History and Restoration

The Grade II statuesque home with historic heritage overlooks the Cuckmere Valley. It was built in the early 1600s as part of Place House by . In June 1765, whilst Mr Chowne’s great-great grandson resided there, a raging fire in the library destroyed the majority of the mansion and the remains of the house became known locally as Burnt House.

Burnt house has recently been thoughtfully remodelled, both designed and restored by Samantha McBride, the current owner who was passionate about the house and it's restoration, and who worked closely with archaeologists, historians and the South Downs National Park conservationists. The old inglewood fireplace which was blocked up by previous owners was reinstated and a library was once again given back to the house. The original cathedral purbeck stone floors were all part of the restoration works. Bedrooms and bathrooms were all redesigned and completely renovated. Rotten timber floors throughtout the house needed replacing.  The old cellars were converted into a kitchen, a cosy fourth bedroom and an additional bathroom. A large aga now centres the new cellar kitchen and the bar has a coffee bistro feel in the mornings with a more evening bar ambience at night.

The house is now a beautiful country retreat with oodles of charm and a delightful quirky eclectic style.