3 bedroom property for sale in Lewes

Grade II listed Fitzroy House is one of Lewes` most notable and iconic properties. Built in memory of Henry Fitzroy MP, the property was built in 1862 as a private memorial library commissioned by his wife Hannah and designed by architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, best known for the Albert Memorial. The building became the first public library for Lewes in 1896, frequented by Virginia Woolf and then was only relinquished, needing more space, in 1956. A glorious Victorian gothic building with its own clock tower, a balcony to the Eastgate Centre and an octagonal glazed atrium roof, are the main features, with the west elevation having a triple arch with circular window and gothic pillared arched window to the hall. The Friends of Lewes rescued the property and the Franks family lived there for some 40 years, refurbished and rebuilding. Internally, there is the extraordinary Fitzroy Octagonal Room, a literary space. It is surrounded by an exceptional wood constructed octagonal minstrel gallery with 6 feature shuttered windows and originally a central fountain, but currently with staging and a bar. The entrance hall has classic gothic arches, stone pillars with a shaped turquoise ceiling and a stairway with cast iron balustrades and wooden handrail. The private sitting room is the double-fronted reading room with an open fire. The building has high ceilings to rooms throughout. The ground floor has a kitchen to the front of the building and ground floor cloakroom, as well as a rear utility room, shower room and separate bedroom with double doors to a most attractive south facing walled garden to the rear. The first floor has two bedrooms, one with feature ensuite and a central bedroom which could have a separate entrance to the largest double front bedroom. The attractive landing leads to the minstrel gallery. The property has approximately 2,800 sq.ft. of accommodation, in need of some refurbishment, but with exceptional features including wood block flooring.

Fitzroy House is conveniently located in the Eastgate Centre, next to shops, banks, cafes and adjacent restaurants and hotel. There is a nearby car park to the south-east and it is within the historical centre, connecting School Hill (Lewes High Street), to the humpback bridge of Cliffe High Street. Lewes mainline Railway Station (London Victoria 1 hour, London Bridge 90 mins and Brighton 20 mins) is just a 5 minute walk.

Lewes is a stunning historical town with many attractive period buildings including the Norman Castle and Anne of Cleves House, surrounded by the South Downs and the River Ouse running through and the nature park just a hundred yards away from the property. There are excellent local primary and secondary schools as well as a superb community constituting many cultural and artistic clubs and societies.

ACCOMMODATION WITH APPROXIMATE MEASUREMENTS COMPRISES:-

FIRST FLOOR

LANDING
Wood parquet flooring. Stairs to ground floor with wrought iron balustrades and wood handrail. Glazed door to minstrel gallery with side glazed panel and roof light.

BEDROOM 1
16`3 x 8`9 (4.95m x 2.67m). Stone mullioned window with secondary glazing looking to High Street precinct. High ceiling. Cast iron fireplace with stone mantle. Solid wood door.

ENSUITE BATHROOM
11`4 x 8`4 (3.45m x 2.54m). Wood casement east facing window. High 13`4 (4.06m) ceiling with exposed beam. Sunken bath with mixer taps and shower attachment, tiled splashback and glazed screen. Low level w.c. Pedestal wash basin. Deep storage cupboard with automatic light and shelves.

CENTRAL STUDY ROOM
12`8 x 8` (3.86m x 2.44m). Tall stone window with secondary glazing and double doors to Balcony 8` x 4`6 (2.44m x 1.37m), with wrought iron handrail and overlooking the High Street precinct. High 13` (3.96m) ceiling. Wood parquet flooring. Hatch to roof space. Fitted cupboard and 2 walls of fitted s