A divine manor house in the heart of the South Downs — just beware of the naughty peacocks
Errant peacocks and playful gargoyles are just some of the former inhabitants of seven-bedroom Folkington Manor


When thinking about the 88 acres and 10 bedrooms of Folkington Manor, it seems almost absurd to describe it as a picture postcard.
For a start, you’d likely need more than one postcard. But, it’s the combination of exquisite views, trimmed topiary, flawless lawn and mature trees, centred around a graceful Victorian manor, that make Folkington — which is currently for sale at £10m — such a gem of the South Downs.
There’s been a house on this ancient site since Domesday, but the present building was created in the 1840s to the designs of a W J Donthorn. Taking advantage of a previous farmhouse on the site, Donthorn built a bay-windowed Tudor style property, which, according to an article of April 3, 1958, in Country Life, ‘is faced with beautifully squared and knapped flints and has amusingly Gothic gargoyles’.
Further correspondence to the magazine in 1969, from an R Stacy-Marks, speaks of seven peacocks that used to roam the grounds and, indeed, further afield, with Stacy-Marks imploring other magazine readers to supply him with tips to keep them from wandering into various people’s gardens half a mile away.
No doubt those peacocks have long gone; but at least any prospective buyers thinking of installing a flock will be forewarned that they'll need to think about keeping these birds entertained and away from the neighbours.
Plenty of that period whimsy and charm remain in the property, the interiors of which feature plenty of ornate plasterwork, wood panelling and exposed beams. And plenty of modern comforts have also been added, thankfully, including a cinema room and refurbished kitchen/dining space.
In all, the house has seven bedrooms, six reception rooms and five bathrooms — though as you might guess, looking at the price, the main house is just the beginning.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Outside, the extensive gardens and grounds take advantage of the glorious South Downs countryside, but also feature plenty of ancillary spaces, in the form of an entrance lodge, a guest cottage, two staff flats and a party barn.
20 loose boxes and an outdoor manege are ideal for those with equestrian interests.
The property is approached by a long sweeping drive, to let you live out your Downton Abbey fantasies.
Idyllic, and yours for £10 million.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
The Country Life Podcast
Listen to all the episodes of the Country Life Podcast.
Spectacular Scottish castles and estates for sale
A look at the finest castles, country houses and estates for sale in Scotland today.
The inspiration of peacocks
The peacock is an eccentric part of our history. Emma Hughes finds out more.

James Fisher is the Deputy Digital Editor of Country Life. He writes about property, travel, motoring and things that upset him. He lives in London.
-
Rogue sellers and puppy farmers are exploiting Government licensing loopholes at the expense of responsible dog breeders, says The Kennel Club
The Kennel Club launched a report in the House of Commons last week calling for an urgent review of current licensing regulations.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
The real Bear Grylls: Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 2, 2025
Britain's longest pier is among the highlights of Wednesday's Quiz of the Day.
By Country Life Published
-
Where Venice once ruled: The roving Venetians left handsome imprints across the Greek world, from its religion to its rambling villas
Matthew Dennison explores the lingering traces of Venice's vanished empire — and the best places to buy where it once stood.
By Matthew Dennison Last updated
-
A delightful 16th century home with some of Kent's most beautiful gardens has come on to the market
The Grange puts the 'garden' into the Garden of England.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A pristine Scottish island for sale at the price of a garage in Fulham
A dot on the map of the west coast of Scotland has come on to the market, where you'll be surrounded by sea, living off grid and be neighbours with the local seal colony.
By Toby Keel Published
-
18 beautiful homes, from charming cottages to a Highland mansion with unbeatable views, as seen in Country Life
Our look at some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life in the past week includes Georgian manor houses, charming commutable homes and the grandest home in Newcastle.
By Toby Keel Published
-
The gorgeous Somerset home of the designer behind one of Glastonbury's chicest spots
The Manor in Hinton Blewitt is a glorious Georgian home that ticks every box.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A 600-year-old National Trust property that you can call home
This blooming property in Kent showcases the original garden of England. Penny Churchill takes a look.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A wisteria-clad delight with lawns running down to the Thames at the prettiest riverside home for sale in London today
Deodar Road, near Putney High Street, offers unrivalled views of the Thames and is characterful in excess.
By James Fisher Published
-
Five of the most majestic properties for sale in Britain today, from a 1,700-acre estate to a private island, as seen in Country Life
Our look at the best homes to come to the market via Country Life this week includes some genuinely breathtaking places.
By Toby Keel Published