North Street, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28

Charming 17th century townhouse with a south-facing courtyard garden.

Description

A captivating Grade II listed townhouse with origins dating from the 17th century, The Running Horse occupies an elevated position on the edge of Petworth town centre. Rich in history and beautifully maintained, this charming period home offers wonderfully versatile accommodation arranged over four floors, together with a delightful south-facing courtyard garden and informal parking for two cars.

Believed to have once been one of Petworth's traditional beer houses, The Running Horse is a house of immense character, with its attractive timber-framed elevations, lime-washed plaster panels and distinctive cat-slide roof. The current owners have carefully preserved its historic integrity while creating a warm and practical home for modern living, where an abundance of original features combine effortlessly with thoughtfully updated interiors.

The accommodation is arranged over three principal floors with an additional attic room, providing exceptional flexibility for family life, home working or guest accommodation. The welcoming entrance lobby opens into a generous dining room, complete with stone flooring, underfloor heating and an impressive inglenook fireplace, creating a wonderful focal point for everyday living and entertaining alike. The adjoining kitchen is well appointed with a range of fitted units and ample storage, with a door opening directly onto the rear garden. A useful store room and a beautifully designed shower room complete the ground floor.

A characterful wooden staircase rises through the house, showcasing exposed timbers and original joinery. On the first floor, the elegant sitting room enjoys oak flooring and a fireplace fitted with a wood-burning stove, and is currently arranged as a bedroom, demonstrating the versatility of the layout. A walk-in wardrobe adjoins the room, while a few steps lead to a stylish family bathroom and a further bedroom, presently used as a home office.

The second floor provides two further bedrooms together with a cloakroom, while the staircase continues to an attic room, currently used as an additional bedroom, offering valuable extra space for guests, hobbies or study.

Outside, the property is approached via a shared driveway providing ample off-street parking, with a pathway leading through a small front garden to the entrance. At the rear, the charming south-facing courtyard garden has been beautifully landscaped to create a peaceful and private outdoor retreat. Paved seating areas are interspersed with mature shrubs, ornamental planting and a brick pathway, while an ornamental pond and raised gravel beds add further interest. Two garden sheds provide useful storage, and the generous shared driveway offers ample parking for residents and visitors alike.

Location

The Running Horse enjoys an enviable position on the north-eastern edge of Petworth, within easy walking distance of the town's renowned independent shops, cafés and galleries, while also enjoying immediate access to the beautiful Shimmings Valley and surrounding South Downs countryside.

Today Petworth is home to a thriving community with an
excellent range of shops and restaurants. More extensive shopping facilities can be found in the nearby towns of Pulborough and Haslemere or the Cathedral City of Chichester.

For the commuter, access to the A3 can be gained at Milford while the railway stations at Pulborough and Haslemere provide rail services to both London Victoria and Waterloo respectively. Schools in the area include the prep schools of Westbourne House, The Prebendal School in Chichester, and Great Ballard in Eartham, while private senior schools locally are Seaford College, Cranleigh and Christ’s Hospital. There are also Primary Schools in Petworth and Midhurst with secondary schools in Midhurst Rother and The Weald.

Recreational opportunities are many and varied. There is golf at a number of clubs in the area including Petworth, Chiddingfold and Cowdray Park. There is polo at Midhurst, racing at Goodwood and Fontwell Park, sailing at Chichester and flying at Goodwood. The world famous motor sport events at Goodwood include the Festival of Speed, the Revival Meeting as well as club and track days for those keen to drive themselves.

In addition the surrounding countryside provides ample
opportunity for walking and riding.

Square Footage: 1,813 sq ft