Tudor Close, Sussex: The Mansion That Inspired Cluedo
Tudor Close, a historic Grade II listed building in Sussex, is said to have inspired the popular board game Cluedo.
The Grade II building became the inspiration for the murder mystery classic after a 1937 refurbishment introduced a billiards room, ball room, ladies bar and restaurant.
Cluedo is a murder mystery game for three to six players that was devised in 1943 by British board game designer Anthony E. Pratt.
The building was expertly designed by highly skilled craftsmen to keep them at work during the Great Depression.
The historic house is located in the village of Rottingdean, Brighton.
Formerly the Tudor Close Hotel, the property was once a popular getaway for movie stars such as Cary Grant and Bette Davis, according to listing agent Josh Osborne of the agency Brand Vaughan.
“Rumor has it there were many parties here with the rich and famous,” he said.
In 2021, the magnificent property was put on the market for £1 million through Brand Vaughan.
It was originally built in the late 1920s in a ‘Tudorbethan’ style, before being converted from cottages to a hotel in the 1930’s and restored to private dwellings in the 1950’s.
Today, the stunning 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 house also features a secret side passage leading from the kitchen to the bar.
Listing agent Brand Vaughan said: “Follow in the footsteps of Cary Grant and Bette Davies in this unique arts and crafts 4/5 bedroom house with a sunny terrace and a garage which once formed the main entrance.
"This was frequented by Hollywood stars and reputed to have invented the party game of Cluedo, with first editions called Murder at Tudor Close.
“Historic and spacious homes of this type do not appear on the market often and sell fast.”
Check out more photos below, courtesy of Brand Vaughan:
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