Kester House – A History
A dwelling has existed on the site of Kester House (previously called the Tithe Barn) from the Middle Ages, at least before 1570. The Tithe Barn was one of the 12 dwelling houses recorded in Sedlescombe at the end of the 16th century.
The main part of the current building was reconstructed in 1673 – as inscribed on the substantial beam across the entrance to the sitting room from from the front door. It was constructed of a brick base with brick fireplace, a classic “catslide” roof to the rear and timber top frame and roof. This construction reflected the growing prosperity of Sedlescombe; more comfortable houses were being built by successful farmers and iron-masters – who made the famous Sussex cannons and other cast-iron guns – with timber only buildings being replaced. Do you like to try your luck? Go to our website and play online casino 25 euro startguthaben. Increased odds for winning!
The original Tithe Barn building would have been used to hold local tithes and in this case, tithes for the Abbot of Battle Abbey itself. The Barn was also used as a store for grain for the local mill and skins for the tanyard adjacent to the rear of the property.
In 1906 the Tithe Barn became a memorial art gallery displaying the works of local artist Hercules Brabazon – a fellow of the Royal Academy and an impressionist artist in the style of Monet. Brabazon’s work was exhibited at the National Galleries of London, Edinburgh, Dublin, Paris and New York . After his death, he was described as “the best water colour painter since Turner”. He counted amongst his friends, writers Henry James of Rye and Rudyard Kipling of Burwash.
The house was improved at the same time for the caretakers with a “modern” kitchen and the catslide roof reshaped to accomodate two bedrooms and an upstairs bathroom. In the 1930’s the gallery closed and reopened as tea shop shortly before World War II.
After the war the owners continued to run tea and lunch rooms into the 1960s. It then became a well respected local restaurant until late 1980s and then an antique shop. A bed and breakfast conversion was considered, but in 1997 the Tithe Barn was renamed as Kester House and became a family home with old storerooms being converted to additional bedrooms.
Derek & Monique acquired Kester House in November 2010 and decided such a historic building should be shared with family, friends and guests so Kester House Bed & Breakfast was opened in April 2011.
The main part of the current building was reconstructed in 1673 – as inscribed on the substantial beam across the entrance to the sitting room from from the front door. It was constructed of a brick base with brick fireplace, a classic “catslide” roof to the rear and timber top frame and roof. This construction reflected the growing prosperity of Sedlescombe; more comfortable houses were being built by successful farmers and iron-masters – who made the famous Sussex cannons and other cast-iron guns – with timber only buildings being replaced. Do you like to try your luck? Go to our website and play online casino 25 euro startguthaben. Increased odds for winning!
The original Tithe Barn building would have been used to hold local tithes and in this case, tithes for the Abbot of Battle Abbey itself. The Barn was also used as a store for grain for the local mill and skins for the tanyard adjacent to the rear of the property.
In 1906 the Tithe Barn became a memorial art gallery displaying the works of local artist Hercules Brabazon – a fellow of the Royal Academy and an impressionist artist in the style of Monet. Brabazon’s work was exhibited at the National Galleries of London, Edinburgh, Dublin, Paris and New York . After his death, he was described as “the best water colour painter since Turner”. He counted amongst his friends, writers Henry James of Rye and Rudyard Kipling of Burwash.
The house was improved at the same time for the caretakers with a “modern” kitchen and the catslide roof reshaped to accomodate two bedrooms and an upstairs bathroom. In the 1930’s the gallery closed and reopened as tea shop shortly before World War II.
After the war the owners continued to run tea and lunch rooms into the 1960s. It then became a well respected local restaurant until late 1980s and then an antique shop. A bed and breakfast conversion was considered, but in 1997 the Tithe Barn was renamed as Kester House and became a family home with old storerooms being converted to additional bedrooms.
Derek & Monique acquired Kester House in November 2010 and decided such a historic building should be shared with family, friends and guests so Kester House Bed & Breakfast was opened in April 2011.