Stonehill House, a 15th-century Grade II*-listed property in Chiddingly, East Sussex, has been listed for sale through Savills for £3.75 million. The timber-framed house was once associated with J. M. Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan, and Keith Emerson, the progressive rock musician, who lived there during the 1960s and 1970s. Set within five acres of gardens and grounds, the property offers 4,362 square feet of accommodation across three floors, alongside a Grade II-listed entertainment barn and a staff or guest cottage. The current owners have spent four years refurbishing and restoring the house, which also has planning consent for a new open-plan kitchen and dining area.
What makes this 15th-century Sussex house notable
Stonehill House was featured in the architecture pages of Country Life in May 1923, when it was owned by Captain H. P. Dick, who reportedly bred dogs at the property. The house was sold a year later, and Barrie was among its subsequent occupants. Country Life notes that Barrie’s tenure is often dated from 1921 to 1934, although the publication highlights a discrepancy between those dates and the reported ownership timeline. Barrie is best known for creating Peter Pan, the fictional character who became the central figure in his celebrated story.The property was also home to Keith Emerson during the 1960s and 1970s. Emerson was a musician associated with progressive rock and was recognised for his keyboard performances. According to Country Life, Prog magazine described him as a “maverick musical genius” who “fused the power of rock music with the beauty of classical”. The house was also praised by architectural historian Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, who described it as “the perfect timber-framed Sussex house”. These associations have made Stonehill House notable for its links to figures from literature, music and architectural history.
How much land comes with Stonehill House
Stonehill House stands on five acres of gardens and grounds on the crest of one of Chiddingly’s seven hills. The property provides 4,362 square feet of accommodation arranged across three floors. The ground floor includes two main reception rooms, a playroom, a study and a kitchen/breakfast room. The layout combines traditional features associated with the historic house with accommodation intended for contemporary family living.The property has five bedrooms, four of which are on the first floor and share two bathrooms. The fifth bedroom is on the second floor and has an en-suite bathroom and storage space. In addition to the principal house, the estate includes a Grade II-listed entertainment barn and a staff or guest cottage. The combination of the main residence and its additional buildings forms part of the property currently being marketed by Savills.
How have the owners restored Stonehill House
The current owners have spent four years refurbishing and restoring Stonehill House. The publication reported that the property is being presented as a modern home while retaining its historic character. The house remains recognisable as the building associated with Barrie and Emerson, with the restoration work focused on maintaining and improving the property for contemporary use.Planning consent is also in place for changes to the ground-floor layout. The approved proposal would replace the existing kitchen and playroom with a new open-plan kitchen and dining area. The consent provides for a potential alteration to the living space.
Why is Stonehill House listed for £3.75 million
Stonehill House is being marketed by Savills for £3.75 million. The property is located in Chiddingly, a village in East Sussex, and is listed at Grade II*, reflecting its recognised architectural and historic significance. Its accommodation, gardens, entertainment barn and additional cottage are included among the features described in the sales coverage.The listing brings the historic property to the market following its restoration by the current owners. Its documented connections with J. M. Barrie and Keith Emerson, together with its traditional timber-framed construction and associated buildings, form part of the history outlined in Country Life. Further details of the property are available through Savills, the estate agent handling the sale.