Racton, Chichester, PO18

Baylys is a rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully private and adaptable collection of buildings, discreetly positioned behind high flint and brick walls in a tranquil rural setting. The property comprises three detached buildings arranged around a generous courtyard garden. Two have been converted to provide substantial residential accommodation, while the third—currently used for storage and workshop purposes—offers clear potential for conversion to additional living or studio space, subject to the necessary consents.

The barns were converted in the late 1990s and extend to approximately 3,392 sq. ft. in total. Internally, the accommodation is arranged in a largely open-plan format, creating generous, light-filled rooms with a strong sense of scale and flow. The layout offers flexibility and could be readily reconfigured to provide additional bedrooms if required. Subject to the necessary consents, the annexe could either be incorporated into the main barns or retained separately, providing options for extended family, older children, home working, creative studios or potential B&B-style accommodation.

The whole extends to approximately 2.72 acres, comprising around 0.23 acres of courtyard and residential garden (including the buildings), together with approximately 2.48 acres of paddock and equestrian land. The land is well-fenced and includes separate vehicular access from the B2147, making the property particularly well suited to equestrian use or any small holding or agricultural/horticultural use. The paddock adjoins the local bridleway network, providing direct access to miles of outstanding off-road hacking across the Stansted Park Estate and surrounding countryside. A mobile stable barn and tack room further support equestrian use.

The principal residence is constructed of flint and brick beneath a slate roof and combines generous proportions with a wealth of character features including exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, flint and brick detailing, and full-height glazing opening onto the gardens and surrounding views.

The ground floor accommodation includes a spacious kitchen/breakfast room with vaulted ceiling and countryside views, a cloakroom, a large store cupboard housing the boiler, and an impressive open-plan living and dining room centred around a log-burning stove, with doors opening directly to the outside.

The principal bedroom suite is arranged in an open-plan layout, featuring a central bath, wash hand basin, a walk-in shower and access to a walk-in dressing room. This space also enjoys vaulted ceilings and double doors opening onto the courtyard garden.

The second building provides additional accommodation, ideal for guest use, multi-generational living or home working. It includes a wet room and two generous vaulted bedrooms, both with walk-in wardrobes, storage space, excellent natural light and attractive views.

The third building, also constructed of brick and flint beneath a slate roof, is currently used for storage and workshop purposes. With exposed trusses and a high ceiling, it offers excellent potential for conversion to further accommodation, studio or ancillary space, subject to the usual planning consents. Overall, the property and its land offer notable flexibility, with potential for both residential and ancillary commercial uses, subject to the requisite approvals.

OUTSIDE

Baylys is approached via remote-controlled timber gates leading to a gravelled driveway and turning area. The courtyard garden is private and secure, enclosed by brick and flint walls and centred around a pond. It is thoughtfully planted with mature shrubs, herbaceous borders, evergreens and raised beds, with a rill-style water feature running the length of the garden and feeding into the pond. There is also a further paved terrace enjoying open views across the surrounding hills and countryside.

Beyond the courtyard lies a small orchard with apple, pear, cherry, fig and hazelnut trees. A charming, insulated summerhouse with electricity enjoys lovely views across the paddock towards the Racton Monument, providing an ideal retreat, studio or workspace.

A gate at the rear of the courtyard leads to the adjoining paddock, which also benefits from its own separate access from the road. The gently sloping field offers excellent grazing and riding space and connects directly to the local bridleway network, providing uninterrupted access across surrounding countryside and woodland.

Nature is very much on the doorstep, with an abundance of flora and fauna. Many species of birds of prey are regularly seen from the property, reinforcing the sense of space and connection to the surrounding landscape.

Services: Mains water and electricity. Oil fired boiler for water and central heating. Sewage treatment plant (filtration).

TENURE: Freehold Local Authority: Chichester District Council Council Tax Band: Band G Energy Rating: Band E