Smugglers Lane, Bosham, Chichester, PO18

A stunning architect-designed and energy-efficient contemporary home with direct water frontage, commanding far-reaching views across Chichester Harbour towards Bosham Hoe and Itchenor beyond. It has been thoughtfully conceived to exist in harmony with its setting, with silvered cedar cladding, expansive glazing and a series of wide terraces creating a seamless connection between house, garden and water.



Constructed in 2007 on the site of a former boatyard, Combes House is a cherished harbourside residence whose thoughtful design draws in natural light and makes the most of its gorgeous setting. Full-height windows and glazed doors frame breathtaking views, celebrating the natural beauty of this exceptional waterside location. Approached via a shared private drive from Smugglers Lane, the house sits within Piet Oudolf-inspired gardens where grasses, herbaceous planting and mature trees create a soft, naturalistic coastal setting. Conceived for elevated indoor-outdoor living, generously proportioned decked terraces across several levels seamlessly extend the living spaces outdoors, while silvered cedar cladding allows the building to fully embrace its surroundings.



The ground floor unfolds as a generous open-plan space beneath a partially vaulted ceiling, where full-width tri-folding doors open onto decked seating areas with spectacular harbour views. The main living area, laid with limed oak flooring, is cleverly divided by a central raised fireplace into two distinct zones: one facing the water and the other offering a more intimate retreat for reading and relaxing. An Italian eat-in kitchen lies adjacent, designed while keeping entertaining in mind. Sleek and contemporary, it's finished in charcoal grey and features a full suite of integrated appliances, polished stone worksurfaces and a breakfast bar. Wonderful water views can be enjoyed from this room, with doors leading out to the upper deck — a natural extension of the living space — and down to the lower deck and gardens beyond.



To the north, a broad inner hall leads to a generous study, providing a quiet retreat from the main living areas, equally suited as an additional sitting room. The hall also connects directly to an integral double garage, perfect for storing bikes, wetsuits, dinghies and surfboards.



A walnut, glass and stainless steel staircase rises to the first floor, where all bedrooms benefit from vaulted ceilings and covered balconies that make the most of the extraordinary setting. The principal bedroom is served by a generous walk-in wardrobe and a beautifully appointed wet room with twin basins, a bath and a curved slate-clad shower. A glazed, galleried landing leads to three further bedrooms — two have en suite bathrooms, while the remaining one comes with a cloakroom that can be converted into a shower room. A dedicated laundry and plant room housing the heat recovery system completes the upper floor.



Outside, to the south, a large deck steps down to a larger lower deck, both enjoying superb harbour views. The gardens follow a naturalistic coastal style, with a restrained palette of blues, purples, whites and greens, structured by grasses, herbaceous planting and fruit trees, creating a tranquil and private setting within the wooded creek landscape. To the north, a private driveway off Smugglers Lane provides ample parking, access to the double garage and a private slipway onto Furzefield Creek.



Built using SIPs construction with argon-filled Bereco windows and doors, the house benefits from a whole-house heat recovery system and app-controlled, zone-managed heating, reflecting its credentials as a highly energy-efficient home.



Bosham is one of the South Coast’s most charming and historic villages, known for its Saxon church, tidal quay, sailing club and quietly timeless atmosphere. Nearby Chichester offers a wider mix of cultural and culinary destinations, while the surrounding area is well placed for sailing, golf, West Wittering’s beaches, Goodwood and some of West Sussex’s most celebrated vineyards.