Ditcham, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU31

Located in a hidden valley, in the South Downs National Park, a truly exceptional family home and the winner of many distinguished architectural awards.

Built about 12 years ago by the current owners to their own exacting standards, Downley House really is in a class of its own. Winner of many prestigious design awards, used to host Kevin McCloud’s Grand Designs House of The Year, featured in numerous articles, a finalist for the prestigious RIBA Manser Medal and winner of a coveted Civic Trust Award. This truly inspiring home was designed to maximise its stunning rural views and be a light-filled, fun, family home. Very rarely do unique houses of this calibre come to the market.

Sitting in a tranquil valley in about 2.5 acres of gardens and grounds (including a wildflower meadow), the house offers a master bedroom suite with dressing rooms and 4 further bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms. The accomodation has been cleverly designed to provide a family "wing" with 3 bedrooms and a guest "wing" with the further 2 bedrooms. The full height circular stone entrance leads to a majestic 7-meter-tall barrel-vaulted dining hall. The kitchen featuring Sub-zero and Wolf appliances, and the bespoke temperature-controlled wine room are particularly impressive. The original external farmhouse wall was cleverly retained as a feature between the old and the new.

The house needs to be seen in person to appreciate the wonderful location and its extraordinary attention to detail.

About 6 miles away, the old market town of Petersfield offers a variety of facilities and a bustling town centre. Shops include Waitrose and an M&S Food Hall as well as numerous boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The station provides a regular direct service to London Waterloo, with journey times around 64 minutes.

The Roman city of Chichester, approximately 11 miles to the south, offers a broad range of cultural, leisure and shopping facilities, including the historic cathedral, renowned Festival Theatre and Goodwood, with golf, horse racing, as well as the Festival of Speed and Revival motor racing events. Sailing is extremely popular from the many villages surrounding Chichester Harbour. Many miles of paths in the South Downs and along the coast make the area ideal for walking, riding and cycling. Polo at Cowdray Park at Midhurst, the home of British polo, is within 9 miles.

There are many sought after schools in the area including Ditcham Park, Bedales, Churchers College, Westbourne House, Portsmouth Grammar School and The Petersfield School.