Lock Lane, Birdham, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20

Only the second time on the market since it was built in the mid 1930’s, in a superb location at the end of Lock Lane with views over Birdham Pool and neighbouring farmland. A well-proportioned family home of character with outbuildings, set in gardens of approximately 0.8 of an acre with hard tennis court and direct access to Salterns Way.

Salterns is a generous family home of character in a peaceful lightly wooded setting at the end of Lock Lane. The house sits comfortably within its surrounding gardens of about an acre ensuring a high degree of privacy with views over neighbouring farmland and over the waters of Birdham Pool, reputedly the oldest marina in the country.

All principal rooms face south making the most of tranquil inner pool marina views. A generous reception room has an oak staircase leading to the first floor landing above. The triple aspect drawing room is nearly 20 ft in length with sealed unit double glazed doors opening onto the pergola covered terrace and gardens. An open fireplace with stone mantelpiece creates an attractive focal point. The dining room opens directly onto a south facing conservatory creating an ideal space for entertaining with three sets of sealed unit double glazed doors opening directly onto the terrace and gardens.

The sitting room has a fireplace with brick mantlepiece and wood burning stove creating a cosy room for relaxation and everyday family living. From here there is a serving hatch to the kitchen/breakfast room which has a four oven gas fired Aga. A good range of matching units have integrated appliances and the breakfast area has fitted bench seating with tongue-and-groove panelling. There is a walk in larder and a boot room providing ideal space for the storage of boots, coats and sailing kit. The separate utility room keeps the white goods away from the main living areas. The study provides an ideal space for those wishing to work from home but could be used as a playroom or hobbies room.

The generous bedroom accommodation includes principal and guest suites, both south facing with views towards Birdham Pool and each with their own bathroom. The bathroom for the principal bedroom can also, by way of a lobby, serve other bedrooms. Three further bedrooms served by a family bathroom and separate cloakroom.

A tree lined approach to the entrance screens the house and a five-bar gate opens directly onto a wide gravelled drive providing plenty of room for parking. An attractive barn style open fronted double car port provides covered parking and there is an additional detached garage/boat store with adjacent workshop and studio room above. The surrounding gardens provide the house with plenty of privacy and adjoining open farmland to the east. A broad York stone terrace running the length of the house is approached by way of doors from the drawing room, dining room/conservatory and boot room. Central steps lead down to a wide expanse of lawn with summer house, colourful borders and various trees including fruit trees. The hard tennis court lies to the west of the house and there is pedestrian access from the garden to Salterns Way and Birdham Marina.

Salterns lies in a unique position in a quiet corner of the village overlooking the unspoilt inner pool, teaming with birds and wildlife within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The old tidal Mill and Birdham Marina are nearby with Chichester Marina a few yards away. Salterns Way passes the property, offering a lovely flat cycle and walking route between the sandy beaches at West Wittering to Chichester Cathedral with links to the South Downs National Park.

Birdham village has a parish church, C of E primary school, village hall, shop and garage with Chichester Yacht Club nearby and cafes in Chichester Marina and on Birdham Causeway. The Crown and Anchor pub at Dell Quay is a delightful coastal walk away.

The cathedral city of Chichester lies some 5 miles to the north and within its pedestrianised centre provides a comprehensive range of shops, bars and restaurants, arranged partly within the old Roman Walls.

The arts are well catered for as Chichester is home to the internationally known Festival Theatre, Minerva Theatre and Pallant House Gallery which houses one of the most significant art collections in the south of England and stages regular exhibitions.

Whilst sailing is the predominent pastime there is a comprehensive choice of other recreational activities. Apart from its own internationally known racecourse, Goodwood also provides facilities such as golf, country club and private airfield. Goodwood also plays host to the annual Festival of Speed and the Revival of its historic motor circuit. The rich countryside of the South Downs provides exceptional opportunities for walking, horse riding and mountain biking. A mainline station at Chichester provides a regular service to London Victoria in approximately 1 hour 45 minutes and to Gatwick in about 1 hour 10 minutes. An alternative, slightly faster rail service to London is also available at Havant in about 1 hour 20 minutes to London Waterloo.