Surrounded by 350 acres of spectacular countryside
Great Ote Hall is located in the picturesque East Sussex village of Wivelsfield, close to Hayward’s Heath and the South Downs. The beautiful Norman Church of St. Peter and St. James is surrounded by the farm. It boasts an ancient yew tree mentioned in the Doomsday Book.
Standing in extensive grounds
Great Ote Hall is a striking Grade I listed historic manor house set within extensive grounds and rolling farmland. The property is distinguished by five substantial brick chimney stacks, its Tudor oak frame and traditional Horsham stone roof.
A family run business which has been in the Godman Family since the 16th Century
The Godman family has been closely connected with Great Ote Hall since 1537, farming the surrounding Wealden landscape for generations. The Godman family’s story winds through more than 500 years which is an extraordinary continuity in an ever-changing farming economy. Today Ote Hall remains a farming estate that has never lost its roots. The Hall is still surrounded by ancient oak trees & hedge rows very similar to those found in medieval times.
“ As a new generation takes over the reins at Ote Hall we are looking forward to the challenge of future proofing the Estate for the next century & beyond through diversification. ”
Matthew Godman Law
Architectural features
The house is of T-shaped plan. The earliest section, dating from around 1550, forms the stem of the T, while the symmetrical east wing was added in 1600. In the hall can be seen a great oak tree trunk which is rooted in the cellar & continues up three floors to the attic. Of the older part, the south front has been greatly repaired, and a modern entrance annexe built, containing a 16th-century door; this and some of the overmantels and panelling were imported from WW2 destroyed houses around Guildford and Godalming.
Period Rooms & Original Features
Making moments, creating memories
Although located in this tranquil setting the farm has excellent transport connections to the major rail network service – 50 minutes to Victoria and 20 minutes to Gatwick airport.
Experience the magic
A stunning historic country venue, for life’s most meaningful gatherings. We offer bespoke hospitality for events of any size.
Bluebell Woods
A stunning historic country venue, for life’s most meaningful gatherings. We offer bespoke hospitality for events of any size.
Through the centuries
The estate dates back to the 13th century, originally held by Richard de Ottehale, and later passing through several notable families including the Kentish, Attree and Godman families. From the 15th to the 18th century it remained largely in family hands, often passing from father to son, with owners including colonial governors and prominent local figures.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the house changed ownership several times before returning to the Godman family. Following the death of Thomas Godman during the Second World War, the estate was run as a working farm by his widow Valborg, later joined by her husband Bryant Irvine.
Today Great Ote Hall is occupied by their grandson Matthew Godman Law, who is gradually taking over the reins from their daughter Carola Godman Irvine, who has been managing the Estate since 1992. Carola & Matthew both jointly run the Events & Farming business at Ote Hall.
