Church Lane, Barnham, West Sussex, PO22.

Built in the first half of the 17th Century, it was likely commissioned by a rich merchant rather than landed gentry, although there is a distinct link with Historic Royal Palaces. Pevsner declares that Barnham Court is “so similar to Kew Palace in Surrey that the same designer must surely have been responsible. The symmetry of its 5 bay façade is more effective than many palaces”.

The interior has many unique architectural features extending to some 7,152 sq ft and has been the subject of a roof-to-cellar award-winning program of restoration, creating a home of authentic, historical character complemented with 21st-century modern comforts.
The main entrance, set into its doric pedimented doorcase, opens directly onto The Hall Room, spanning the entire width of the primary building yet still intimate with its panelled walls and open fireplaces at each end. Four tall box sash windows flood this room with natural light and allow the visitor a full appreciation of the formal gardens and approach.

Beyond lies the library and oak-panelled dining room. The latter has a Purbeck flagstone floor and a beautifully moulded plaster ceiling depicting garlands and a central sunburst. These rooms are complemented by the breathtaking Great Room and two adjacent orangeries. These are ideal for entertaining on a grand scale; the abundance of light and perfect proportions of the internal rooms seamlessly integrate the interior with the surrounding formal and informal gardens. There are also extensive storage and wine cellars with comfortable ceiling height and a degree of natural light.

Away from these impressive rooms, the former cookhouse now provides an intimate sitting room with a stone-flagged floor, an open fireplace with a bread oven to one side and south-facing sitting area with a glazed roof. The former dairy is now a professional cook kitchen with a series of tall brick arches supporting a vaulted double-pitched roof. Original marble worktops and brick pier-supported open shelving have been skillfully used within a contemporary design. A full-height pedimented cabinet fitted along one wall conceals a larder.

Five bedroom suites are arranged over the first and second floors. The two principal suites are situated on the first floor, each with their own hallway, leading to sizeable bedrooms with marble fireplaces and twin box sash windows enjoying views over the formal gardens. Simple, elegant bathrooms are dressed with Carrera marble, traditional brassware, roll-top baths and generous showers. There is also another self-contained bedroom suite with separate access to the kitchen and sitting rooms below. The two bedroom suites on the second floor have their own distinct character, having vaulted ceilings and original exposed oak frames with landscape windows set into the gables. Both have exceptionally well-appointed bathrooms.

The entrance is screened by thick hornbeam hedges, and the sweeping driveway approaches the house from the north, with a cobbled yard to the east of the house and double gates opening onto a concealed parking area and courtyard. Anglo-Dutch parterre gardens have golden sand pathways leading through symmetrical lawns and avenues of buxus topiary designs against a backdrop of handsome evergreen oaks and other ornamental trees.

To the south, broad stone terraces surrounding The Great Room and orangeries look over walled gardens with pleached bay trees and formally arranged buxus-edged borders with olive trees. To the east lies a heated swimming pool with an ornamental fountain.

A 17th century Sussex barn frame of some 2,500 sq ft is available by separate negotiation. It was dismantled from a local Sussex site and is stored. There is an opportunity to re-erect this within the grounds subject to the necessary planning and Listed building consents.

Goodwood 5.8 miles | Chichester 6.1 miles | Petworth 14.3 miles