London Road, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20

New Place Manor is a truly exceptional Grade II* listed home -- the oldest recorded house in Pulborough -- with origins in the 13th century and elegant 16th- and 18th-century additions. The result is a rare and beautifully cohesive country house, combining architectural importance with a wonderfully warm, liveable atmosphere.

Extending to almost 6,000 sq ft, the house has been restored with exquisite attention to detail. Seven bedrooms, a magnificent triple-height kitchen and elegant Lefroy Brooks bathrooms sit alongside countless medieval features, including a spectacular 17-foot inglenook fireplace.

Beyond its history and craftsmanship, New Place Manor is a house made for entertaining. The double-height drawing room and vast galleried kitchen create a dramatic backdrop for gatherings large or small -- light-filled, inviting and full of character. Together they form the heart of the house, perfectly suited to both family life and entertaining.

The gardens, extending to about 1.4 acres, are beautifully landscaped and perfectly designed for entertaining. South-facing terraces open from the main reception rooms, leading to lawns, a grass tennis court and a heated swimming pool with pool house -- ideal for summer parties and long, relaxed weekends with family and friends.

Historic features punctuate the grounds, including a Grade II-listed stone archway built for Queen Elizabeth I's visit in 1591, an antique church pulpit and a rare 16th-century dovecote believed to be unique in Europe. Mature borders, wisteria-draped pergolas and specimen trees create an enchanting sense of privacy and romance throughout.

Across the courtyard lies a versatile detached building, on its own title and currently used on a commercial basis as a home office, with full facilities and potential for conversion into a self-contained annexe (subject to the necessary consents) -- ideal as a guest suite, studio or home business base.

To the east, the former service courtyard provides ample parking, independent lane access and a beautifully planted kitchen garden -- all completing what is, without doubt, one of West Sussex's most remarkable period homes: rich in history, beautifully restored and made for modern family life and entertaining on any scale.

Pulborough and nearby Billingshurst provide a wide range of local amenities, including cafes, restaurants and traditional pubs, alongside Tesco, Sainsbury's and independent retailers. Storrington offers additional services, including a Waitrose and post office, while the surrounding countryside is renowned for walking, hiking and horse-riding opportunities. The Wey and Arun Canal and the footpaths to Wisborough Green provide scenic routes through the South Downs.

Charming villages such as Amberley, with its Norman church, historic houses, boutique shops and acclaimed restaurant The Boathouse, lie close by. Petworth, celebrated for its antiques, Petworth House and Park, and boutique cafes, is also easily accessible, as is Madehurst, home to the acclaimed restaurant-with-rooms, The Pig in the South Downs.

Arundel, 20 minutes to the south, offers a picturesque market town setting with Arundel Castle, independent shops, cafes and restaurants, and a popular farmers' market. The Goodwood Estate, approximately 30 minutes' drive, provides world-class golf, racing, cultural events and fine dining. Nearby Cowdray Park Estate, a 16,000-acre historic property, offers polo, clay pigeon shooting, golf, parkland walks and a renowned farm shop. Chichester, also 30 minutes away, boasts a rich history, Chichester Festival Theatre, Pallant House Gallery and access to Chichester Harbour and nearby beaches. Brighton, approximately 25 miles south-east, provides further cultural and seaside amenities.

The area is well served for education. Local primary schools include Storrington, St James' C of E, Bury C of E and West Chiltington C of E. Secondary education is provided by The Weald, Midhurst Rother College and Steyning Grammar, all rated "Good" or "Outstanding" by Ofsted, with additional state schools including Bishop Luffa in Chichester and BHASVIC Sixth Form College in Brighton. Independent schools within reach include Westbourne House, Oakwood, Windlesham House, Dorset House, Great Ballard, Seaford College, Brighton College, Hurstpierpoint College, Portsmouth Grammar and Portsmouth High School, offering both day and weekly boarding.

Pulborough station is a five-minute drive and offers half-hourly services to London Victoria in around 81 minutes. The A27 and A24 provide direct access to the M25, with Gatwick Airport 40 minutes and Heathrow 70 minutes by car.