An 1835 engraving of the house from "The History, Antiquities & Topography of Sussex"
Earlier Houses: There was an earlier house on the site, elements of which were incorporated into the current house.
Built / Designed For: Maria, Dowager Marchioness of Northampton
House & Family History: During the first part of World War II a battalion of Canadian soldiers was billeted in the house. After the soldiers decamped the Coolhurst Estate was converted into a prisoner of war camp, first for Ukrainian soldiers who fought with the Nazis against the Allies, and later for Italian prisoners of war. The Scrase-Dickin family sold the house in 1947, but retained ownership of the estate, which they continue to own today (part of the estate is operated by the family as Coolhurst Vineyards). From the early 1950s until 1986 the house was home to St. John's College. After the college closed, the house became a private home again and the kitchen garden was developed as a small housing estate of 10 homes.
Architect: Edward Blore
Date: 1841-44Architect: Peter Frederick Robinson
Date: 1833-35
Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - HARDBACK
Author: Colvin, Howard
Year Published: 2008
Reference: pgs. 132, 881
Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
ISBN: 9780300125085
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Grade II*
Park Listed: Not Listed
Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSE: Admiral George Stewart, 8th Earl of Galloway, 1807-30. Arthur Chichester, 1830-33. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Maria, Dowager Marchioness of Northampton (Maria Compton, née Smith), 1834-43. Charles Scrase-Dickins, 1843-?; Charles Robert Scrase-Dickins, until 1947.
Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust
Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home
House Open to Public: No
Historic Houses Member: No