The Middle House, which dominates the
High Street, is Grade 1 listed and is described as ‘one of
the finest examples of a timber framed building in Sussex'.
It is a wonderful example of Elizabethan Architecture, which
dates back to 1575. Once owned by Sir Thomas Gresham, a
keeper of the Privy Purse to her Majesty, it is now an
elegant old world inn incorporating a small but luxurious
hotel. A private residence until the 1920's, it retains a
fireplace by master carver Grinling Gibbons, wattle-and-daub
infill, and a splendid oak panelled restaurant,
incorporating a private chapel.
Mayfield really is a beautiful village with. buildings of
nearly every period and every material. The Victorian poet
Patmore, called it ‘The sweetest village in England'. Much
of Mayfield is classed as a conservation area and the High
street alone contains 40 buildings officially listed as
being of special historical or architectural importance. The
parish as a whole contains nearly 180 such buildings.
Mayfield finds it easy to mix folklore and history and The
Middle House has numerous tales of its own - from secret
priest holes and prison cells to murders and suicides.
The Middle House is well known for its exceptionally good
food and ambience. With the restaurant offering an A La
Carte menu with over 20 main courses to choose from, and an
extensive bar menu with over 40 main courses ranging from
traditional pub food such as Steak and Ale Pies, through to
Fillet Steaks and Duck Breasts.
The hotel offers 5 recently renovated bedrooms. All having
the sloping floors and wooden beams, coupled with the modern
facilities required by today's guests.
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