The Old Convent, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 3RS

A remarkable Grade I listed home within the historic Old Convent, set in over 13 acres of communal grounds and woodland, with exceptional facilities and East Grinstead town centre nearby.

Description

Tucked away within one of Sussex’s most remarkable historic buildings, Number 16 The Old Convent offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of a country estate whilst being close to the heart of East Grinstead. Surrounded by over 13 acres of beautifully maintained communal grounds and woodland, yet only a 10-minute walk (approximately 0.5 miles) from the railway station, with direct services to London Victoria from around 56 minutes, and within easy reach of the town’s historic High Street and everyday amenities, this is a truly unusual setting; a secluded haven with a strong sense of community, hidden in plain sight at the centre of town.

The Old Convent is a magnificent Grade I listed Victorian complex, designed by the renowned architect George Edmund Street and constructed in 1865 for the Sisterhood of St Margaret's. Established by John Mason Neale, the convent became the centre of a thriving Anglican sisterhood dedicated to nursing and charitable works. At its height, the convent was largely self-sufficient, with its own bakery, laundry, vegetable gardens, orchard and extensive grounds. During the Second World War it also played an important role in supporting the famous "Guinea Pig" servicemen treated by Sir Archibald McIndoe at the nearby Queen Victoria Hospital. Listed Grade I in recognition of its exceptional architectural and historic importance, the building was sensitively converted in the 1980s into just 31 individual homes, no two of which are the same.

Today, residents enjoy an enviable lifestyle. The grounds encompass sweeping lawns, woodland walks, an orchard, refurbished outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and pétanque court, while the former chapel has evolved into a versatile communal space with table tennis and an adjoining snooker room. A welcoming and varied community has grown here, bringing together families, professionals, creatives and retirees. Residents can choose to be as involved as they wish, with annual traditions including a candlelit carol service in the chapel, a woodland pétanque tournament and Shakespeare performances staged within the central quadrangle, alongside gardening, beekeeping and cider-making groups. Number 16 benefits from two allocated parking spaces, complemented by ample visitor parking throughout the development. For those seeking a secure and manageable home, it also offers an ideal "lock up and leave" lifestyle.

Number 16 is particularly special, being one of only a handful of homes accessed directly from the picturesque central quadrangle. Reached through a pair of substantial oak doors and an impressive arched passageway, the quad opens on to beautifully tended lawns and colourful planting. Positioned discreetly in one corner, the property enjoys a delightful outlook across the gardens and benefits from a sheltered area perfectly suited to a table and chairs.

The accommodation successfully marries the character and architectural detailing of the original building with the comforts of modern living. A Crittall-style glazed door opens into a charming garden room, created from the original cloisters and retaining lots of period detail including a vaulted ceiling, stained-glass accents and elegant Corinthian columns. Amtico flooring continues through to the dining hall, where arched recesses have been cleverly adapted to provide built-in seating around a dining table, creating a lovely setting for entertaining.

The kitchen is fitted with shaker-style cabinetry complemented by wooden worktops, a butler sink and a range of integrated appliances, including a Rangemaster cooker. Beyond lies a lobby and staircase hall with useful under-stair storage and space for laundry appliances.

The elegant sitting room is a particularly attractive reception space, enjoying a dual aspect through metal-framed casement windows with secondary glazing and original stone dressings. A handsome stone fireplace with brick hearth and wood-burning stove provides a natural focal point, flanked by fitted shelving.

On the first floor, a spacious landing gives access to a well-appointed bedroom suite comprising a double bedroom overlooking the quad, complete with stone feature fireplace, together with a dressing room or study and a vaulted en suite shower room. A further bedroom incorporates fitted wardrobes and useful storage.

The upper floor provides an impressive vaulted suite, rich in character with exposed timbers, limed wood flooring and a split-level design that offers space for a seating or study area. A ladder leads to a useful mezzanine storage space, while the accompanying bathroom includes a bath and a dressing area.

Location

The Old Convent occupies a unique position on the edge of East Grinstead's historic centre, combining the benefits of an extensive private estate setting with convenient access to the town's amenities. East Grinstead offers a comprehensive range of shops, supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and leisure facilities, together with a cinema, theatre and the renowned independent bookshop, The Bookshop, which has become a destination in its own right. The railway station is approximately 0.5 miles away, providing regular direct services to London Victoria from around 56 minutes and London Bridge (direct service in peak hours only, from around 55 minutes). The town's notable Tudor High Street, one of the longest continuous timber-framed frontages in England, is a particular attraction, while Crawley, Haywards Heath, Brighton and Tunbridge Wells are all readily accessible.

Sussex provides an outstanding range of sporting and recreational opportunities. Golf can be found at nearby Royal Ashdown Forest, Piltdown and Haywards Heath, with racing at Lingfield Park. The surrounding countryside offers extensive walking, cycling and riding routes, including Ashdown Forest, while sailing is available along the Sussex coast and at Ardingly Reservoir. The area is also well served by renowned country house hotels and restaurants, including Gravetye Manor, Alexander House and Ockenden Manor, together with the internationally acclaimed Glyndebourne Opera House.

Communications: East Grinstead station provides direct rail services to London Victoria, while Gatwick Airport is approximately 10 miles to the west and can also be reached by direct bus services from the town. The M23 lies within easy reach, providing connections to the national motorway network, London, the South Coast and Heathrow Airport.

Schools: There is an excellent choice of state and independent schools in the area, including Brambletye, Cumnor House, Handcross Park, Worth School, Ardingly College, Hurstpierpoint College, Sackville School, Imberhorne School and The Meads Primary School.

All distances and journey times are approximate, and taken from Google Maps.

Square Footage: 2,209 sq ft

Additional Info

Tenure: Share of Freehold (Lease expiry 2977). The freehold is owned by The Old Convent Residents Ltd, of which each property has one share.

Service charge: The annual service charge is £4,760 which includes gardening and maintenance of gardens and grounds, two tennis courts, swimming pool, snooker room, Grade I listed chapel, and all other communal areas and pathways.

Services: Gas fired central heating. All mains services.

Broadband: Fibre to the cabinet is available.

Outgoings: Mid Sussex District Council. Tax band F.

Photographs taken: July 2026.