A Lovely Old Home

Southland Times, Issue 22472, 7 November 1934, Page 5

A Lovely Old Home

Lord Hailsham, the Secretary of State for War, and Lady Hailsham occupy a picturesque home near the village bearing his name. The house itself has the rather curious name of Carter’s Corner Place. It has wonderful views over the marshes to Pevensey, and the sea is easily visible beyond the woods. There is a tradition that it was originally the abode of smugglers. Lord Hailsham restored the house some 20 years ago. It is built of that attractive rose-red brick which is associated in many minds with the days of Queen Elizabeth. It has portions which date back to 1620, and some of the original glass is still to be seen in a few of the lattice windows. Tudor roses appear in the carvings of oak beams and the open hearth in the parlour has an interesting and romantic history. It was discovered behind two other fire places built in front of it—and a charred pearl necklace lay in a niche there. All the rooms are furnished with genuine oak pieces of the period, and one bedroom has a most peculiar and almost sinister bedstead. A cupboard which is part of the carved wood bedhead has a sliding door, meant to conceal a gun which could be. readily brought to hand in case of a visit from marauders! People are always interested m the charter signed by Charles 11, which Lord Hailsham has under glass. It allows church services, to be held by Presbyterians in the bam, which is now the hall. This is dated 1672.