Mill Lane, Sidlesham Quay, Chichester, West Sussex

The Old Mill House is a fine detached property, constructed mainly of brick and flint elevations, part tile hung and part rendered, under a tiled roof. Externally the house displays an intriguing frontage believed to date from the 18th Century with a half-hipped stuccoed gable, sash windows and Venetian shutters. The rear façade displays the earlier origins of the house, believed to be circa 16th Century. The wealth of period features includes stone and brick floors, window seats, fireplaces and exposed beams. The high ceilings in many of the rooms provide an elegant ambience and a light and airy atmosphere.

Leading from the spacious reception hall with flagstone flooring is a double aspect drawing room with exposed brick wall and open fireplace. Adjoining is the sitting room with fireplace and double doors opening to the enclosed side garden with lawn and elevated morning terrace. Located to the rear, in the older part of the property, is the kitchen/dining room with feature bay window, oil fired Aga, and walk-in larder. There is a useful scullery and a large utility room with secondary staircase to the first floor. From the entrance hall, the main staircase leads to the first floor with four double bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room, and two bathrooms. Stairs provide access to the second floor fifth bedroom with adjoining store room. There are wonderful views over the harbour from the drawing room and the two bedrooms situated at the front of the property.

On the western side of the property is a garage and pedestrian gate providing access to the enclosed courtyard and to the separate two-storey cottage. Steps lead up to the walled rear garden with, on the eastern side, detached outbuildings providing a superb garden room with conservatory area and wood-burning stove, a workshop and office. The walled garden is a particular feature of the property with expanses of lawn with fruit trees and deep herbaceous borders. An arched gateway leads to a rose clad pergola, productive vegetable garden with fruit cages, tennis court and, found to the rear, the paddock with stables.

The Old Mill House is located in the Sidlesham Quay Conservation Area, about 6 miles to the south of Chichester, and has a spectacular position on Pagham Harbour, a nature reserve of some 1,500 acres of salt marsh and tidal mudflats managed by the RSPB, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Ramsar site (international designation of importance). Wonderful walks and cycle rides emanate literally from the doorstep. The Bill Way cycle path provides access to Chichester and, via the Salterns Way, along the shoreline of Chichester Harbour, connects to the Centurion Way and the South Downs.

Sidlesham has a primary school, local garage with shop, church, public house and nearby, the renowned ‘Crab & Lobster’ pub restaurant. Chichester Marina and Yacht Club, Birdham Pool and the start of Chichester Canal are about 4 miles. Chichester’s broad range of shopping, cultural and leisure amenities, including the Festival Theatre, are about 6 miles to the north. The Blue Flag sandy beach at West Wittering and the National Trust’s East Head are about 7.5 miles and Goodwood, with its historic house, horse racing, golf, motor racing and small airfield, is about 9.5 miles.