HISTORY UNCOVERED

A 16th-century timber-framed manor house, extended during Georgian times, has been lovingly restored into a stylish family home full of vintage charm

- SARA EMSLIE

Over the centuries, the property presently in the care of Aline Mackenzie-Reid has undergone various reconfigurations and is now one half of the village manor house. ‘Our section is the original kitchen, laundry and servants’ quarters,’ explains Aline, who lives here with husband Duncan and son Milo.

Situated at the head of the main street, a position that suggests its importance when built in the late 16th century, the house’s current brick façade is the result of significant extension work carried out in the Georgian era, with bay windows then added by the Victorians. Finally, in the 1970s, the house was split into two.

After deciding to relocate from London to East Sussex for Duncan’s work, the family was attracted to the bustling town of Lewes. ‘We loved the dramatic landscape of the South Downs and were totally set on living near this attractive town, plus there’s a strong creative hub here, which appealed,’ says Aline. They were just about to offer on another property when the agent sent details of this place. ‘We jumped at the chance of a viewing and totally fell for the house,’ she says. ‘We weren’t necessarily looking to take on a renovation but it was clearly a house with hidden charm whose interior beauty needed to be revealed.’