An elegant blend of historical character with modern luxury: stunning Grade II* listed manor house at the foot of the South Downs. 7,215 sq ft of accommodation and outbuildings.
Grade II* listed Perching Manor is a rare blend of historical charm and luxury living; it dates from the 18th century, with knapped flint with red brick dressings, complete with quoins, stringcourse and a modillion eaves cornice, all under a tiled roof. Its beautiful sash windows have pointed Gothic glazing, and many retain the original panelled interior shutters; the entrance is grand, with pilasters supporting a projecting cornice, and a six-panel door with a Gothic-glazed fan light over.
Perching Manor's stylish interiors have been sympathetically updated to meet modern requirements and yet retain much of its historical character, effortlessly combining comfort with timeless style and elegance. The floorplans give an excellent overview of the property, and should be used as a guide to the full extent of the layout.
Perching Manor's formal reception rooms are ideally suited to entertaining on a grand scale; it also offers less formal spaces to enjoy the best of country living away from the crowds.
The drawing room is both stylish and comfortable; it has a working inglenook fireplace with a cast iron fire basket and a copper hood. It is open at one end to a snug, with a wood burning stove. This has beautiful French doors to the south-facing conservatory, which is an ideal room to unwind and relax in. The dining room is spacious and elegant, with exposed brickwork and the original wood flooring; it is complemented by a wine-tasting room located in the cellar.
The kitchen is a superbly equipped space, with contemporary cabinetry in stained wood, and modern appliances including a wine fridge, fridge/freezer, Quooker taps, a Siemens dishwasher. A former inglenook house a set of three Siemens ovens (two combi microwave/fan ovens and one steam oven), with an induction hob and an additional LPG wok burner over; there is a remote-controlled extractor. The kitchen includes a central island breakfast bar, and is served by a utility/boot room with a dog shower, and a separate pantry. A cloakroom with a shower completes the ground floor.
On the first floor, the generous principal bedroom has high quality bespoke fitted wardrobes and a superb en suite that features exposed brickwork, double basins, and a wet-room-style shower. The guest bedroom retains an original cupboard and has a connecting door to bedroom three, which is currently used as a study. Bedroom four offers stunning views to the South Downs. The luxury bathroom has a wet-room style shower, a freestanding bath, a basin, and a WC. A secondary staircase also links these rooms with the ground floor.
The second floor comprises two attic bedrooms, both with refurbished original wood flooring and exposed beams. There is also a separate staircase from the first floor leading up to the loft room, which is currently used as an office and a games/TV room.
Outbuildings, Gardens and Grounds
Perching Manor is reached via electronically operated wrought iron gates, which open onto a long gravel driveway that leads past the walled garden and house to the garaging.
The garaging was originally a stable block, and is now utilised as a garage, workshop, machinery storage, and garden storage. The block retains much of its original detail and could be put back into use as stabling if desired. Additional outbuildings include a former stable/animal store now used as a wood store, and a smaller brick garden store.
The 56' refurbished pool house houses an indoor pool with an electronically operated retractable cover and underwater lighting, as well as giving space for gym equipment and seating. There is a changing room, and a separate steam/shower room, with a WC.
The landscaped gardens surrounding the property are equally as impressive as the house, and provide a series of outdoor spaces to enjoy the grounds throughout the day. Accessed from the conservatory is a formal walled garden with beautifully tended rose beds, an expanse of lawn, a large koi pond and a south-facing terrace with space for garden furniture and wonderful views. At the rear of the house and , easily accessible from the kitchen is a west-facing terrace, which is ideal for enjoying outdoor dining.
The gardens stretch westward, and include a kitchen garden with raised beds and an orchard with mown paths, leading to a decked terrace with power connected, creating a fantastic spot to enjoy the spectacular sunsets and far-reaching views.
Beyond the garaging is an elevated north-facing terrace which catches the morning sun, and offers far-reaching views over the paddocks towards the North Downs.
To the north of the gardens is a 200-vine vineyard, which is about to mature, and the fully enclosed paddocks, which have a field shelter and water connected, and lying across the road to the south is a further fully enclosed paddock.
About 11.25 acres in all.
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It's rare to find such a complete and luxurious country house and I love the position close to the South Downs.
Simon HenkelProperty agent