Downmere, West Sussex
Downmere is a stylish and substantial family home, ideally located in the heart of the downland village of Poynings, in West Sussex. It is understood that there was a property on site as early as the late 1300s, though the current building dates from the 1800s and was substantially extended in the inter-war years. More recently, the house has been the subject of further extension and comprehensive refurbishment, resulting in a spacious and beautifully presented home.
Points of note include anthracite grey double-glazed windows, neutral décor throughout, several open fireplaces and wood burning stoves, tiled and luxury laminate tiled flooring on the ground floor, newly laid carpet through the first floor, and stylish contemporary bathroom suites. Many of the rooms are dual-aspect which flood the house with natural light and frame the views over the grounds.
The formal front door opens to a vaulted entrance hall, featuring an exposed brick chimney set with a wood burner. Lying off the hall, and forming the northern wing of the house, is a large, triple-aspect gym (also with a central wood burner) with adjoining shower and a study. There is provision in the entrance hall for kitchen utilities, allowing the potential for this part of the house to be converted into a self-contained annexe.
There are three further reception rooms: a versatile formal dining room overlooking the terrace and with steps descending to the wine cellar; an elegant, yet comfortable drawing room with an open fireplace and French doors opening to the south terrace; and a part-vaulted sitting room/ central hall which has bi-fold doors opening to the terrace and a handsome brick open fireplace with original oak timbers.
Open to a dining area with space for a large table and chairs is the kitchen, which is fitted with an extensive range of muted green shaker-style cabinetry with solid oak worktops, a quartz-topped central island and range of integrated appliances. It is served by a utility room with cloakroom.
A spacious galleried landing on the first floor leads to five bedrooms. The principal suite is particularly impressive, comprising a bedroom with cast iron fireplace and French doors opening to a Juliet balcony, a large dressing room and luxurious en suite bathroom, including a bath with waterfall tap and a wet-room style shower. The four remaining bedrooms are of a generous size and all have en suite bath or shower rooms.
Downmere is accessed via electronically operated timber gates, opening to a bonded gravel parking area adjacent to the timber-framed car barn. There is separate gated pedestrian access from the road.
A particular feature of Downmere are the stunning gardens and grounds. Several stylish Mediterranean-style terraces and formal lawns, ideal for al fresco entertaining, contrast beautifully with undulating parkland, dotted with mature trees complete with a wide stream running centrally through the grounds, creating a series of ponds and water feaures. The garden is a haven for wildlife including kingfishers, moorhens, ducks, geese and pheasants. In total, the grounds extend to about 6.8 acres.
Pitch and a garden centre with café and farm shop. The village’s 14th century flint church is Grade I listed and known as ‘one of the finest village medieval churches in Sussex’.
Henfield and Steyning provide local amenities, with an assortment of local independent shops together with pubs, restaurants and schools. The cosmopolitan city of Brighton and Hove is just over the South Downs.
Rohan Vines of Savills Haywards Heath says: “This is such a stylish home set in stunning gardens and grounds, in the pretty downland village of Poynings. The property also benefits from planning permission for a swimming pool and pool house/garden office.”
£3,500,000.
