Steve Coogan, perhaps best known as Alan Partridge, has placed his Brighton country mansion on the market. He is rumoured to have paid £2.45 million for the grade II listed property in 2011 and it is now back on the market for £3.25 million. We assume that renovations have been undertaken since the property was bought in 2011 although it still manages to maintain its striking character. So, what is the history behind this beautiful country mansion?
Ovingdean Grange
To give the property its official name, Ovingdean Grange dates back to the 17th century and is believed to have been the bolthole for King Charles II. He is rumoured to have spent 24 hours in the chimney breast while under attack before escaping to France. This particular episode in the history of Ovingdean Grange was covered in a book by William Harrison Ainsworth entitled Ovingdean Grange: A Tale Of The South Downs which was published back in 1857. We then have the comic hero Steve Coogan who is perhaps best known for his Alan Partridge character.
The main house
When we say the main house, it is worth mentioning that there is a two-bedroom flint cottage in the grounds of the development which is perfect for guests. The cottage has recently been refurbished and now has its own stained-glass window entrance hall and courtyard garden – not bad for an afterthought?
It is difficult to know where to start with the main house which covers an impressive 7400 ft.² of living space. There is a triple aspect drawing room with marble fireplace as well as a bay window and glazed roof in the Orangery – which overlooks the courtyard garden. It is only when you begin to realise the size of the property, the height of the ceilings and windows and the views across the countryside that you can appreciate its history and standing in the area.
Food and relaxation
In what is fast becoming a stereotypical element for any celebrity property, the basement is in effect a whole cinema complex and there is also a billiard room complete with a very impressive wood-burning fireplace. It is worth noting that the billiard room was formally a three-quarter acre dairy!
The kitchen offers an old world look with an outstanding inglenook fireplace as well as the traditional Aga. If we then move to the ground floor this is a self-contained suite with stairs to a bedroom on the first floor and its own shower room. There are a further four ensuite bedrooms on the first floor with two more bedrooms and a sitting room on the second floor. Are you still keeping up?
Gardens and more
Such is the size of the property that there are gardens aplenty to the front, back and side of the main house and the guest cottage. There is also an octagonal summerhouse as well as an enclosed courtyard which has been used as a private entertainment area. All in all, this is an enormous property with private relaxation areas aplenty, gardens visible from every angle of the house and it also boasts a main residence and guest cottage.
Oh, did we tell you about the four car garage and the office suite which has its own 30 foot reception with exquisite oak floors, fireplace and kitchen? All behind electric gates for the privacy that celebrities such as Steve Coogan require. All for just £3.25m – are you sure?