Monks Hill, Emsworth, West Sussex, PO10

Surrounded by easily maintained gardens and grounds of some 4.2 acres which have been retained largely in a natural landscape with ground water fed natural ponds and oak woodland to the south. A unique conversion of a former brick works and farm buildings creating an inspirational home of enormous character, finished to the highest of standards in these idyllic rural surroundings close to the South Downs National Park.

As the name suggests, this fascinating building was originally Westbourne Brick and Tile works, and later passed into agricultural use as part of neighbouring Sawmills Farm. The interior has enormous character with vaulted ceilings and exposed timbers but in particular the former brick kiln, immediately adjacent to the 18 ft long reception hall, has been preserved as a unique feature within which a spiral staircase has been built to provide access to the bedroom accommodation. The triple aspect south facing sitting room is over 22 ft in length with vaulted ceiling lit by a high level window flooding the room with natural light. Sealed unit double glazed doors open onto a south facing terrace looking towards the woodland. An impressive fireplace is fitted with a wood burning stove. The adjacent dining/family room/kitchen is the focus of everyday living with further vaulted ceilings and a cosy fireplace with wood burning stove. This room opens directly onto the Sylvarna kitchen with its sleek, contemporary units, polished quartz worksurfaces, returns and breakfast bar. An extensive range of integrated appliances include dishwasher, induction hob with extractor, eye-level combination oven with fan assisted conventional oven beneath, Miele espresso coffee maker and Gaggenau fridge/freezer with ice maker. South facing double glazed doors open onto a beautiful area of landscaped garden designed for entertaining with a porcelain paved terrace, outside fireplace and barbeque area partially enclosed by the brick and flint walls of the original buildings and also by hornbeam and yew hedging concealing dog proof fencing.

A spiral staircase within the original brick kiln leads first to a principal bedroom suite, spacious bedroom with deep recessed walk-in wardrobe, additional bespoke fitted wardrobe and double glazed doors opening onto the sitting area looking over the gardens. An impressive bathroom en-suite, fitted by Littlejohn, has both bath and open sided shower with glazed screen, deluge style mixer and hand held spray. The split level first floor has three further bedrooms. The fourth bedroom is currently fitted as an impressive dressing room with an extensive range of matching wardrobes with automatic lighting, drawers and shelving, together with a matching dressing table with vanity surface, additional storage and mirror with integral lighting. The second Littlejohn bathroom serves the additional bedrooms.

Outside a long, stone shingled driveway passes through the surrounding grounds to a broad approach and parking area between the house and barn. The neighbouring brick and flint barn is some 60 ft long with double timber doors and pedestrian side doors. The ground floor cloakroom means this area could be used to create a home office if required or there might perhaps be potential to create an annexe subject to the necessary compliance with building regulations and planning consents. A turned staircase rises to the first floor with exposed timber frame, light and power. A car charging point is located adjacent to the parking area.

Double doors from the kitchen open onto an impressive porcelain paved terrace inlaid with brick setts which look south towards the woodland and is sheltered by the attractive brick and flint walls of the existing house and barn. An outside entertaining area includes fireplace, barbeque area, outside power points and connection points for speakers. The immediate gardens have been landscaped with pleached hornbeams and decorative borders with displays of architectural grasses, low level clipped yew topiary and flowering perennials with a palate of yellow, blue and white flowers. Neatly clipped yew and hornbeam hedging surrounds this area of the garden and also conceals dog proof fencing. Additional doors from the sitting room open onto a second raised terrace with steps down to the surrounding grounds which have been very much left as a natural landscape with two ponds fed by ground water and planted with iris and other water margin plants. Beyond this lies an area of light woodland principally oak. In all some 4.2 acres.

The property lies in countryside just to the north of the popular village of Westbourne. This is still very much a traditional village retaining a good range of local shops, several public houses, local school and a parish church. More comprehensive shopping facilities can be found in either Emsworth or Chichester. A couple of miles to the north lies the foot of the South Downs, criss-crossed with numerous bridlepaths and footpaths and providing some of the best countryside in this part of West Sussex and Hampshire. To the south, lie Chichester and Langstone Harbours, providing plenty of opportunities for sailing with clubs at Emsworth, Bosham and Hayling Island. Other recreational activities include a number of golf courses, the nearest being at Rowlands Castle, horse racing at Goodwood and bathing and windsurfing from various beaches along the south coast. Despite these idyllic rural surroundings, communications are good with the nearby A27 providing good vehicular access to various centres along the south coast including Brighton, Portsmouth and Worthing. The A3M provides good vehicle
access to London and mainline stations in both Havant and Chichester provide regular services to London Waterloo and Victoria respectively.