Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18

Set in the historic downland village of Singleton, close to Goodwood, a thoughtfully converted former stable offering characterful and well-equipped accommodation throughout.

Sowton Stables was thoughtfully converted in 2008, creating a comfortable and well-equipped home while preserving much of the charm and character of the original building. Features such as double glazing and underfloor heating sit comfortably alongside exposed beams, vaulted ceilings and traditional materials.

The property is entered through a welcoming reception hall, where full-height windows frame views over the courtyard approach. From here, the accommodation opens into a generous sitting/dining room, measuring over 23 ft in length. This impressive room has a partially vaulted ceiling, a full-height window and double doors leading directly out to the partially walled garden. Exposed timbers and a wood-burning stove give the space a warm, characterful feel.

The kitchen also enjoys a vaulted ceiling and is fitted with a comprehensive range of matching units, complemented by polished stone worktops and a breakfast bar. Appliances include an integrated dishwasher, fridge, together with a range-style cooker with ceramic hob, twin fan-assisted ovens and grill. A separate utility room provides useful additional space and keeps laundry appliances out of the main living areas.

There are two bedrooms on the ground floor, served by a smartly fitted shower room. The larger of these rooms has double doors opening onto the courtyard approach and offers flexibility as a further reception room, study or home office.

Upstairs, the first floor provides both a principal bedroom suite and a guest suite, each benefiting from its own bathroom.

Outside

To the front, the property is approached through an attractive courtyard-style entrance with a gravelled parking area and neatly clipped box planting. A garage, fitted with light and power, provides secure parking or useful storage.

The garden is a particularly appealing feature, with old brick and flint walls forming attractive boundaries to the north and east. From the sitting/dining room, double-glazed doors open onto a broad paved terrace overlooking a tidy lawn. A further raised terrace, positioned to face west, is ideal for enjoying the evening sun. The planting has been designed for ease of maintenance, with clipped box and evergreen shrubs set within a raised border. External power points and a water tap are also provided.

Location

The picturesque village of Singleton lies within the South Downs National Park, nestled between Chichester and Midhurst and just two miles from Goodwood. Rich in local history, the village dates back at least to the late Saxon period, when the manor was held by Earl Godwin of Wessex, father of King Harold. Its historic parish church, St Mary the Virgin, has Saxon origins and remains an important focal point of the village.

Today, Singleton is a thriving and highly regarded village, with a popular pub, primary school, church, cricket green and playground. The village enjoys an exceptional setting amid some of West Sussex’s most scenic countryside, offering a rare balance of rural charm, heritage and accessibility. The renowned Weald & Downland Living Museum, within walking distance, further reflects the area’s deep connection with rural life and traditional buildings, with more than 50 rescued historic structures spanning centuries of local craftsmanship and domestic history.

Nearby West Dean adds to the area’s appeal, with its village shop, highly regarded primary school and celebrated gardens. The gardens themselves have a long history, with planting on the site dating back to the early 17th century, later enlarged when the present house was built in 1804. The surrounding South Downs landscape is crisscrossed by footpaths and bridleways, ideal for walking, cycling and riding, while a local bus route links Singleton with Chichester to the south and Midhurst to the north.

Close by, Goodwood enjoys international acclaim for its racecourse, country club and annual events, including the Festival of Speed and Revival at the historic motor circuit. Chichester, approximately seven miles to the south, offers extensive shopping and leisure facilities within its pedestrianised city centre, enclosed by Roman walls and dominated by its cathedral. The city is also a notable cultural centre, home to the Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery. Further south, the West Sussex coastline provides a wealth of recreational opportunities, particularly for sailing enthusiasts.