On 29 Aug 2008 at 10:24pm Spinster Of This Parish wrote:
Obviously the Times is behind the times!
Suspect this is propaganda and, if so, probably arranged by some despicable company that stand to make money out of such a story (e.g. "Raven" - owned by filthy rich Anton Bilton) and responsible for the Pantworks monstrosity in the town centre.
Amusingly, 10 of the 36 units sold at the Pantworks have fallen through in the last week! Prospective purchasers are disgusted with the quality of the build and the continued delays to completion (eight months behind at present).
Needless to say, Clifford Dann are open to offers in an attempt to recoup their losses!
On 1 Sep 2008 at 9:42am Spinster Of This Parish wrote:
How it rates
Lewes, the county town of East Sussex, is on the River Ouse in the heart of the lovely South Downs. This beautiful market town is steeped in history, its character defined by the flint houses and cobbled streets.
Crowds flock to the celebrated Bonfire Night for its famous torch-lit processions - and to Harveys, the famed local brewery. The lively arts scene and record of political activism - Lewes was the home of the republican agitator Thomas Paine, author of The Rights of Man - create a bohemian feel. In keeping with the revolutionary spirit, Lewes is launching its own currency - the Lewes Pound - next week to encourage traders and customers to buy local.
Architectural gems
Visitors gush over Lewes Castle, built by William the Conqueror; the Tudor Anne of Cleves House; and the aptly named Fifteenth Century Bookshop, as well as the town's signature passageways, known as twittens. Lewes Old Grammar School is a fine example of flint-faced walling and Thomas Paine's 18th-century home is worth a visit. Harveys, founded in 1790, is the oldest independent brewery in Sussex.
What's new
The Printworks in Lewes is being turned into 54 funky one and two-bed flats by the Raven Group. Prices range from 239,950 (01273 477022 or theprintworkslewes.co.uk). The Phoenix Quarter project, which includes apartments and a retail park, should open next year.
Travel
Great train links: London is just over an hour away and Brighton just 15 minutes. The A27 takes you to Eastbourne and the South Coast and there are regular buses to Tunbridge Wells.
Quality of life
Very good. The South Downs are beautiful and the town has lovely boutiques, antique shops and art galleries. Everything in the town is within walking distance.
Smartest streets
Wallands Park has fine Edwardian houses with up to six bedrooms, but you will need to pay up to 1million. Southover High Street, close to the railway station, contains a mixture of styles; budget as much as 650,000 for one of the Georgian properties.
Restaurants
Pailin is a favourite for Thai food and Lazzati's offers great Italian. For those after even finer dining, Circa at The Pelham House serves whole soft-shell crab and venison. Vegetarians will love the innovative Seasons of Lewes.
Nightlife
Lewes has got some great pubs, notably the Landsdown Arms, which hosts live music, the Lewes Arms and John Harvey Tavern. Lewes Little Theatre is a popular amateur dramatics society. For clubs, head down to Brighton.
Education
Southover Primary School is a good all-round choice, and Chiddlingly Primary is showing signs of progress, according to the Good Schools Guide. Priory School is the best of the local secondary schools, while Brighton College is a popular co-ed option.
Working Life
The 2.6 per cent unemployment rate is well below the national average of 5.4 per cent. The biggest employer is the services sector, which accounts for 60 per cent of the working population. Another 10 per cent are employed in manufacturing, much of it concentrated in the Mallings Business Centre.
Upside
The excellent transport links and stunning scenery make this one of the most popular towns in East Sussex. Being a mere 20-minute drive from the coast means that sailing, paragliding and fishing are common hobbies.
Downside
This small town is eminently walkable, butthe narrow streets and one-way system can make driving and parking something of a nightmare. Large areas of the town close to the River Ouse are at risk of flooding and much damage to homes and businesses was reported during the floods of 2000.
At a glance
202%
The increase in property prices in Lewes over the past decade
21%
The decrease in property prices in Lewes over the past year
Source: Halifax
10 million
The highest sale price for a house sold in Lewes over the past four years
Source: Knight Frank
1895
The last year that the Lewes pound was in circulation
Source: news.bbc.co.uk
On 3 Sep 2008 at 6:00am expat two wrote:
Hey, just an idea, but why doesn't everyone who objects to the Pheoenix Quarter, or indeed new developments, put up posters in their windows, or even rent hoardings to advise buyers of those properties:
"DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION GRANTED DESPITE OVERWHELMING PUBLIC OPPOSITION - RESIDENTS OF THIS DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE WELCOME IN LEWES"
or something. That'll put the cat amongst the pigeons.