Medieval manor house with views to the coast

Ecclesden Manor occupies a delightfully secluded and elevated position along a country lane within a mile to the east of Angmering village.

Surrounded by its own extensive park-like grounds this impressive and historic manor house offers the most appealing sylvan hideaway while being within easy reach of necessary amenities and communications.

The historical significance of Ecclesden Manor is confirmed by its Grade II* listing and the comments in Pevsner’s Architectural Guide as, “the most imposing building surviving in the Angmering neighbourhood.”

With origins as early as 1324, the manor was rebuilt in the 15th century with further enlargement and re-roofing in 1634 to create the core of the present house.

Later additions in the 19th and 20th centuries created Ecclesden Manor as it comes to the market today for the first time in 25 years.

Ideally suited to entertaining, the property comprises an impressive vaulted reception hall with a magnificent oak staircase rising to a galleried landing while the four principal reception rooms all enjoy attractive southerly views.

Internally Ecclesden Manor is benefits from a wealth of original period features.

These include the original medieval ‘screens’ passage, oak panelled walls, impressive stone fireplaces and the superbly painted walls and ceiling in the dining room complete with gold leaf frieze.

Stone mullioned windows with seats and original black-iron latches testify the authenticity of the period.

Modern family living demands practicality which is provided by a superbly appointed Poggenpohl kitchen and the adjoining ‘garden’ family room with French doors to the garden terrace.

A modern and well-appointed utility room and spacious butler’s pantry provide the domestic back-up.

First floor accommodation presently comprises a master bedroom with adjoining dressing room and three further principal rooms one of which benefits from a small sitting or reading room above the rear porch which is believed to have been a private chapel or oratory.

The second floor potentially provides up to four further bedrooms, or an internal apartment if required although this would require some restructuring.

Outside, the former kitchen is used as a flower room while the attached garage provides parking for up to three cars and there is also a covered carport in front.

A two-storey garden house, two-storey barn, potting shed/workshop, brick outbuilding and timber framed orangery all have potential for a variety of uses.

The superbly landscaped gardens are a key feature of this property having been professionally designed by John Brookes.

Ecclesden Manor is approached from the lane via a charming circular drive leading to the main house and garage area.

The remainder of the grounds are laid out mainly to the east and south of the house and with the land falling gently with distant views over the grounds and adjoining countryside as far as the coast.

Level lawns adjoin the house and from here steps descend to the lower garden with two formal parterres of lavender and clipped box hedges.

Along the eastern side of the formal gardens are three rectangular lily ponds with pumped water features.

Neatly maintained beds and borders brim with a variety of planting to delight the eye while steps lead up to a small copse where a woodland path meanders through banks of spring flowers in season.

Below the formal gardens the land opens out and slopes gently down to a large lake bordered by bulrushes and a magnificent weeping willow.

It is understood the lake supports a wide variety of coarse fish.

To the east the land rises to the highest point and best views.

Here is the paddock, several yew hedges enclosing circular ‘rooms’ and an orchard with a variety of fruit trees.

In all about ten acres.

For more information contact Savills, Exchange House, Petworth. Telephone 01798 343111.