Mill Lane,
Lewes

Located in Rodmell, Mill Hill stands in a spectacular position. Nestled within the South Downs National Park, the estate spans over 9 acres and the house offers more than 5,800 sq ft of living space.

The Property

The property summary

Located in Rodmell, just outside the historic town of Lewes, Mill Hill stands in a spectacular elevated position at the end of a no-through lane. Nestled within the South Downs National Park, the estate spans over 9 acres and the house offers more than 5,800 sq ft of living space. Carefully extended and modernised over the years, the home balances practical family living with spaces designed for relaxation and fun. Most principal rooms face southwest, capturing sweeping countryside views and the grounds provide space for endless adventures.

Property deep dive

A home with heritage
Steeped in history and charm, this 1930s country home has been thoughtfully extended over the years to suit modern living. The land was originally acquired just before WWII by British writer and journalist James Wedgewood Drawbell, and in later years became home to celebrated Glyndebourne conductor Sir Andrew Davis, before being owned by world-renowned opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. Now cherished by a family who’ve embraced its many wonders, the property still holds secrets—rumours of a hidden WWII bunker somewhere in the grounds remain unconfirmed. The home’s storied past is documented in ‘A Garden’ by Drawbe as well as in articles from The Times, available to view on request. Mill Hill is a unique property, ready for new owners to add the next chapter to its rich history.


The setting and arrival
Approached via a private lane and grand electric gates, the property opens onto a sweeping driveway lined with mature Scots pines and seasonal flowers. The driveway leads to the main house, garage, and an extensive parking area. To one side, a large landscaped lawn is framed by well-stocked flowerbeds, while at the far end, a raised sandstone terrace provides the perfect setting for a pretty summerhouse.

The front grounds are beautifully maintained—thanks in part to robotic lawnmowers—and offer a relaxed yet refined outdoor space. The terrace and summerhouse are a favourite spot for the current family, who enjoy Saturday night barbecues together here.

Inside the house
A spacious stone-floored porch offers a practical spot to kick off muddy boots after local adventures on the famous South Downs Way and other adjoining walks, leading into a warm and welcoming entrance hall that connects the home. The accommodation is spread over three floors, with three internal staircases providing easy flow throughout.

The first room to catch your eye is the snug—currently a TV room—with expansive windows framing views of the back garden and rolling hills beyond, offering a glimpse of what’s to come.

To the left, the long kitchen/breakfast room features wraparound worktops, a dedicated coffee-making zone, a breakfast bar for casual chats, and space for a large dining table set in the window. Adjacent to the kitchen is a utility room with external access, a separate storeroom, and a spacious garage—all designed with family life in mind.

To the right of the hall is the family room, complete with a wood-burning fireplace—cosy in winter—and ideal as a games or drawing room, perfect for festive gatherings and family traditions.
The leisure and wellness wing

Through the adaptable garden room—ideal as a study, gym, or guest suite—you reach the architecturally impressive poolhouse. With its curved, vaulted ceiling, slate surround, and deep blue tiles, it evokes the hull of a viking longship. A conservatory provides a sunlit retreat, while a nearby sauna and shower room complete this luxurious area.

Bedrooms and private spaces
The house offers six generous bedrooms, with flexibility for guest or hobby use. The principal suite features built-in storage, an en-suite with double sinks, and underfloor heating for added comfort. A standout top-floor bedroom enjoys a private balcony with far-reaching views. Full of character and tucked into the roof pitch, it also includes an en-suite and wardrobe, offering complete tranquillity away from the main house.

The music room
Once used by opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, this vaulted-ceiling space with underfloor heating and three Juliet balconies offers remarkable acoustics and views across the treetops. Though connected via a skylit landing, it feels wonderfully separate—an ideal sanctuary for music, reading, or late night conversations with friends.

The grounds: nature, beauty and sustainability
Set in over 9 acres of stunning Sussex countryside, this exceptional property enjoys a truly idyllic and secluded setting, bordered by the South Downs Way and surrounded by rolling farmland, woodland, and scenic walking routes connecting Telscombe Village, Saltdean, the River Ouse, Southease, Rodmell, Kingston and Lewes.

The grounds are rich in wildlife and character—from resident kestrels, buzzards and tawny owls in the trees to roaming pheasants, peacocks, chickens and even sculptures of a majestic stag as well as a sheep (named Rococo) grazing the manicured lawn. A neighbouring farm offers seasonal delights such as pumpkin picking and a maize maze, while the nearby, award winning Breaky Bottom wine estate adds a local touch of viticulture.

Designed with both beauty and sustainability in mind, the gardens feature wildflower meadows, a firepit, and a wide terrace with breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park. A formal garden transitions seamlessly into thoughtfully planted informal areas, kitchen garden, fruit orchard, and a rotating stargazing pod positioned to make the most of the scenery.

Highlights include:
- Brick-paved terrace overlooking mature lawns and unspoilt views
- Productive orchard with apples, pears, plums, apricots, and berries
- Greenhouse, three garden sheds, composting bins, and raised beds
- Extensive planting: copper beech, eucalyptus, acers, and more
- Eco-conscious water collection system
- Paths and mown trails for peaceful walks throughout the grounds
- Two cabins that can be used for office space, storage or games, and a separate outdoor, flushing WC
- Star gazing pod

All lovingly maintained with a mix of both formal and wild spaces, the grounds at Mill Hill offer privacy, charm, and a haven for nature—undoubtedly one of the finest rural settings in Sussex.

Additional property information

- Property type: Detached house
- Land: 9.3 acres
- Tenure: Freehold
- Council tax band: G

The area and transport links

Just four miles from the property lies the historic county town of Lewes, a charming and vibrant hub known for its independent spirit, cobbled streets, and rich heritage. Here you’ll find an excellent array of restaurants, boutique shops, cafés, recreational facilities, and an independent cinema. Lewes also offers a mainline train station with regular services to London Victoria, with journey times of around 68 minutes—ideal for commuters or weekend trips to the capital.

The lively coastal city of Brighton & Hove is approximately 10 miles away, offering an even broader choice of restaurants, shopping, cultural attractions, and entertainment. Opera lovers will appreciate Glyndebourne, one of the most celebrated opera houses in the world, being only 7 miles away. For travel further afield, Newhaven’s port is just 3.5 miles away and provides ferry links to Dieppe in France.

Set within the stunning South Downs National Park, the area offers outstanding opportunities for walking, cycling, and outdoor pursuits, with miles of countryside and coastline to explore.

The village of Rodmell itself is steeped in literary history and community charm. It has a picturesque church, a traditional country pub, and is famously home to Monk’s House—the former residence of Virginia Woolf—now preserved by the National Trust and open to the public.

Schools

There is an excellent selection of both state and private schools in the area including Brighton College, Lewes Old Grammar School, Eastbourne College, Hurstpierpoint College and Cumnor House.

Property disclaimer

All property details have been provided by the owners. While Number Twenty Four strives for accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness or correctness of this information. Buyers are advised to conduct their own due diligence before proceeding with a purchase.