Sussex

Why settle for cookie-cutter when you can have the authentic charm of a home with character and history? These canny conversions rip up the floorplan, filling old spaces with new life. 



If you&#8217;re thinking barns, think again. Your Muddy virtual open house tour includes homes fashioned from an old sweet factory and a former library – frequented by Virginia Woolf and designed by the architect behind London&#8217;s St Pancras Hotel, no less. Have a guess at the asking price before following the links to see if you came close. Hint: nothing here is over a million. 



First stop, a Victorian church. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haywards-heath-road-north-chailey"><a href="https://www.vincetaylortofts.com/properties/21532301/sales#/descriptionshow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Haywards Heath Road</a>, North Chailey </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchconversion.jpg" alt="A church converted to a family home in Sussex" class="wp-image-83924" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchconversion.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchconversion-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchconversion-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchconversion-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



A Grade II listed former church makes a striking family home, with South Downs views and links to London and Gatwick less than 15 mins away. Along with stunning stained glass windows, this sandstone Victorian building has arched wooden doors with stone surrounds, exposed roof timbers, feature windows – even a bell tower. 



Ready for the tour? 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchopenplan.jpg" alt="A church converted to a family home in Sussex" class="wp-image-83922" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchopenplan.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchopenplan-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchopenplan-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchopenplan-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



There&#8217;s open plan, and then there&#8217;s the 70 sq ft open plan reception space that forms this ground floor. A living room, dining and kitchen area, and utility room fit in with tons of room left over. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchbirdseye.jpg" alt="A church converted to a family home in Sussex" class="wp-image-83923" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchbirdseye.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchbirdseye-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchbirdseye-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchbirdseye-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Contemporary touches include a steel and glass stairwell. Follow it up to the first floor and you&#8217;ll find 4 bedrooms with winning features like fitted oak wardrobes. On the second floor is a study with views over Chailey Common and a partial glass floor. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchbedroom.jpg" alt="A church converted to a family home in Sussex" class="wp-image-83925" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchbedroom.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchbedroom-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchbedroom-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/churchbedroom-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Outside, an enclosed garden includes a paved terrace and a children&#8217;s play area. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stoneham-road-hove"><a href="https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/169515716#/?channel=RES_BUY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stoneham Road</a>, Hove</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/sweet-factory-ext.jpg" alt="Townhouse forming part of Old Maynards Sweet Factory building, Brighton" class="wp-image-83926" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/sweet-factory-ext.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/sweet-factory-ext-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/sweet-factory-ext-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/sweet-factory-ext-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Home sweet home in Hove? This 3-bed townhouse forms part of the historic Old Maynards Sweet Factory building, lending a whole new meaning to the adage. The red-brick beauty was built back in 1902 but its facade conceals the kind of converted living space that conjures New York&#8217;s SoHo before the finance bros moved in. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/sweet-factory-kitchen.jpg" alt="Townhouse forming part of Old Maynards Sweet Factory building, Brighton" class="wp-image-83927" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/sweet-factory-kitchen.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/sweet-factory-kitchen-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/sweet-factory-kitchen-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/sweet-factory-kitchen-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Living quarters are spread across four impressive floors filled with light – all the better to appreciate its unique architectural features. Think exposed brickwork, arched windows and polished walnut floors. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/sweetfactoryint.jpg" alt="Townhouse forming part of Old Maynards Sweet Factory building, Brighton" class="wp-image-83928" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/sweetfactoryint.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/sweetfactoryint-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/sweetfactoryint-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/sweetfactoryint-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



There&#8217;s a 34 sq ft kitchen, dining and living space downstairs, with doors opening to a walled courtyard garden. Head upstairs for luminous bedrooms and a south-facing roof terrace with sea views. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-street-lewes"><a href="https://www.charleswycherley.co.uk/property-for-sale-high-street-lewes-pi-cwyc1303.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">High Street</a>, Lewes</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/highstreetext.jpg" alt="Converted library for sale in Lewes, Sussex" class="wp-image-83930" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/highstreetext.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/highstreetext-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/highstreetext-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/highstreetext-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Fitzroy House is one of the town&#8217;s most recognisable properties. It&#8217;s the work of architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, best known for London&#8217;s Albert Memorial and the St Pancras Hotel. In 1896, it became Lewes&#8217; first public library (Virginia Woolf would pop by for a browse), later escaping demolition and beginning a new chapter as a 3-bed family home. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/highstreetinternal.jpg" alt="Converted library for sale in Lewes, Sussex" class="wp-image-83931" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/highstreetinternal.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/highstreetinternal-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/highstreetinternal-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/highstreetinternal-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



If you&#8217;re keen on quirky, this takes some beating. Standout features include the Octagonal Room with its domed glass roof and minstrel gallery, currently used as an exhibition space. Original details like tiled floors, gothic arches and stone pillars abound. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/highstreet-first-floor.jpg" alt="Converted library for sale in Lewes, Sussex" class="wp-image-83934" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/highstreet-first-floor.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/highstreet-first-floor-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/highstreet-first-floor-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/highstreet-first-floor-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



At some 2,800 sq ft, it can accommodate cosy, too. Check out the double-fronted Reading Room with open hearth. A south-facing walled garden provides appealing outside space, and there&#8217;s a balcony, too. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brightling-road-dallington"><a href="https://www.batchellermonkhouse.com/property/bat240131/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brightling Road</a>, Dallington</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/barngarden.jpg" alt="Converted barn in Dallington, Sussex" class="wp-image-83939" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/barngarden.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/barngarden-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/barngarden-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/barngarden-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



We couldn&#8217;t not include a barn conversion, and Fuller&#8217;s Croft is a classic. Some numbers to start with: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and around an acre of gardens and grounds, including a natural pond. WFH? There&#8217;s a purpose-built office across a little footbridge. It also has its own treehouse. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/barnlivingroom.jpg" alt="Converted barn in Dallington, Sussex" class="wp-image-83941" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/barnlivingroom.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/barnlivingroom-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/barnlivingroom-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/barnlivingroom-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Inside, oak-beamed authenticity is awash with natural light. You&#8217;re getting the best of both worlds here: stone hearths and vaulted ceilings plus creature comforts like underfloor heating and sleek, built-in storage. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/barn-books.jpg" alt="Converted barn in Dallington, Sussex" class="wp-image-83937" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/barn-books.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/barn-books-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/barn-books-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/barn-books-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Our favourite nook? It has to be this second bedroom. It&#8217;s currently used as an office but looks ideal for mindful meditation or an equally necessary spot of day dreaming. 



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Property flirt! New homes, old bones – consider us converted

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