Charming cottage on private Burton Park country estate

Living in the middle of a magnificent private country estate is not only blissfully private but, according to owners Steve and Sally Loader, it also means easy access to the South Downs National Park.

Sitting amidst Burton Park’s formal and informal gardens and 18th century parkland, Cherry Cottage is one of 13 pretty homes scattered near the estate’s main building, a landmark white 19th century mansion which can be seen from the heights of both Duncton and Barlavington Down.

The entire estate is rich in history.

Steve said: “There was a house here going way back to Tudor times, but it burned down.

“There’s still the lovely little church, which is 950 years old and mentioned in the Domesday Book – every year at Christmas time they have a candlelit service for all the residents to go along to.”

Built in 1828 by architect Henry Bassett as an opulent private residence, the current mansion is Grade I listed, with a magnificent Grecian hall.

After being requisitioned by the army during the Second World War, it became a school, St Michael’s Burton Park, for some decades, before eventually serving as a police dog training centre until the late 1990s.

Since then, it has been transformed into luxury apartments, while Cherry Cottage was created from one of the outbuildings close by and is full of endearing features.

Steve said: “We think the cottage was once the stables that served the main house. Its front wall is old and leans, supported by buttresses, and it’s also got some unique little curved windows in the front.

“It’s all on one level, about 115 feet long, and a third of the building has exposed beams outside. When they renovated it in 1998, they had the good sense to raise the ceiling level so it’s got a high ceiling, as well as a lovely cottagey feel.”

Burton Park residents can roam the estate’s extensive grounds and play tennis in the communal court: “It’s ideal for people with dogs. You walk out the front door and you can go for long walks without getting near a road.

“It’s also an area of special scientific interest – there’s a rare orchid growing here and there’s no possibility of building here.”

In addition, hikers can follow a footpath to Heath End, which links to the 64-mile-long Serpent Trail.

The estate also includes Chingford Pond, recently restored after years of silting after the weir broke in the days of the school.

Steve said: “There was a big project to reinstate it to Victorian levels – they had to clear trees and rushes and did a good job. There are walkways through the grass, seats to look over the lake and a picnic area further on, next to the river. It’s an amazing place and is not really used to its full capacity, as people are busy.”

Life in Burton Park is simply ‘very peaceful’: “When my grandkids come, they go out in the garden and they can run free – I’ve built them a pirate ship nestled in the trees and behind the cottage, facing south, is a walled garden with a nice grass area and a little pond with fish in.

“But if someone is a keen gardener, there’s more they can do. It’s a work in progress! It’ll be a wrench to leave but as we are getting older we feel it’s better to make the move now.”

Cherry Cottage, Lodge Green, Burton Park, Duncton, Petworth, GU28 0LH

A charming three bedroom detached cottage set in gardens and grounds of approximately 0.72 acres.Accommodation comprises an entrance hall with a cloakroom and fitted cupboards, living room, dining room and triple-aspect kitchen/breakfast room with French doors leading out to the south-facing rear garden. The utility room has two areas and side access to outside.The living room is a particular feature with a vaulted ceiling and exposed brick fireplace with a wood burner, along with a double aspect and French doors onto the gardens.The master bedroom has two double fitted wardrobes and en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, while the second and third bedrooms share a shower room.Guide Price £1,250,000

For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Hamptons, 35 North Street, Chichester. Telephone 01243 839399 or visit www.hamptons.co.uk

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