Compton, Chichester, West Sussex

Thistledown is a distinctive former agricultural premises with archetypal brick, flint and black weatherboarded elevations and a presentation of linking wings. The interiors offer character and versatility, with light-filled high-ceilinged rooms featuring the exposed beam structures. The capacious reception hall doubles as a dining hall with walls of glass on opposing sides, whilst the adjacent generous farmhouse-style kitchen/breakfast room (21' 7" x 17' 5") has wood-fronted cabinetry and an Aga stove. There is an ancillary space incorporating a walk-in larder and an adjoining utility room. A fourth bedroom could easily be accommodated in the current study with adjacent cloakroom. Comfortable downtime can be enjoyed in the triple aspect living room where seating is arranged around a vintage wood-burning stove set within a brick-built fireplace and French doors give access to the garden. Providing a sunny spot to enjoy the outside throughout the seasons, the bright garden room offers a flexible relaxed setting with two external doors.

A timber staircase gives access to two of the three upstairs bedrooms and the family bathroom, with the principal room having the benefit of en suite facilities. The third bedroom is tucked away on the floor above the garden room. This level is reached via a stairway from the inner hallway just beyond the kitchen, where a ground floor shower room is also located, and creates perfect guest accommodation.

The glorious gardens are mainly laid to lawn, interspersed with mature trees and shrubs with post-and-rail fencing and low-level hedging at the boundaries affording uninterrupted views over the surrounding countryside. Terracing adjoining the rear of the house offers opportunities to sit and relax whilst enjoying the south-westerly aspect. A further paved terrace can be reached from the garden room and other features include a pond with aquatic planting, topiary spheres and flower beds.

A barn style carport with separate access from the road offers covered parking for up to four cars. The former stables and large barn and storage spaces, which adjoin the house, provide potential for a variety of uses depending on requirements, subject to the usual planning consents. A three acre paddock lies to the west.

Thistledown is situated in a tranquil rural setting with footpaths and bridleways literally at the end of the drive, an equestrian enthusiast's dream! The property lies just to the north of Compton village, which offers a local convenience shop with tearoom, a popular pub, a church and a village school.

The cathedral city of Chichester and market town of Petersfield are both easily accessible and offer a range of shopping and leisure facilities, including mainline stations with services up to London Victoria (from Chichester) and Waterloo (from Petersfield). Nearby Goodwood hosts annual events for motor and horse riding enthusiasts. The harbour-side town of Emsworth has a good range of independent shops, cafés & restaurants, along with water sports facilities, a marina and two sailing clubs.

There is a vast selection of independent and state schools in the area Bedales Prep School and Churcher's College. Further afield is Seaford College, Westbourne House, The Prebendal, Bishop Luffa and Portsmouth Grammar.