A seven-bedroom oast house for sale in East Sussex, where your dreams can run riot
Unlisted, yet full of character, this property in the High Weald National Landscape is an eccentrically furnished family home that screams fun.


By definition, a listed building is a structure ‘of special architectural or historic interest with legal protection’, so say the good people of Historic England, who are in charge of all that. They do fine work, protecting the nation’s built heritage. It is why England looks like England.
When buying a house, a listed building is a fine temptation. You know you are getting something with the aforementioned ‘architectural or historic interest’. You know that rather than just purchasing and owning a structure, you are becoming a guardian of history and heritage. But also, if you want to change anything, you are going to have difficulty in doing so. Double-glazing was not around when xx house was built, so it is forbidden now.
The sweet spot, then, is to find something that looks like it should be listed, but isn’t. That way you get all the prestige of owning an English country house, but also you can make it fit for 21st century needs.
Does ‘21st century needs’ also include green wallpaper with various species of exotic birds on it? A cheetah print carpet? According to the owners of Broad Oak, in East Sussex, yes it does. We do not judge. £2.25 million with John D Wood & Co.
Oast houses are fun because they look like they are wearing little wizard hats. Originally, they were used for drying hops as part of the beer-making process, but these days, they have been transformed into stylish country homes that you can see up and down the land. Homes such as Broad Oak.
This particular example occupies a prime position above the High Weald National Landscape, with views to boot, as well as 6,600sq ft of refurbished living space. And what space it is. Original features aplenty, with lots of modern flair and eclectic furnishings. We approve.
With seven bedrooms in total, the property is nothing short of spacious. Four of them are arranged in the oasts themselves, while the characterful principle bedroom suite occupies most of the first floor and also comes with a wraparound roof terrace, from which to enjoy the sensational views.
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.
On the ground floor, you will find a host of exciting reception spaces, from the vast open plan kitchen and dining room, to the large drawing room on the other side of the house. There is also a study, sauna, gym and lounge area.
The excitement continues outside, where the U-shaped building is wrapped around a central courtyard where you will find a swimming pool. The gardens and grounds extend to 13 acres in total, and there is a provision for a tennis court, if you’d like one.
Further outbuildings include a stable/storage block, as well as a double garage. There is also a large unused barn on the driveway. Magic.
James Fisher is the Deputy Digital Editor of Country Life. He writes about property, travel, motoring and things that upset him. He lives in London.
-
A well-connected rural playground with 23 acres on the edge of the South Downs National Park
Old House Farm is an impressive family home with a wealth of amenities that would inspire any rural passion.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
The UK gets its first ‘European stork village’ — and it's in West Sussex
Although the mortality rate among white storks can be up to 90%, the future looks rosy for breeding pairs in southern England.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
A well-connected rural playground with 23 acres on the edge of the South Downs National Park
Old House Farm is an impressive family home with a wealth of amenities that would inspire any rural passion.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
18 magnificent homes for sale from £550k to £20 million, as seen in Country Life
From a charming thatched cottage to a 300-acre estate with its own vineyard, here's our pick of places to come to the market via Country Life of late.
By Toby Keel Published
-
If heaven is on earth, it might be in this home with a converted chapel that is now a swimming pool
5 Wood Barton Town House is part of an exclusive 80-acre development in Devon that also comes with fishing rights on the River Avon and four bedrooms.
By James Fisher Published
-
The sounds of spring and stained glass in an Arts-and-Crafts masterpiece in Dorset
With 35 acres, more than 10 bedrooms, a swimming pool and tennis court, Winterfield has it all.
By James Fisher Published
-
An eight-bedroom wonder in East Sussex where the outdoors are an adventure
The interiors of Old Middleton are pretty good too.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
A lakeside farmhouse on the market in the beautiful heart of Pembrokeshire
A lake, streams, 15 acres and five bedrooms. Rogershook might have it all.
By James Fisher Published
-
An idyllic countryside home that's light, spacious and comes with a Grade II-listed folly
Hagg House is a gorgeous family home that just happens to have a miniature castle in the gardens. Annabel Dixon explains more.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A historic villa for sale on the Via Nomentana worthy of Rome's rich history
Three floors, lots of balconies, and a private garden in one of Rome's loveliest neighbourhoods.
By James Fisher Published