5 bed detached house for sale

Mill Road, Slindon Common, Arundel, West Sussex BN18

An extensive and versatile house of character with self-contained annexe, surrounded by gardens and grounds of over 4 acres with an extensive range of outbuildings. Ideal for inter-generational living or a home and income opportunity.

Remote controlled double electric gates open onto a long, walled driveway passing through park-like grounds and opening onto a broad shingled courtyard to the front of the house providing generous parking facilities. The origins of The Garden House are believed to date back to late 18th Century, but with most of the property being developed during the late 20th Century. The main house provides over 3,500 sqft of accommodation including up to 5 reception rooms and 5/6 bedrooms. The accommodation has been planned in such a way that it can be either used as one extensive family home or the eastern side of the building, which has its own entrance, can be used as a self-contained three-bedroom annexe.

A wide, light reception hall opens onto a south facing vaulted sitting room some 27 ft in length with a feature fire surround and fitted log burner, bi-folding doors open onto a south facing courtyard with deck and terracing. A well-proportioned dining room lies adjacent to the kitchen/breakfast room and is also south facing with double doors onto a rear courtyard.

A beautifully proportioned kitchen/breakfast room is the hub of everyday family living with a sleek, contemporary kitchen including an excellent range of integrated appliances, polished stone worksurfaces and a sizeable central island unit with stone breakfast bar.

Just off the kitchen/breakfast room lies a conveniently located family room, set a little apart from the main living areas it is an ideal area to relax with its wood burning stove. Beyond the family room is a further lobby with access to a shower room, and access to the rear garden, via a raised deck area.

The main staircase from the reception hall leads to a landing with access to a principal bedroom suite, with a particularly impressive bathroom with roll top bath on ball and claw feet and an open sided walk-in shower. A further bedroom with en-suite shower room is also accessed from the landing.

To the east of the main sitting room lies a secondary vaulted hallway, with its own front entrance, oak flooring and wall panelling. The hallway gives access to two further reception rooms, one being triple aspect and the other with French doors onto a patio area at the front of the house. The hall also accesses a downstairs cloakroom, a second kitchen, which leads to a utility room/boot room which has further access from the front of the property and to a small courtyard at the rear. Two further bedrooms on the ground floor, are accessible from the hallway, both share a well-appointed bathroom and stairs lead to a further bedroom suite which features exposed beams, believed to date back to the original construction in the 18th Century.

As previously mentioned, the rooms off the second hallway can be used as an annexe for extended family members or guests, or even as holiday let accommodation to provide an additional home and income potential.

Adjacent to the entrance gates there is a single roomed building which may offer further development potential subject to the necessary consents.

Beyond the car parking area to the front of the house is a large lawn, bordered by a dwarf wall and encompassing a planted shrub and flower bed.

To the west of the main approach and house entrance there is a good selection of outbuildings, including a double garage and workshop, a large garden shed and greenhouse adjacent to some raised beds. At the western edge of the property what is believed to have been former stables have been previously converted into a garden studio with sitting area and picket fence enclosed lawn. This looks out over a generous former sand school, which could be reinstated to suit an equestrian use of the property.

To the north, park-like grounds have tree lined boundaries and views over adjoining farmland.

In an enclosed area a large ornamental pond, with waterfall, sits below a raised deck to the side of the house. Beyond this steps lead to an impressive tree house, complete with power and water and having a decked sitting area taking full advantage of the rural views.

To the south of the house a deck overlooks an ornamental pond and wild flower garden, planted with snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells. A slate strewn path leads to a further garden studio/home office provided with power and water. A sheltered south facing walled courtyard is accessed by doors from the sitting room, dining room and annexe. This is entirely paved and provides a lovely sheltered space for entertaining.

The village of Slindon is predominantly owned by The National Trust which has preserved much of its original character and charm. St Mary's Church is referred to in the Doomsday Book and the former village forge is now an award winning community owned shop and cafe. Situated between Chichester and Arundel it is in close proximity to forestry commission woodland and many attractive country walks and bridle paths across the South Downs National Park. The nearby villages of Barnham, Eastergate and Fontwell provide a good selection of local shops, whilst Chichester and Arundel are both within easy travelling distance by car and provide more comprehensive facilities.

There is also a good choice of rail links to London and Gatwick Airport from either Barnham, Arundel or Amberley. Numerous sporting and recreational activities in the area including horse racing at Goodwood and Fontwell, polo at Cowdray Park and several golf courses. The Goodwood Estate lies to the west and is internationally famous for its many events including a full horse racing calendar, the internationally known Festival of Speed and the annual Revival meeting set around its historic racing circuit which attracts classic vehicle enthusiasts from all over the world. For sailing enthusiasts the south coast provides a wide choice of sailing clubs on both Littlehampton and Chichester Harbours and the popular waters of The Solent are easily accessible.