Completed in 1885 for local baker Joseph Harris, Patcham Mill has been a striking local landmarket in East Sussex for over 125 years. The house is understood to ben the last brick mill built in Sussex and possibly in England, grinding for the last time in 1924.
The mill was then a lookout post for the Home Guard during the Second World War and converted into a residence in 1964, by which time the property was Grade II listed. Whilst keeping the machinery on display, spiral staircases replaced the ladders, floors were renewed to create four rooms and a high brick wall was built to enclose the garden. In 1972, the property was extended by way of a glazed entrance hall with modern spiral staircase and two-storey octagonal wing to complement the original mill.
In December 1990, during the ownership of Mr & Mrs G. Musgrave, the mill suffered considerable damage when it was hit by lightning during a snowstorm. The sweeps shattered, the windows fractured and the force of the explosion lifted the entire cap frame. Over the course of the following two years the mill was repaired -largely by the staff of the British Engineerium of Hove – its machinery restored, cap rebuilt and brand new sweeps made with timber specially imported from Sweden.
Since the restoration work, the property has been particularly well-maintained, with the further addition of a conservatory (2000) and a bespoke kitchen (2009). The sale presents the rare opportunity to acquire a characterful landmark property in an ideal location; benefitting from wonderful panoramic views and easy access to both the city of Brighton and the surrounding countryside.
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Accommodation in full now comprises entrance porch and hall, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory and shower room downstairs, and upstairs are the master bedroom suite (with balcony), three further bedrooms, and the family bathroom.
Outside is the walled garden with a timber summerhouse, parking and just over a quarter of an acre.
Patcham Mill is located just on the outskirts of Brighton in East Sussex:
The guide price is £1m. For further information please contact Savills on 01444 446 000 or visit the page on their website.
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