Antique English Edwardian Mahogany Inlaid Wardrobe Late 19th Century

FACTS ABOUT EAST DOWN MANOR
Although the actual date of origin is not known, what is certain is that part of the existing building was built in 1577. A date stone can be found on the front elevation, albeit this was not its original location as the present front was built in the 17th century, with some wings added in the 18th.
Some of the principal rooms still have Elizabethan or Jacobean panelling. Damage caused during the Civil War can still be seen on parts of the building, and there are secret hiding places in the house and grounds from that period. Known originally as East Down House, it was the Dower house of Arlington Court and it's name was changed to Manor during the 20th century. The house appears to have been in the hands of the Pine, or Pine-Coffin, family continuously until the 1960's.

The famous actress Natasha Pine is a descendent of the same family. Despite not being an authentic manor house the building and occupants have played a significant role within the parish during it's lifetime. The current church and public house were originally part of the Manor's estate, and various previous owners have been benefactors to the village school. The building is a Grade II* listed building. It comprises 7 bays and is of two storeys. The sundial now fixed above the church doorway used to be sited on the south elevation of the house. At one time as many as 10 servants and 10 gardeners were employed full time to ensure the smooth running of the household. One man was employed simply to stoke the boiler, daily!

One wing of the building was built in 1850 to accommodate the staff, and a separate path was made for the staff to use so that they would not come into unnecessary contact with the owners and guests. The building had mains electricity connected during the 1970's. Until then a system of batteries provided enough power for 1 light bulb and a 1 bar fire only. The day the last of the Pine's left the building, an oak tree fell across the path in front of her vehicle. She maintained this was a bad omen and that she should not be leaving the house.

Fortunately the present owners, Mr and Mrs Scott-Brown, who very kindly helped with this article, have enjoyed over 40 years of happy ownership, and have kept the house as a family home, having restored much of the property to its former glory. Several famous people have stayed at the manor, amongst them politicians like Baroness Thatcher and Sir Keith Joseph, and celebrities like Charlotte Bingham and Terence Brady as well a few foreign dignitaries.