Explore Rottingdean, the home of Rudyard Kipling
Just a couple of miles outside Brighton, with the beach and the South Downs on your doorstep, you can not help but fall in love with the picturesque village of Rottingdean. Could it be the dream location you’ve been searching for?
Rottingdean is a lovely spot for afternoon tea or a spot of rock pooling. The village is also an access point into the stunning South Downs, perfect for walks in the English countryside, and the beach is just a stone’s throw away for stunning views and revitalising sea air.
History permeates the little village - The Domesday book records the land was given to William de Warrenne, the Lord of Lewes, as a reward for his support of the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings. There is plenty to do and see in Rottingdean with its beach and seafront, picturesque village green, gardens and pond as well as the famous windmill - Beacon Mill, which generates a lot of interest with visitors as it was built in 1802 in the Dutch smock mill style.
Kipling Gardens, which backed onto the house the writer once rented, are still open to the public and include a rose garden, herb garden and wild garden. There is also a replica of Kipling’s study within the Grange Museum and Art Gallery.
Demand for Rottingdean is certainly increasing, as city and urban dwellers re-evaluate their priorities after the never-ending lockdown of Coronavirus. Perfectly situated, it lies a couple of miles to the east of central Brighton and can easily be accessed by bus, bike, car or on foot along the undercliff walk. London families and retirees often make their way down to Rottingdean for a quieter life, but with plenty of access to the hustle and bustle they’ve become acquainted with.
Rottingdean High Street has plenty to offer in the way of refreshments with five pubs all serving food, and a whole array of independent cafes, tea rooms and restaurants. The High Street has various retail shops ranging from antique and charity shops, to bespoke dress and alterations shops, bakery, hair and beauty salons, supermarkets, a bank and an excellent greengrocer/delicatessen.
The community spirit is strong, with many events being held to bring everyone together throughout the year. Rottingdean has a secret smuggling history – its isolation and easy access to the sea made it an ideal place for landing. Contraband goods, such as wine, spirits, tea, and lace, were hidden in tunnels, barns and even churches, before they were taken to London. Plenty of events through the year honour this part of the village’s story.
If we’ve piqued your interest in this wonderful location, you may want to take a look at some of the stunning properties currently on offer:
3 bedrooms
Asking Price: £950,000
Located in one of the most desirable roads in the historic fishing village of Rottingdean, is this lovely three bedroom detached home. This splendid house has been wonderfully refurbished and improved showing just how much care and attention has been put into the thoughtful design.
The garden is exceptional and is an amazing place to be as it backs directly onto a field. There is a patio area and a beautiful lawn with flower, tree, and shrub borders. The National Park is minutes away, ideal for wonderful walks, pony rides or just enjoying the peaceful space.
3 bedrooms
Asking Price: £425,000
This attractive three bedroom home is located just minutes from the seafront. It offers the perfect accommodation for the work/life balance of today. The room at the front gives huge flexibility with the accommodation as it has its own external entrance plus an adjoining shower room. Uses could include a perfect discreet office/studio, Airbnb or small annex. On the first floor you have two double bedrooms and a shower room. The main bedroom, located on the second floor, is dual aspect with views out to sea and on to both the front and back gardens. The house is full of character with latch doors, painted wooden floorboards and fireplaces in the sitting room.
5 bedrooms
Guide price: £2,000,000 - £2,500,000
If you are looking for an exceptional five bedroom detached house in a superb location, then look no further. This amazing house comes with an additional cottage/annexe and spans a treble plot. Built in the 1920s Elizabethan style this property is an Arts and Crafts treasure with an abundance of sculpted oak features.
Just a short distance to the picturesque Rottingdean High Street, past the famous duck pond and the historic pubs to beach and waterfront nearby, this impressive residence occupies an enviable position with amazing gardens and views. Brighton marina and city centre are just a short drive or bus hop away.
5 bedrooms
Asking Price: £1,100,000
This beautiful home has a south facing sun terrace and garden, impressive southerly views to the sea and the Downs, and an indoor health suite with sauna and pool. There’s also the wonderful addition of a one-bedroom annex for family. Broad French doors open from the kitchen into the dining room where light and sea views simply pour in through the large picture window to the south, whilst to your left, French doors open out to the front garden and the steps down to the second terrace and the garden lawn.
5 bedrooms
Asking Price: £750,000
This super family home was originally one of the outbuildings of Ovingdean Hall Farm that was converted to residential use in the early 1990s. Number one was originally a carriage house. This is the first time the property is being sold since it was originally converted from the farm building. The pretty rear garden has a paved area leading onto a grassed area, with plenty of space for seating and with stocked flowering. There is gated rear access, power points, and a brick-built BBQ.
4 bedrooms
Asking Price: £475,000
A unique period cottage that has four double bedrooms over three storeys and is situated in Rottingdean's picturesque High Street, in the heart of the village. The home is only moments from the seafront and only a few miles from the city centre including Brighton Marina and railway station. Close to all of the local amenities such as pubs, cafés, restaurants, beach and useful transport.
Are you looking to move to Rottingdean? Or perhaps you have a home to sell and want it marketed to its full potential? Get in touch with our expert team who can help you take your next step. We also have plenty of knowledge about the local area if you’re looking for more information or particular advice.