SUSSEX is home to many beautiful properties, but some hold more mystery than others.
A former housing complex turned hotel to Hollywood stars, Tudor Close in Dean Court Road, Rottingdean, is said to have inspired the popular board game Cluedo.
The unique four-bedroom property, formerly known as Tudor Close Hotel, was frequented by Cary Grant, Bette Davis, Errol Flynn and a young Julie Andrews.
After a 1937 refurbishment introduced a billiards room, ball room, ladies bar and restaurant, the Grade II listed property is reputed to have inspired Cluedo – with first editions of the board game called Murder At Tudor Close.
The hotel also became the backdrop for the 1949 film The Adventures Of Jane.
The property was originally built in the late 1920s in a "Tudorbethan" style, before being converted from cottages to a hotel in the 1930s and restored to private dwellings in the 1950s.
Now, the home has traditional oak doors, exposed beam ceilings and stone fireplaces as well as a showstopping reception room, which was formerly the lounge of the old hotel.
The L-shaped room, which features the original bar, is rumoured to have hosted Julie Andrews for song nights as her parents worked at the hotel.
Tudor Close has several other noteworthy features, including the hotel telephone booth in the entrance hall and a secret side passage leading from the kitchen to the bar.
The home was put on the market last year for £1 million. The previous owners said Tudor Close was a “quiet, secure oasis in the heart of an historic village”.
“The house is ideal for entertaining - friends have loved coming for our Cluedo parties - and has everything we need, schools, shops, stations, stables and cinema are all within easy reach,” they said.
“We have enjoyed being within a stroll of the Downs, as well as Rottingdean’s friendly High Street and its famous beaches, whilst being able to get into Brighton and Lewes quickly when we need to.”
The house is also surrounded by the protected South Downs National Park.
The 3003 sq ft property has a southwest facing patio garden, communal grounds and an Art Deco style bathroom.
**All photos by Brand Vaughan**
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