7 bedroom detached house for sale

On the market for the first time in forty-six years, rarely does a home of such character come to the open market in a location quite like this. Wispers is an exceptional period property set within an increasingly rare and unspoilt setting nestled deep within the South Downs National Park and surrounded by extensive woodland. With protected dark skies overhead and birdsong as the only soundtrack, the estate offers remarkable tranquillity and natural beauty. Designed in 1876 by the celebrated architect Norman Shaw for the Scrimgour family as a gamekeeper’s cottage, Wispers later passed into the ownership of the ‘flying’ Duchess of Bedford, remaining within the estate until its dispersal at auction in 1937. The current owner has cared for the property for nearly half a century, extending it sympathetically with period details that honour its origins while creating a comfortable and characterful family home. Approached via a restricted byway for the owner’s sole use, the property enjoys exceptional seclusion, with the nearest neighbour approximately half a mile away. Despite this privacy, it remains conveniently positioned just a five minutes drive from a well-regarded gastro pub and village shop (approximately 2 miles ), around a fifteen minutes drive from the market town of Midhurst (circa 7 miles) and the Cowdray Estate, and within 20 minutes drive (circa 5 miles) of mainline stations at Liphook and Petersfield (circa 9 miles). Both Heathrow and Gatwick airports are also accessible. In addition to the principal house, the property comprises a charming cottage known as The Coach House, a traditional stable block, and a substantial agricultural barn, all set within beautiful grounds that include woodland, orchard, and productive gardens. The Coach House is a delightful stone-built cottage offering well-proportioned and comfortable accommodation, including two bedrooms, a kitchen, sitting room, and bathroom. Underfloor heating in the kitchen and bathroom provides a modern touch, while a large picture window in the principal first-floor bedroom frames a beautiful outlook across the woodland and towards the pond beyond. Large Velux windows further enhance the upper floor, filling both bedrooms with natural light. The cottage is complemented by a charming garden with established flower beds and a private parking area. The Stabel Block Opposite the Coach House sits the stable block, comprising two loose boxes and a tack room. This versatile outbuilding offers excellent potential for conversion, extension, or adaptation to garage use or ancillary accommodation, subject to the necessary consents. The Barn Beyond this lies a newly constructed agricultural barn, providing substantial space for storage, equipment, or livestock, and incorporating a generous workshop area ideally suited to a keen craftsman or “gentleman mechanic.” The Grounds The grounds are a particular feature of Wispers, with the surrounding woodland rich in wildlife and offering a profound sense of peace and seclusion, a half-acre paddock, newly planted orchard and a productive vegetable garden-with raised beds and espalier-trained fruit trees-add both charm and practicality to this unique property. In every sense, Wispers is an island of calm; an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire a private and historic country home of exceptional character.