Long gone are the days when an equestrian house meant a dusty barn at the end of a dirt track, far removed from the grand mansion of the estate. Now equestrians (and their horses) are housed in grand estates, with far reaching views over paddocks and woodland, some within surprisingly easy commuter distance.
‘You get more for your money in West Sussex,’ believes Toby Whittome of Jackson-Stops, who are joint agents with Savills in the sale of imposing Plummerden House near Lindfield – located three miles from the commuter hub of Haywards Heath – at a guide price of £4.775m.
Once part of the Paxhill estate, unlisted Plummerden House stands in 37 acres of gardens, paddocks and woodland, and boasts outstanding southerly views of the glorious South Downs.
The substantial Victorian main house offers 9,668sq ft of living space on three floors, including three reception rooms, a study, kitchen/breakfast room and six bedroom suites, with a studio/gym on the first floor and cinema/games room on the lower ground.
‘With seven beautiful stables, a sand school and extensive paddocks surrounded by quiet country lanes in all directions, Plummerden House is every young rider’s dream,’ adds Mr Whittome.
The country itself is a haven for country sportspeople who enjoy pursuits other than riding. Sussex offers golf at Royal Ashdown, Haywards Heath and Piltdown, and many other courses across the county. There is racing at Goodwood, Lingfield and Plumpton, and sailing at Ardingly and the coast.
A beautiful former rectory with equestrian facilities and a lake
Church House sits in 11 acres on the edge of Bredon Hill, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Worcestershire.
Dreamy Cotswold farmhouse complete with excellent equestrian facilities and a party barn
Bosmere Farm is a wonderful family house in a stunning rural setting.
Immaculate country house with equestrian facilities that are second to none
Idyllic Standen House at Chute Standen on the Hampshire-Wiltshire border has been cleverly redesigned for family life.
An exceptional equestrian estate with mouthwatering stabling and training facilities
Recently renovated The Manor at Lillingstone Lovell is set in 120 acres and offers extensive equestrian facilities.
A grand country house built by Robert Bruce, with a billiards room, tennis courts and equestrian facilities beyond belief
-
Deep lakes, tall peaks and Flemish portraiture. It's the Country Life Quiz of the DayAugust 28's quiz gets to grips with geography, art, film and also cats.
-
Gill Meller wants to make soufflé great again with his sweetcorn and smoked cheddar recipeIs the soufflé on the brink of extinction? Well, not if Gill Meller's recipe for a sweetcorn and smoked cheddar has anything to do with it.
-
The market for super-prime houses in England's biggest millionaire's playground is booming — and this £10m example is one of the bestWhirley Hall is a 17th century building that's a perfect example of how 21st century updates can transform an old home almost beyond recognition.
-
If I had to spend the rest of my life living underground, I would do it in this four-bedroom house for sale in the Peak DistrictThe aptly named Underhill is a 'a work of inhabitable art' that was built in the 1970s. And there's a swimming pool in the middle of it.
-
A micro estate for sale in west Wales shows that the best things come in small packages. In this case, three of themBrithdir is a remarkable collection of properties centred around a lake and just five miles from the sea.
-
This blissful converted mill has sweeping views, a breathtaking library and gardens by a Chelsea gold medallistPenny Churchill takes a look at Stanbridge Mill, one of the finest properties for sale today in the west country.
-
Portmore has it all: A 3,459-acre Scottish estate for sale, with a signature Baronial sandstone mansion at its heartFor sale for the first time in 40 years, Portmore Estate is everything you could ever want in Scotland.
-
Location, community and charm: the enduring desirability of London's mews housesFrom birds, to horses, to beautiful family homes, the mews of London are some of the nation's most sought-after homes. But why?
-
The distinctive and historic home that might just be 'one of Dorset’s most picturesque'Grade II*-listed Manor House, set in just under eight acres, dates from the 16th century.
-
A 17th century farmhouse in Surrey with one of Britain's oldest squash courtsFords Farm is on the market for the first time in over half a century.
