The Olivier Malthouse, Steyning, West Sussex, BN44

The Malthouse: Home to Sir Laurence Olivier and Dame Joan Plowright

As The Olivier Awards have just celebrated their 50 year anniversary, we are proud to be marketing the family home to Lord and Lady Olivier for over 60 years. This secret escape, nestled into the rolling hills of the Sussex Downs, far away from the madding crowds of London’s West End and Hollywood, has been the most perfect family home for two of the world’s most famous and revered actors.

Set within the 4 ½ acres of England’s green and pleasant land, the property boasts 7 bedrooms, 3 receptions, 2 kitchens, 5 bathrooms, indoor swimming pool and tennis court.

Approaching the property, at the end of a country track is somewhat unassuming, until you meander through the high mazed, hedgerow passageway leading up to the house itself, which then starts to unwrap a multi layered present, which keeps on giving.

Favourite rooms for the family include their cosy snug dining room, with it’s beautiful dark beamed panelling and roaring fireplace. Many a theatrical dinner party has been hosted here creating countless treasured memories.

In 2017, Dames Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Eileen Atkins and Joan Plowright herself, filmed Roger Michells’ charming documentary Nothing like a Dame in the house.

The view from upstairs at ‘The View’, a first floor master bedroom of dreams, really does what it says on the tin. This is a showstopper of a space which could equally be labelled one’s main drawing room too. The breathtaking panoramic views of the Sussex Downs and dramatic vaulted ceiling height here, longs for this room to be shared with all your guests.

There are also several outbuildings, including a self contained yoga / art studio, industrial size utility room and an indoor swimming pool in which Sir Larry loved to do lengths and Dame Joan loved to sing in too! The tennis court needs a little TLC before its’ grand slam ready, but with foundations already in place, you’ll just need it resurfaced and a new net to get you Wimbledon ready.

The houses has undergone staggered upgrades throughout. Both Kitchens have been modernised exceptionally, and all windows are well insulated with state of the art double glazing. There is a solar powered system already installed which provides power to around 3/4s of the property. One might consider renovations to induvial bathrooms and even larger extension opportunities too but the house is already very liveable from day one of ownership.

In Spring 2026, The Oliviers open their fourth wall up and invite another family to stage their future memories within, when the house goes up for sale.

Full Brochure and Video Tour available on request.

Lease details, service charges, ground rent (where applicable) and council tax are given as a guide only and should be checked and confirmed by your Solicitor prior to exchange of contracts.

tlc Estate Agents are a NAEA & RICS registered agent with Client Money Protection and Members of The Property Ombudsman.