Bilsham Lane, Bilsham

Old Bilsham Farm is a stunning Grade II listed property believed to date from the 18th Century at its earliest part. The property has been sympathetically updated, reconfigured and modernised giving the striking family home we see today.

Over the years, the original farmhouse has been joined to the outbuildings by means of a mahogany and glass conservatory allowing for a seamless join between the two properties and providing not only a good number and varied style of rooms, but also giving wonderful flexibility of accommodation.

The original farm house has many of the period features one would expect from a property of this era, while the outbuildings to the rear benefit from exceptional ceiling heights and generously proportioned rooms, with the first floor drawing room to the rear building being a beautifully light space with excellent views over the surrounding countryside to the South Downs.

“Then one morning I awoke with an idea ‘to sculpt the walls’! After one year and six months of concentrated work, I feel that I have taken a further step into creating spaces and forms that give an experience of Beauty. To do this my work plays between the visible and the invisible. It seems this activates the imagination of the viewer and then opens them into their own world of Inner Beauty.” – Ginger Gilmour on the art installations at Old Bilsham Farmhouse

The property sits in a little over an acre of private gardens and grounds incorporating formal lawns, beautiful established shrub borders and a gravel parking area to the side, leading in turn to the stable block and garaging.

The real highlight of the property is 'The Courtyard'. This space has been beautifully considered, and with buildings and a high wall completely surrounding the space, it is perfectly shielded from the wind, providing a perfect sun trap. Many of the principal rooms lead directly out into this space which in turn features a koi pond, stunning subtropical plants, a lawned area and swimming pool. To the west of this space is the loggia; a wonderful place for entertaining and with consent to be glazed and incorporated into the overall indoor accommodation should one require.

Old Bilsham Farm occupies a prime, private position at the end of a secluded lane on the edge of the hamlet of Bilsham. The hamlet lies just south of the village of Yapton which features a number of shops including a butcher, Cooperative, post office, local village store, pharmacy and fish and chip shop. The town of Arundel and the cathedral city of Chichester are both within easy reach providing further amenities and a wide array of boutique shops; with Chichester being home to the nationally renowned Festival Theatre. There is a gym, indoor swimming pool and spa at Baillifscourt, Clymping and The Hilton, Walberton.

Numerous sporting and recreational activities in the area include horse racing at Goodwood and Fontwell, Polo at Cowdray Park, several golf courses, a private country club at Goodwood with modern gym and indoor swimming pool and sailing at Littlehampton and Chichester harbours. The surrounding countryside provides many opportunities for walking, riding or mountain biking.

The area is well served with a number of good state and private schools which include Slindon College, Westbourne House, Dorset House, Seaford College and Hurstpierpoint.

Key facts

• Council tax band: H.
• EPC rating: E (score 41; potential rating C).
• Parking: double garage.
• Outside: garden.