Martins Lane, Birdham, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20

Located within a short walk to the harbour, this impressive and expansive family home provides exceptional coastal living on a private semi-rural lane.

Located in a highly sought-after semi-rural coastal setting, The Salthouse is an exceptional, comprehensively renovated family home centred around a light-filled, south-facing open-plan living space. A striking sculptural round wood-burning stove forms the heart of the home, while two sets of bi-fold doors open directly onto the landscaped south-facing garden, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.

The outstanding ground floor has been designed with both family life and entertaining in mind, offering a contemporary open-plan layout complemented by a variety of flexible living spaces. Bathed in natural light throughout the day, the principal living area incorporates a modern kitchen, dining area and sitting room, all oriented to maximise the sunny southerly aspect and views across the garden.

Continuing the coastal theme outdoors, the beautifully landscaped south-facing garden provides a series of al fresco dining and seating areas, there is also a Desjoyaux swimming pool and a grazing paddock beyond, making it ideal for long summer days and relaxed evenings with family and friends.

A welcoming reception hall leads into the principal living space, with a study accessed from the sitting room that also benefits from direct garden access. Spanning the length of the ground floor, a central corridor provides access to a spacious and lightfilled games room, enhanced by two roof lanterns and perfectly suited to younger family members or informal entertaining. A snug/family room is positioned adjacent to the entrance hall, offering a cosy and more intimate retreat.

The ground floor also provides excellent bedroom accommodation, including a generous guest bedroom with en-suite shower room, built-in storage and Modern French doors opening directly onto the garden. Four further bedrooms are served by a family bath/shower room, an additional double shower room and a cloakroom. Practicality has been carefully considered, with two utility rooms and a substantial garden room - converted from the former garage - offering highly versatile additional living or recreational space. A large covered porch completes the ground floor accommodation.

The principal bedroom suite occupies the first floor and is a truly distinctive space, The room is defined by softly curved architectural walls, giving it a calm, contemporary feel with excellent flow. This impressive suite includes a stylish wet room, dressing area, freestanding bath and a Juliet balcony overlooking the driveway and paddock. Completing the first-floor accommodation is a further spacious double-aspect bedroom and a generous landing.

Garden and Outbuildings

The property is set within beautifully maintained grounds reflecting a coastal theme, positioned in the National Landscape of Chichester Harbour. Access is via a private driveway, which also serves the neighbouring property, providing ample parking and a detached carport while maintaining a sense of exclusivity and privacy.

The secluded, south-facing gardens are thoughtfully landscaped with a wide variety of flowering shrubs and coastal plants, creating a private and tranquil retreat. Meandering pathways lead to a patio area and an extensive outdoor kitchen with plenty of space for undercover seating, designed for effortless entertaining and relaxed alfresco dining. The combination of carefully considered planting, versatile entertaining spaces, and coastal-inspired design makes the gardens a true extension of the home’s living areas.

At the rear of the property, a Desjoyaux swimming pool, built in 2022, is complemented by a wraparound patio and lounge area, creating an ideal space for both relaxation and entertaining. Beyond this, a spacious lawn provides additional outdoor versatility. Adjacent to the pool, a contemporary POD annexe offers a fully self-contained space with two bedrooms, a bathroom (with easy access bath) and a living area, featuring gently curved walls that echo the design of the main house. Whether used for multigenerational living, guest accommodation, a home office or studio, or as a holiday let/bed and breakfast (subject to any necessary consents), the annexe represents a rare opportunity to combine lifestyle and income potential.

A further standout feature is a paddock of nearly half an acre, located off the east side of the driveway, enclosed by post-and-rail fencing and mature hedges, offering both privacy and potential for grazing or recreational use.

Location

The Salthouse is located on a sought-after private lane within level walking distance of Birdham Pool Marina and Chichester Marina, offering convenient access to the superb sailing and watersports facilities of Chichester Harbour. Birdham offers a strong sense of community together with a range of day-to-day amenities, including a popular primary school, village store, parish church and village hall, with further facilities close by in neighbouring harbourside villages. The surrounding coastline, footpaths and open countryside provide excellent opportunities for walking and cycling, while the sailing and watersports of Chichester Harbour are readily accessible nearby. Much of the area is designated as National Landscape, with the Chichester Harbour Conservancy helping to protect the setting and character of this exceptional environment.

The historic cathedral city of Chichester offers an excellent range of shopping, social, and recreational amenities, all easily accessible via the city's largely level and pedestrian-friendly streets. Rich in culture, Chichester is home to the acclaimed Pallant House Gallery and the renowned Festival Theatre. The area also boasts a selection of highly regarded schools in both the public and private sectors. For commuters, Chichester’s mainline railway station provides regular services to London Victoria in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes (via Gatwick Airport), while nearby Havant station offers a faster route to London Waterloo in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Activities

Events and sporting activities in the area include the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival events for motoring enthusiasts, horseracing at Goodwood and Fontwell racecourses, polo at Cowdray Park, golf at nearby Goodwood, and bathing off the beaches at the Witterings. Chichester Harbour has a multitude of moorings (subject to availability) and there are nearby berthing and lifting facilities in both Birdham Pool and Chichester Marina. Other local attractions include: the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, West Dean Gardens, Fishbourne Roman Palace, Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, Goodwood House, Stansted Park and Petworth House.