Up Marden, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18

Fernbeds Farm offers a high quality, characterful conversion with an impressive design that makes the most of the glorious views and highlights the original structure showcasing the exposed timber framework. The double height glazed wall at the entrance to the home offers a dramatic welcome and together with a corresponding wall of glass on the opposing aspect, allows natural light to flood inside this striking space. Timber balustrades cleverly divide the vaulted dining area and adjoining vaulted 23 ft x 20 ft reception room featuring a free-standing, wood-burning stove. The Minstrel's gallery offers a study area under the rafters with skylight windows and an outlook over the substantial living area. The well designed and thought out kitchen/breakfast room is fitted with sleek, white, contemporary cabinetry topped with composite quartz work surfaces, an electric induction range and hob, integrated appliances, and an island unit for informal dining. The hallway leading to the bedroom accommodation provides a conveniently located cloakroom, storage spaces, picture windows with beautiful views and access to the rear garden.

The bedroom accommodation is situated in the easterly wing of the home and comprises a principal room with twin heated walk-in wardrobes and a generous en suite bathroom, along with two further double bedrooms and a stylish shower room. Supplemental accommodation is provided in The Hayloft, a self-contained annexe which lies to the west of the main house. This charming dwelling features a vaulted, open-plan living room with dining space, contemporary kitchen with integrated appliances, and a sitting area centred around a wood-burning stove. A central spiral stairway rises to a mezzanine level, the lower-level bedroom has generous built-in wardrobes, and the adjoining bathroom has an additional mezzanine above.

Nestled in the tranquil South Downs National Park, the village of Up Marden offers an idyllic rural setting with direct access to the countryside providing outdoor activities for walking, riding and cycling-enthusiasts, along with opportunities for bird watching. Nearby, Compton, is just a mile and a half and is a much sought after picturesque village, which offers a village store with tea room, a popular local pub, a church and a village school. Kingley Vale Park, Harting Down National Trust, Uppark House and Gardens and Stansted Park are all within a short distance. Both Petersfield and the cathedral city of Chichester are easily accessible, offering a comprehensive range of shopping, leisure and cultural facilities including the renowned Festival Theatre, whilst Goodwood Estate is nearby with its motor and horse racing events calendar, golf academy and health club. For commuters, train services from Chichester reach London Victoria in 1 hour 34 minutes, whilst the service from Petersfield offers journeys to London Waterloo. Compton & Up Marden CE Primary School is a well-regarded, small downland school set in a picturesque location with extensive grounds, whilst independent schooling is available at the renowned Westbourne House, Bedales and Portsmouth Grammar School.

A gravelled and paved courtyard garden adjoins the front of the home and links to the annexe with well designed borders creating an impressive display. The garden area fronting the lane features a large pond with aquatic planting at its margins and a designated vegetable garden. The south-facing aspect affords the ideal setting for outdoor dining and relaxation whilst enjoying the outlook to the surrounding countryside, with further paved terracing at the back of the home. To the rear and sides of the plot, the garden is laid to lawn interspersed with specimen trees and includes naturalistic zones, whilst low level hedging allows views out to the undulating terrain beyond the boundaries. Outbuildings comprise timber car ports, a double open bay cart barn, two workshops, store rooms, a tool shed and a summer house. The property is served by outside security lights and an alarm system.