrow cobbled Twittens, the Saxon lanes which run parallel to the High Street. There are ten, each lined with atypical timber framed houses – no two appear to be same!
The sole survivor of Lewes’ seven breweries, Harveys Bridge Wharf Brewery produces 35,000 barrels a year from the Gothic style building set beside the river Ouse overlooking Cliffe Bridge. The ales produced by Harveys can be savoured in any one of the many traditional pubs.
When asked for their own fondest memories of life in Lewes, the town’s residents give a common answer; Bonfire Night. An awe inspiring celebration in an exciting and arguably unrivalled artistic display.
The town offers an excellent range of amenities including a variety of specialist boutique shops and art galleries, along with major supermarkets, a leisure centre, primary schools and senior schools. The ‘Pells Pool’ is reputed to date back to Victorian times and is said to be one of the oldest open air swimming pools in England.
Lewes is rumoured to have over twenty public houses and enjoys numerous cafés and restaurants, most notably The Real Eating Company, Bills, the Dorset Arms and the Snowdrop in the vibrant Cliffe area of the town. For authentic Italian food, Lazzati’s is a must!
The Lewes community is a diverse one, encompassing individuals and families alike. Over the past three to four years there has been a marked increase in the number of professionals moving to Lewes, presumably because of its proximity and ease of access to London Victoria and Brighton.
There are a wide range of state, church and independent schools both in and around Lewes. Lewes mainline railway station offers regular services to London Victoria – approximately one hour away. Lewes also has easy access to the A27, offering links to Eastbourne, Brighton and beyond. The universities of Sussex and Brighton are also close by.
Property prices in Lewes have risen dramatically over the last decade. Many centrally located properties are terraced, timber framed buildings. Progression through the town also sees substantial period properties (Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian) throughout the Wallands area of Lewes, with houses ranging from £285,000 to £2,500,000. Situated towards the outskirts of the town, are relatively newer developments; The Neville Estate, The Malling Estate and The Landport Estate, with properties of all sizes in all price ranges.
Lewes Estates, 77 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex.
Tel: 01273 477377 or visit: www.lewesestates.co.uk
