South Lane, Houghton, Nr Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9LN Guide price £785,000

Situation

Mouse Hall is situated in the lovely village of Houghton which has fabulous views of the Arun Valley and the South Downs. Nearby Amberley is home to the luxury hotel Amberley Castle and the Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre. Houghton is about 4 miles from the historic medieval town of Arundel, home to one of few remaining inhabited castles and nestling between the stunning South Downs National Park and the West Sussex coast. www.southdowns.gov.uk
Local facilities & comprehensive shopping: Amberley, Storrington and Arundel. Arundel is a vibrant town, offering a range of independent and high street shops & banks, numerous restaurants and recreational facilities.
Mainline railway station: Amberley and Arundel www.southernrailway.com
Schools: There are a number of highly regarded schools in the area, both state and private, including Seaford College, Slindon College near Arundel, Great Ballard near Chichester, Hurstpierpoint College and Lancing College.
www.westsussex.gov.uk/ccm/navigation/education
Sporting and recreation: Golf at Goodwood, Flansham, Findon Valley, The West Sussex and Cowdray Park; racing at Goodwood, Fontwell and Brighton; and polo at Cowdray Park. With its close proximity to Chichester harbour and the coast it is ideal for sailing. There is beautiful walking and riding on the South Downs and the High Weald.

Description

Mouse Hall is a beautifully presented timber framed thatched cottage believed to date from the 16th Century or earlier and described by Pevsner as one of the finest cottages in Sussex. The property has been the subject of sympathetic and careful modernisation and extension, resulting in a well appointed, character family home with a wealth of period features including a number of exposed timbers, casement windows and a working fireplace. Internal viewing is highly recommended.

Accommodation

The property is characterised by flint panelled elevations under a hipped thatch roof with the accommodation arranged over two floors, briefly comprising:
– A solid wood part-glazed stable door opens to a hall.
– Lying off the hall is a triple aspect kitchen and dining room. The kitchen is fitted with a range of floor and wall mounted units complemented by granite worktops, a central island with solid wood worktop, a tiled floor, electric AGA, inset butler sink and integrated dishwasher. The dining area has a beautiful oak bressumer where one of the original inglenook fireplaces would have been situated and a glass-glazed door which leads to the terrace. Adjoining the kitchen is a cloakroom and a utility room with plumbing for a washing machine, space for a fridge/freezer, fitted cupboards and a larder.
– Also lying off the hall is a triple aspect drawing room featuring a lovely inglenook fireplace with copper hood. Under stair storage cupboard.
– A glass-glazed door opens to a double aspect study, which is a later addition to the house and is fitted with oak bookshelves, cupboards and a desk.
– The stairs rise to the first floor landing with access to an insulated loft and windows overlooking the front of the property, including an original ancient oak mullion window.
– The master bedroom suite is double aspect with delightful views of the garden and to the South Downs. The dressing room is fitted with a range of fitted wardrobes and cupboards and opens to the en suite shower room.
– The guest bedroom also benefits from lovely views over the garden and an en suite shower room.
– There are two further bedrooms and a family bathroom.
Outside
Mouse Hall is approached from South Lane via a driveway with parking for several cars and a double garage. The garden is enclosed by flint walls, wood fences and hedges and is planted with mature shrubs, plants and trees. Outside the kitchen door is a sheltered brick paved terrace which offers a delightful secluded seating area. A path leads from the terrace to a brick and flint built office. Steps rise to the lawn and a heating swimming pool. Further steps rise to the summerhouse and terrace, which offers a superb seating area with breathtaking views towards the South Downs and across the surrounding countryside. To the north of the garden there is a mature orchard, vegetable beds, greenhouse and timber shed.

Directions

Proceed south on the A24 and at the Washington roundabout, take the third exit onto the A283. In Storrington at the mini-roundabout bear left onto the A283 then at the roundabout take the second exit onto Amberley Road, B2139. Arriving in Houghton, turn left onto South Lane and Mouse Hall can be found on the right hand side.