The Close, Aldwick Bay Estate, PO21

Situated in a conservation area, Redstack is a striking example of mock Tudor style architecture being one of the prime houses on the Aldwick Bay Estate. The estate was conceived and developed by Captain Allaway of Allaway and Partners during the late 1920’s and through the 1930’s as a more ‘refined’ coastal development in direct contrast to the more ‘traditional’ Victorian seaside towns so prevalent around the coast. Captain Allaway was determined to create ‘an outstanding example of land development’ and with his architect friend, Guy Church, they created the attractive character of the estate with elegant houses, many having south facing verandas, that character very much remains to this day. The estate very much appealed to the London elite of the day and has had a number of Royal connections in the past with the Parker Bowles and Spencer family’s historically owning houses where Royal visitors were entertained.

Redstack occupies a prominent beach front position within this sought after private estate and the interior style is very much one of traditional grandeur. A fine solid oak front door opens into the welcoming reception hall with most attractive wood panelled walls and a herringbone wooden floor, which in turn extends throughout most of the ground floor. Off the reception hall are the atmospheric dining room with wood panelled walls, a feature minster style fireplace and door giving access to the rear terrace, from the dining room is access to the home office. The main drawing room is of a generous nature with double aspect windows (including a bay with a window seat) giving a pleasant view over the gardens with a door giving access to the rear terrace. Also off the reception hall is a generous size cloaks room with separate wc and the fitted kitchen/breakfast room.

A fine solid oak staircase raises to the first floor landing with the large leaded light window incorporating stain glass representations of two knights being a particular feature. There are five guest bedrooms and a family bathroom to this floor and the main bedroom with an en suite bathroom that has a second access from the landing. A balcony overlooking the gardens and sea views beyond is accessed via three of the bedrooms.

Outside

The property is approached off the Fairway leading into The Close, which is owned by Redstack, and through twin stone pillars with metal gates onto a large gravel drive that extends to the front of the property and its associated garages. The gardens are divided into three distinct areas with the front garden adjoining the main drive being predominantly laid to lawn and having a grassed turning circle opposite the front entrance. Twin garages are located to the side of the house, one being detached and the other with a useful workshop behind. A covered path leads between the garage and house giving access to the boiler room and gardeners wc with a further room offering changing facilities including a shower and wc for when one come off the beach. Also hidden behind the garage is a large green house and composting area. To the west side of the house extends a paved terrace overlooking a slightly sunken attractive garden with flower and shrub beds. The terrace extends to the back of the property and leads down onto the main lawn and being southerly in aspect. Midway down the garden is an attractive summer house and toward the rear of the garden is a delightful pond and water feature with a path leading, over a small bridge, that then winds through mature shrubs and leads to the observatory, a fine vantage point to gain sea views, the boat house and a private pedestrian gate that leads to the beach. In all the grounds extend to approximately 1.1 acres.

Situation

Redstack is located in a prime beach front position within the highly favoured and beautifully maintained Aldwick Bay Estate, a designated conservation area, which maintains a peaceful and mature setting benefitting this beautiful detached house and also enjoys direct beach front access.

The local village of Aldwick has a useful selection of shops being a short distance from the Aldwick Baty Estate, with more comprehensive shopping centres situated in the seaside town of Bognor Regis, approximately 3 miles distant, and in the historic cathedral city of Chichester, approximately 7 miles distant. Chichester offers a wide range of cultural, leisure and shopping facilities including the renowned Festival Theatre, Pallant Gallery, The Novuim Museum and many good restaurants, it also has a main line railway station with regular services to London (Victoria/London Bridge) and Gatwick International airport. The continental ferry port conveniently located at the historic town of Portsmouth, just off the M27, is approximately 23 miles away.

For sport and recreation, there are a number of golf courses in the area with two at Goodwood and further afield at the West Sussex Golf Club. Polo is played regularly at Cowdray Park Estate. Locally there are many sailing centres namely Littlehampton, Brighton marina and Chichester Harbour giving easy access to the Solent. In the South Downs National Park there are many miles of footpaths and bridleways.