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Rolling Stones on video: An interview with Charlie Watts at his home
The Old Brewery House, Lewes, England, May or June 1966
By 1966, Charlie Watts had firmly established himself as the rhythmic backbone of The Rolling Stones. While his bandmates embraced the fast-paced, high-profile lifestyle of rock stardom, Charlie remained more reserved, seeking solace away from the chaos. That year, he and his wife, Shirley, moved to a historic property in Lewes, East Sussex—The Old Brewery House.
This elegant Georgian house, formerly a working brewery, provided a quiet retreat for Charlie, who always preferred the countryside to the city. Unlike Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, who often found themselves in London’s nightlife scene, Charlie enjoyed a more private life, immersing himself in his love of history, architecture, and horses. The property’s classic design and secluded nature made it an ideal sanctuary for the drummer and his family.
Despite being at the height of The Rolling Stones’ mid-’60s fame, Charlie maintained a routine that was far removed from the wild rock-and-roll stereotype. He was known for his refined taste, often dressing in Savile Row suits and appreciating jazz records over the latest pop hits. His home in Lewes reflected that sensibility—sophisticated, understated, and deeply personal.
The Old Brewery House would be just one of many properties Charlie owned over the years, as he later moved to a stud farm in Devon, where he pursued his passion for horse breeding. However, his time in Lewes during the Aftermath and Between the Buttons era stands as a testament to his desire for normalcy amid the madness of the ’60s rock scene. Even at the peak of Rolling Stones mania, Charlie Watts remained grounded, living a life that was as timeless as his drumming.
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