A truly idyllic mansion for sale in the South Downs, with a private jetty for boating and swimming in the river
In the famously pretty wild swimming spot of Barcombe Mills is a lovely 19th century house that's come to the market. Penny Churchill takes a look.


The ancient village of Barcombe, on the edge of the South Downs National Park near Lewes, East Sussex, is actually three villages in one: the original settlement surrounding the village church of St Mary; the newer village of Barcombe Cross, to which the villagers fled to escape the Black Death in the 14th century; and Barcombe Mills, an old water-mill complex on the banks of the River Ouse, at the bottom of the hill on which Barcombe Cross sits.
There have been mills at Barcombe since Roman times and local records reveal the existence of corn, paper and even button mills on the site from the 16th century onwards, notably in the 1790s, when the River Ouse became navigable from Lewes to Cuckfield. In 1870, a grand new mill was erected on the site. Built over four floors of pitch pine, with an imposing, semi-Classical façade, it was powered by two enclosed water-wheels and eventually closed in 1918. In March 1939, the former mill building mysteriously caught fire and swiftly burned to the ground.
Today, the only evidence of its existence is a grass mound, two peak millstones that lie discarded by the river and the name Barcombe Mills, now a peaceful hamlet, nature reserve and wildlife haven. Traversed by the Ouse and its tributary, St Andrew’s Stream, its waters provide a rich habitat for many varieties of fish, including large sea trout that swim up the river to spawn in its higher reaches.
Such is the tranquil setting for Barcombe House, a fine mid-19th-century country house, currently for sale through Savills (01444 683522) at a guide price of £4.5 million.
Beautifully renovated by its owners who bought it in 2005, the elegant, Grade II-listed building stands in more than 12 acres of landscaped gardens and grounds on the banks of the river, which include a fish ladder that forms part of the sea-trout migratory path and fishing rights along one-third of a mile of the nearside river bank.
A private jetty provides direct access to the river, which is tidal between Barcombe Mills and Newhaven.
With its striking stucco façade under a slate roof, the imposing Regency-style villa offers 8,214sq ft of light-filled accommodation on two floors.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
There is a grand reception hall, a sweeping staircase, four grand reception rooms, seven bedrooms and five bathrooms.
The pièce de résistance is the spacious master-bedroom suite, which boasts three sets of French doors that open onto wrought-iron balconies, with far-reaching views over the surrounding landscape.
Outdoor amenities include an all-weather tennis court and a swimming pool heated by an air source pump.
Barcombe House at Barcombe Mills is for sale via Savills — see more pictures, or contact the agent for further details.
Barcombe Mills: What you need to know
Location: Half-way between Lewes and Uckfield in East Sussex, a couple of miles off the A26.
Atmosphere: An idyllic hamlet in the South Downs — there was once a station and a pub, but these days it's purely residential and recreational.
Things to do: Boating and swimming in the river is hugely popular in the summer, while walks through the local countryside are popular all year round. Lewes, to the south, is rightly acclaimed as one of the nicest and most characterful towns in the south east of England, while the glorious house and gardens at Sheffield Park and the pebbly beaches of the coast are both within easy reach.
Schools: Barcombe C of E Primary School, up the road at Barcombe Cross, was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in its last full inspection in 2015.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
The loos of Buckingham Palace: Country Life Quiz of the Day, April 23, 2025
Wednesday's Quiz of the Day looks at St George, royal toilets and German alcohol laws.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Moore Design
Moore Design is a boutique interior design practice with clients around the UK and overseas.
By Country Life Published
-
A 327-acre estate in the heart of 'England’s Côte d’Or', with a 26,000sq ft Georgian style home at its heart
Stokes Hall in the Crouch Valley is an inspiring property looking for a new owner.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Schreiber House, 'the most significant London townhouse of the second half of the 20th century', is up for sale
The five-bedroom Modernist masterpiece sits on the edge of Hampstead Heath.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
Is the 'race for space' officially over?
During the lockdowns, many thought the countryside was the place to be. It seems many are now changing their minds.
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
What's a 'wellness village' and will it tempt you back into the office?
The team behind London's first mixed-use ‘wellness village’ says it has the magic formula for tempting workers back into offices.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
A mini estate in Kent that's so lovely it once featured in Simon Schama's 'History of Britain'
The Paper Mill estate is a picture-postcard in the Garden of England.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Hidden excellence in a £7.5 million north London home
Behind the traditional façades of Provost Road, you will find something very special.
By James Fisher Published
-
Sip tea and laugh at your neighbours in this seaside Norfolk home with a watchtower
On Cliff Hill in Gorleston, one home is taller than all the others. It could be yours.
By James Fisher Published
-
A Grecian masterpiece that might be one of the nation's finest homes comes up for sale in Kent
Grade I-listed Holwood House sits in 40 acres of private parkland just 15 miles from central London. It is spectacular.
By Penny Churchill Published