Pretty UK village frozen in time where almost everything is owned by one man

03 September 2023 , 06:51

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Firle in East Sussex is one of the UK's prettiest villages

The UK is packed full of chocolate-box villages that take us back to a time long gone.

But there's one village in East Sussex that is particularly special, because almost everything is owned entirely by one man. While it might be small in size, Firle is not to be sniffed at as it's attracted film crews from all over the world.

Recently, it's appeared in the 2020 film Summerland starring Gemma Arterton, as well as the 2019 adaption of Jane Austen's Emma. The village is also packed full of history and culture. Formed in 1758 Firle cricket club is one of the the 10 oldest cricket clubs in the world and has a genuine claim to be the oldest in Sussex.

It often feels like you're stepping back in time

What's more, it's home to The Burning Sky artisan brewery, with plenty of independent shops spanning decades like carpenters, blacksmiths and bootmakers. Remaining heavily unchanged, it will no doubt transport you to pre-World War Two England.

The village leads to a myriad of routes and footpaths over the Downs to the sea. The Old Coach Road follows the undulating escarpment and was the original route linking Brighton and Eastbourne, it is popular with hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers in the summer.

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Along with links to the Bloomsbury Group of artists and intellectuals, Firle's history boasts other artistic importance. The painter and official WW2 war artist John Piper has designed a stained glass window at St Peters Church. But what sets Firle apart even more from other UK villages, is who owns it.

You'll find rows of pretty cottages and country pubs here

Falling within the wider Firle Estate, 90 of the total 110 different properties come under its ownership. Since the 15th century Firle has been under the control of the Gage family, after William Gage took control of the estate in 1476. Lord Nicholas Gage, the 8th Viscount Gage, rents out houses to people who wish to live in Firle, and there have been reports of discounted rents for people who work in the village itself.

While 90 households all share the same landlord, none can boast a house as grand as the jewel of the Firle Estate: Firle Place, a huge 15th century manor house built to look like a French chateau. Once you've finished taking in the pretty rows of flint cottages, The Ram Inn nestled at the entrance of the village serves the 'perfect pint', according to The Telegraph. The 500-year-old pub was mentioned among 19 other UK pubs and hotels best for a winter getaway.

And if you're up for taking in more spectacular views, the National Trust site of Cuckmere Valley is well worth a walk. The village is an easy train ride from London Victoria and located just off the A27 near Lewes if you're driving.

Hannah Kane