Fittleworth, West Sussex

A substantial wing of a beautiful Grade II listed Georgian country house, in a peaceful, rural location. Very spacious accommodation including exceptionally high ceilings. 4 beds, 2 baths and 3 reception rooms. Private garden and garaging.

DESCRIPTION
4 Coates Castle is a substantial wing of a beautiful Grade II listed Georgian country house, situated in a peaceful rural setting in the parish of Fittleworth. The original mansion was built in the ‘Strawberry Hill’ Gothic style by John King in the 1820’s and includes attractive elevations of stuccoed stone with crenulated gables, buttresses and gothic style turrets, and was subsequently divided into 8 dwellings in the 1950’s. The spacious accommodation includes very high ceilings and large windows, flag stone and brick flooring on the ground floor and open fireplaces, with lovely views over the gardens and with rural views beyond. The property has been improved by the current owners, however it is likely an ingoing purchaser will want to make further improvements. Coates Castle is approached over a long private shared drive which splits and leads to a parking area at the rear, with access to the side entrance of the house. The accommodation on the ground floor includes a dining hall with French windows onto the garden, also with a fireplace incorporating a woodburning stove. Off the dining hall is the family room and from there a door leads to the rear hallway with a cloakroom/shower room. From the hall a door opens to the drawing room, with a glazed door opening out on to the garden, and further along the hall is the kitchen/breakfast room. At the end of the hallway is the utility room and a front door that opens into the central courtyard.

A staircase runs up one corner of the dining hall leading up to the first floor landing, giving access to 4 double bedrooms, a family bathroom, a study and a large store.

Outside, the main entrance drive leads around to the drive providing parking for several cars. An attached garage is accessed from the entrance drive and a further garage is attached to the neighbouring property. The gardens and grounds provide a lovely rural feel, being divided into three main areas and are mostly south west facing. There are areas of lawn, various mature shrubs and some lovely mature trees. The residents of Coates Castle have access to the surrounding land, with further access to numerous footpaths in the area. In all the property extends to about half an acre.

HISTORICAL NOTE
During the Second World War Coates Castle was requisitioned and used by the British Army. It was here in 1940-41 that Lieutenant- Colonel Stewart Blacker invented the Spigot Mortar or Blacker Bombard, a cheap and easily produced piece of anti-tank ordnance required after the British Army’s heavy equipment had been lost at Dunkirk. It was used extensively by the Home Guard. Visitors to the house are known to have included Sir Winston Churchill and Kaiser Wilhelm. Coates Castle is also the place where Louisa Hamilton, Duchess of Abercorn, an ancestor of Princes William and Harry, died on 31 March 1905.

LOCATION AND AMENITIES
4 Coates Castle is situated in a beautiful, peaceful, rural setting, at the very southern edge of Parish of Fittleworth and with easy access to some local footpaths providing miles of walking opportunities. The castle is surrounded by land, owned by the Barlavington Estate, and beautiful open countryside. In addition, to the south west is an area protected by being designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Fittleworth village is about half a mile to the north and includes an ancient village church, the historic Swan Inn, the award-winning village shop (community owned and run) and the village primary school. John Constable famously painted a picture of the ancient mill. Fittleworth lies between Petworth and Pulborough, within the South Downs National Park. There are local shops at Petworth and Pulborough where there is also a main line station offering a regular service to London with journey times from around 70 minutes. The historic castle town of Arundel is about 8 miles to the south. Sporting facilities include golf at several local clubs, including The West Sussex and Cowdray Park; horse racing, motor racing, golf and flying at Goodwood; polo at Cowdray and sailing at Chichester Harbour. The are many private and state schools in the area.

SERVICES
Mains water and electricity is connected. Oil fired central heating and hot water with radiators. Private drainage.

EPC - Band F (38)

COUNCIL TAX - Band F £3,383.93 (2025/2026)

DIRECTIONS
Heading south out of Fittleworth on the B2138, drive past the Swan Inn, over the river into the 40 mile an hour limit and uphill. Just before the brow of the hill turn right in to Coates Lane. After approximately 1.1 miles look for the entrance to Coates Castle on the right hand side. Take the track past Garden House on the left and keep going, take the right fork and follow the track round to the left where you will see the entrance to the central courtyard. Park on the right, in front of the side entrance to number 4, under the trees.

VIEWING
Strictly by appointment with the sole agent
RH & RW Clutton –