High Seas, Elmer, West Sussex

Designed by its architect owner, this five-bedroom mid-century house sits on a private plot along the quiet Elmer Beach in West Sussex. Its interiors have been masterfully executed with a consistent and considered material palette that brings easy contemporary living to the home’s authentic period feel. Gardens lie at the front and rear of the house; the latter is adjacent to the shingle beach and features a covered swimming pool and an atmospheric dining terrace.



The Tour



The house is set back from the street behind a low brick wall and a lively front garden planted with scented coastal shrubs and yew trees that frame the entrance. The dynamic brick façade and pared-back external detailing hint at the bright spaces within, shaped by material clarity and a prioritisation of crisp architectural lines.



Access is via a driveway which also leads to a large garage. The front door, which is panelled with original golden glass, reveals a large hall with built-in cupboards and space for storing coats and boots.



The house has an upside-down configuration, with the three largest bedrooms on the ground floor and the main reception rooms upstairs. An original teak staircase with storage underneath connects the two floors.



On the first floor, positioned at the rear of the plan, is the airy sitting room, where a south-facing window frames panoramic views of the seascape. Here and throughout, crisp white walls are paired with plywood accent walls and integrated joinery. Pine wood floorboards run underfoot. Next door is an inviting sunroom overlooking the sea, with space for a large dining table. A striking paved wall on one side creates a compelling textural contrast. From this room, steps descend onto the decked terrace - an ideal configuration for summertime hosting.



Doors with yellow pebbled glass slide open from the sitting room to the dining room, which in turn leads to the adjoining kitchen at the front of the plan. Here, a cut-out section of the wall creates a direct line of sight to the sea. Bespoke plywood units are arranged in a U-shape, providing generous storage and extending to form a breakfast bar. Integrated appliances are by Zanussi and include an induction hob, dishwasher and an oven.



Also on this floor is a study/ bedroom connected to the sunroom, a quiet guest bedroom at the front of the plan, and a separate WC - all finished with the home’s characteristically subtle but confident approach.



Three spacious bedrooms with built-in wardrobes are on the ground floor; all overlook the beach. Quarry tiles have been laid throughout and are warmed by underfloor heating. Especially serene, the principal bedroom has an en suite shower room. There is also an additional bathroom on this level, with a spacious walk-in shower and a refreshingly pared-back scheme.



There is also a large loft, currently used for storage.



Outdoor Space



At the front of the house is a well-maintained garden and a large garage with parking space for two cars.



Unfolding at the back of the home and accessible from both the ground and first floors, the rear garden sits directly along the beach. There is a generous decked terrace with areas for dining and relaxing, and a covered swimming pool with a seating deck. Facing south, this space is bathed in a day-long light and is perfectly placed to take in sunrises and sunsets.



The beach itself acts as a near extension of the private garden and is defined by striking stone sea defences. These sculptural structures form perfect swimming lagoons at high tide, offering the opportunity for sea swims mere meters from the foot of the garden itself. The garden extends beyond the wall, up to the high water mark.



The Area



The house sits within the private Elmer Sands Estate and on the tranquil and dog-friendly Elmer Beach, with endless opportunities for sea swims, scenic strolls and easy access to the South Coast Cycle Route. The estate's 'Yacht Club' offers the opportunity for residents to keep a boat with a tow and slipway just moments from the house. There are also sailing clubs nearby, including Bognor Regis Yacht Club.



The village of Middleton-on-Sea is a 15-minute walk from the house and provides a post office, grocers, GP practice and celebrated new bakery, Sourdough Sisters. There are plenty of cafés and pubs close by, including local favourite the Black Horse, a 17th-century pub in Climping and the Lobster Pot at Felpham.



Madehurst, which is home to The Pig in the South Downs, a fabulous restaurant-with-rooms set in a splendid Grade II-listed Georgian house, is easily reached, as too is Bailiffs Court Hotel and Spa.



Arundel is a 15-minute drive away. Sights include Arundel Castle, one of England’s longest inhabited country houses, as well as a popular farmers’ market and a charming array of shops, cafes and restaurants. William Blake's cottage at Felpham is soon to open as a museum, offering an insight into the life and work of one of England's most celebrated literary figures.



The small cathedral city of Chichester is a 22-minute drive away. It has an extensive range of eateries and boutiques, along with a branch of Waitrose. It is also home to Pallant House Gallery and the annual Chichester Festival, curated by Chichester Theatre. The Goodwood Estate is just 15 minutes away. The main house is remarkable and houses an outstanding art collection.



There are excellent schools locally, including Bishop Tufnell CofE Primary School in Felpham, Felpham Community College and The Regis School.



Barnham station is a 12-minute drive from the house, with direct trains to London Victoria in around 85 minutes; services also run to Portsmouth, Southsea, Southampton and Brighton. Gatwick Airport is around 65 minutes' drive away.



Council Tax Band: G