Fitzroy House in the heart of Lewes was designed and built as a library in memory of the town’s MP, Henry Fitzroy, by the celebrated architect Sir George Gilbert Scott.

Fitzroy represented Lewes in Parliament between 1837 and 1860 before dying when he was still in his prime. His widow was a member of the wealthy Rothschild family, the richest family in the world, and in 1862 she bought a plot of land off School Hill to build a library as a suitable memorial for him, choosing the most eminent and fashionable architect of the day to design it.

Scott had previously been selected by Queen Victoria to design the Albert Memorial in London as a tribute to the Prince Consort.

He responded by producing plans for what has been described as one of the best small Victorian Gothic buildings in Britain. Lewes celebrated the opening in the way it knows best with processions and torches watched by almost the whole town.

But fashions changed and there was a different attitude towards libraries and the Fitzroy was perceived as being out of date. A new library was built and the old one was put on the market in the expectation that it would be redeveloped.

But nothing happened and for years the building stood derelict with the roof destroyed, open to the elements. Trees grew out of it and the handsome clock was stolen.

It would have mouldered away but for the intervention of the current owners, the Franks family, who undertook the extraordinary task of converting this ruin into a private house.

They were helped by the Friends Of Lewes who also wanted to save the building.

Now, for the first time since its restoration Fitzroy House is on the market with Graves Son & Picher.

The accommodation is arranged over two floors and totals in excess of 2,800sqft, including a stunning reception room with an amazing octagonal balcony at first floor level and an octagonal roof light highlighting the ornate clock tower.

At ground floor level the two-storey octagon room (11.2m x 11.2m) is the main feature. It has a tiled floor, ornamental fishpond with fountain, ornate windows with shutters and a glass roof.

Also on the ground floor is the feature entrance hall with part-tiled floor, original front door and large reception area. There are three bedrooms, a double-aspect sitting room with parquet flooring and original ornate fireplace and wood burning stove; a door to the left leads to the kitchen and dining area and another to the right to the main bedroom.

Across the octagon room there is a second kitchen, a workshop, a WC and a snug.

On the first floor there is a living room, two bedrooms and a bathroom, with a semi-sunken bath.

From the rear yard there is access to Friars Walk and parking for two cars.

To find out more about this unique, centrally located property, contact Graves Son & Pilcher on 01273 321123, or visit gravessonandpilcher.com