The Old Wiston Rectory, Wiston, Nr. Steyning

Forming part of the Wiston Estate and offered for sale on the open market for the first time in many decades, The Falconers is an impressive and substantial Grade II Listed country house extending overall to c. 4,722 sqft. (excluding garaging) located on the edge of the Estate. Formerly the Old Rectory to Wiston until the mid 19th century, the original portion of the house is understood to be Georgian dating from about 1800 and subject to later alterations and additions.

The mellow external elevations comprise a mixture of render under a mainly pitched slate covered roof and with deep sash windows to the principal rooms, many of which are double aspect and from which to enjoy the pretty outlook over the grounds and with extensive rural views in particular to the East to a wide range of the South Downs.

During the early part of the last century the house was occupied by Baron Raimund von zur-Muhlen who was a celebrated tenor Lieder singer who also became a famous teacher of singing and instructing many famous artists. Born into an aristocratic German family, he was also described as an eccentric and his valuable collection of music and other papers were destroyed in a major fire in 1930 that destroyed a section of the rear of the building. His life and occupation of the Old Rectory is commemorated by a blue plaque to the East side of the house.

From the front door the house is entered through an impressive galleried reception hall into the classically proportioned accommodation retaining many original features with working fireplaces and window shutters to several rooms and above average ceiling heights to the majority. Radiating from the hall with its fireplace with ornate carvings over and picture windows to the Northern end, there are three good size double aspect reception rooms, two of which include French doors to the terrace and garden with its lovely views. To the other side of the house the well equipped and modern fitted kitchen/breakfast room also includes access to the lower ground floor which may also be separately accessed by external doors. The space provides useful additional rooms which, subject to further renovation and possible tanking, offer opportunities for a variety of potential uses including bedroom/office/recreation or storage space together with traditional wine cellar and boiler/utility room.

To the first floor there are four good size double bedrooms enjoying extensive views and two bathrooms all being approached by the central galleried landing.