Binderton House, Chichester, West Sussex

Sublimely reimagined by its interior designer owner, Martin Brudnizki, this exquisite two-bedroom apartment of almost 1,800 sq ft lies within the Grade II*- listed Binderton House. Colour, pattern and texture have been used to sensational effect, creating an enfilade of rooms that are comfortable, bright and sensitive to the building's 17th-century beginnings. This apartment is one of only two that has direct access to the tiered, four-acre communal gardens, where mature trees are joined seasonally by tulips, hydrangeas and dahlias. Overwhelmingly peaceful, Binderton House is perfectly positioned in the South Downs National Park close to Goodwood while within easy distance of central Chichester, its historic harbour and the sable expanse of West Wittering beach. The best of both worlds.

Setting the Scene

Binderton House is an especially handsome building, constructed initially around 1680. Its atmosphere is resolutely Georgian, however, owing to an extensive renovation undertaken in the 1780s. Neat six-over-six windows punctuate its red-brick frontage (the rear aspect is painted a soft orange) and entry is via an impressive stuccoed porch with ionic columns, a pediment, a round-headed doorway and a semi-circular fanlight.

The building's past is storied: Anthony Eden lived here for some time, and there are records of Churchill, Eisenhower and Prince Phillip having spent time here. Rex Whistler immortalised the building in a 1944 work, which experts believe to be his last painting, or at least his final work in oil.

Under current ownership, this apartment has been admirably reappointed. Fabrics, papers and fixtures from specialist suppliers work to uphold its architectural integrity. A carefully chosen roster of paints from Edward Bulmer adorn its panelled walls, while high-quality materials have been luxuriously used throughout. Soaring sash windows have been painstakingly refitted with antique glass and have a UV filter to protect the interior finishes from the sunlight that floods in over the course of the day.

The Grand Tour

Entry to the building is via a pristine communal entrance hall, grounded by age-old flagstone-laid floors. This apartment's private entrance opens to a hallway with apple-green walls in Edward Bulmer's 'Invisible Green', where towering ceilings confer an immediate sense of volume and spaciousness.

Through a moulded archway is the drawing room, an especially generous space currently divided by handsome furniture between large dining and sitting areas. Resplendently finished, the room has refined ochre-coloured walls, the original pine panelling still in situ. A wide bay contains two floor-to-ceiling windows and a central glazed door that provides direct access to the abundant grounds beyond. Egg and dart cornicing traces around the top of the room and is finished with subtle but superb gold-leaf detailing. There is also a remarkable panelled fireplace surround at one end, inset with a working fire. Arguably the home's most impressive space, the room strikes an effortless balance between grandeur, distinction and a retreat-like comfort.

A similar attention to detail is demonstrated in the kitchen, which pairs ‘Dutch Orange’ walls with delightful green cabinetry in ‘Invisible Green’, both by Edward Bulmer; the bespoke cabinetry complete with finials is by Orior Furniture. Arabescato marble worktops and a handsome splashback are wonderfully variegated and provide plenty of preparation space, both atop the main units and along a central island with a deep stainless-steel sink, complete with Quooker tap that provides both filtered and boiling water. Generous storage conceals day-to-day items and surrounds a central range with a decorative extractor fan. There is plenty of room for a second dining table opposite, and two sash windows are fitted with romantic seats.

The primary bedroom is decadently dressed with an intricate Jean Monro floral fabric 'Lustmore' used along the walls, in the curtains that frame another sash window, and to create a charming bedhead. The skirting boards and ceilings are picked out in Edward Bulmer's posy-pink 'Rose' from this design, lending an overarching sense of cohesion. An en suite adjoins and is similarly enchanting; it has a shower with a built-in seat, a pink roll-top 'Avon' bath by Drummonds, a ‘Double Ladybower’ brass basin stand with marble top, also from Drummonds, and egg and dart cornicing. Underfloor heating warms white Arabescato and yellow Siena marble floors.

Blue and orange is the primary motif in the guest suite, where 'Boundary' fabric in ochre extends up its walls to create an embracing tented ceiling, while geometric ‘Fresco’ indigo linen has been used in the alcove, both by And Objects for Christopher Farr Cloth. The intricate trims are by Samuel & Sons. A curved inlet provides a space to place a double bed, while arched doors conceal generous built-in storage.

A shower room lies at the end of the hallway, its walls painted and clad with a complementary pairing of Fornisetti wallpaper, ruddy pink paint and glazed marine-green tiles. It has a step-in shower, along with stylish fittings by Drummonds.

Additional storage space can be found in the building's basement, which is shared between its five apartments. There is also a wonderful wine cellar here.

The Great Outdoors 

Peaceful pockets apt for an afternoon of solitude are balanced with open swathes of lawn perfect or picnicking or communing. A flagstone-laid area designated for the apartment’s private use directly abuts the French doors from the drawing room and is ideal for hosting long summer lunches.

Tiered, verdant lawns are offset by teeming beds filled with irises, peonies, delphiniums and asters. There is a separate cutting garden, where tulips, roses and dahlias erupt into blossom from April to October. Daffodils and wildflowers dot other parts of the grounds, while the meadow at the front looks out onto the National Park and offers a peaceful place to catch the evening sun.

A driveway is shared between residents of Binderton House and provides plenty of space for parking. This apartment also has its own private garage.

Out and About

The small cathedral city of Chichester is a 15-minute drive away. It has an extensive range of shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as the renowned Pallant House Gallery. This has an excellent programme of shows throughout the year, as does the brilliant annual Chichester Festival, curated by Chichester Festival Theatre. Chichester Marina offers 24-hour access to the picturesque cruising grounds of Chichester Harbour National Landscape, the largest natural harbour in the South East and the largest recreational boating harbour in Europe. As well as water-based pursuits, there are many footpaths and cycle routes along the Salterns Way to explore the coastline, wildlife and surrounding area.

Further local attractions include Petworth, and its art galleries, antique shops and the National Trust’s Petworth House and Gardens. The Goodwood Estate is within easy reach for golf, motor racing and its brilliant central clubhouse, The Kennels, which offers fine and informal dining, spas and wellness centres, and a programme of inspiring cultural events throughout the year. West Dean Gardens and the Weald and Downland Museum are walkable from the house, while food can be found at both Goodwood and Cowdray Farm Shops, and Cowdray also playing host to its famous polo club with matches throughout the summer.

The South Downs offer countless walking and hiking routes with excellent views. Local beaches are just five miles away, including the favoured West Wittering beach, for swimming in warmer months.

Transport links from Chichester are excellent, with twice-hourly direct journey times to London Victoria taking just over 90 minutes. Southampton International Airport is a one-hour drive away, and there is also easy access to the South Coast and ferry terminals at Portsmouth and Southampton for connections to France and mainland Europe by car.

Tenure: Share of Freehold
Service Charge: approx £4,400 per annum
Lease Length: approx. 971 years remaining
Council Tax Band: E