The Observatory

The Observatory is a Grade II* listed building located on a high spot along Burwash Road in Brightling. Designed by Sir Robert Smirke in the early 19th century for John Fuller of Brightling Park, this T-shaped structure is a single storey and constructed of ashlar stone. It features a cornice and parapet, with the east end splayed and containing two windows, along with a tall chimney stack positioned above the flat side.

The north and south walls of the east wing have slits for telescopes, which are now closed with narrow double doors. Each of the north and south wings has one window, and the north wing includes a doorway flanked by ashlar pilasters and topped with a pediment. Above where the three wings intersect, there is a second storey featuring one window on each front, a cornice, and a parapet that encloses a squat square turret made of painted brick. This turret is topped with a lead dome that has a small window on the north side.

On the west side, a semicircular curtain wall creates a courtyard, with the thickness of one room behind it, positioned between this wall and the entrance to the main building, which is located under the tower and features a combined doorway and window.