Situated just 2 hours from central London in Rye, The Monastery is an incredible treasure trove of antiques, and an ever changing eclectic mix of props and art collected from all over the world.
Entered through large corten steel gates and into a private gravel courtyard the 14th century chapel has an imposing stone exterior. The location property itself is arranged across two main floors, with two additional mezzanine levels and ancillary rooms. The ground floor level comprises an entrance vestibule and dining room, painted in a Moroccan inspired deep pink with exposed beams and parquet floor. A set of stable doors open to the main room which has a very tall ceiling and industrial elements such as the exposed ironwork and concrete floors. The windows are placed high on this level giving lots of wall space and showering the room with light from above. There is a wall of contemporary panelling which offers a contrasting backdrop from the old lime plaster walls.
On the upper half level is a long walkway with galleried landing over the ground floor and leading to the master bedroom suite. A large room with a beautiful antique brass bed, and stunning floor to ceiling old stone mullioned window. In front of a panelled wall is a huge stone freestanding bath and next to that is the en-suite shower room which has contemporary marble double basins and shower enclosure.
On the upper level is an area set up as an office, through which you have access to the breathtaking sitting room that occupies the vast expanse of the first floor. The ceiling height in here is almost 9 metres to the apex of the roof. Original windows run the length of the front of the building, whilst skylights bring light down into the room from the rear. Old stone carvings from the original 14th century chapel window frames remain as a decorative feature along the rear wall. Vintage furnishings are well placed to provide many different options to create intriguing backdrops for fashion editorials.
At one end of the room are two doors that open to the fabulous w.c. and at the opposite end, a staircase leads to the mezzanine which overlooks the main space.
Outside is a large courtyard to the front and a smaller courtyard garden to the side of the building. There are different access points to the property and to the various floors.
Nearest Rail: Rye - 3 minutes from the house.
Parking: On site - space for around 8 vehicles.