'Sadness and fond memories': Legendary Depeche Mode musician selling luxury West Sussex home

But the prospect of leaving the luxury mansion at Itchingfield near Horsham has sparked sadness – and fond memories – for the musician and songwriter.

Alan is only the second owner of the property which was built in 1936 and has been looking to downsize from the 28-acre estate for the past two years. “My family have partially flown the roost and we don't need all the space that the house offers these days,” he said.

He added: “Of course I will be sad to leave – so many memories after 35 years in such a beautiful part of the country. So we certainly don't intend to move far.

“I have always felt like merely a custodian of such a grand and signifiant home. Passing it on to someone who can retain all the inherent character while also enhancing for ultra modernity would be the ideal.

“A more modest place for myself and reduced family going forward will suit fine – still with some luxuries though of course!”

As well as the eight bedrooms, the property has a gym, sauna, swimming pool, tennis court, stables and chauffeur’s lodge with gardens, parkland and paddocks.

The house “very much emerged during the service industry period pre-war and it still shows many signs of that master/servant lifestyle,” said Alan.

“There were originally 12 staff, five tending the grounds alone. They included a butler, chef, chauffeur, housekeeper, two full time handymen and a seamstress amongst others.

“The old servants’ internal bell system with call buttons is still in most rooms where the wiring remains and display panel, and I have old bells in storage – so it has potential to be reinstated if anyone has ‘Gosford Park-type’ nostalgia in their bones.”

There is also an 80ft well in its own well house. “It’s a stunner – beautifully built,” said Alan, 65. “The house used to receive its natural spring water until the1960s. The well water would be transported by pipe to a dedicated softening plant in the chauffeur’s lodge before being supplied for use to the main house. I had thought about a glass top and lighting to show off the well – would be very cool.”

There is also a bespoke playground built during Covid in 2020 which includes a Fort, elevated walkway, tree gantry, zip wire, fireman’s pole, swings, slides, obstacle course and triangular oak/slate picnic table all set under large horse chestnut trees.

Alan, a big sports fan, has fond memories of holding regular rock-star style parties and outdoor events surrounding football world cups, The Ashes and Wimbledon. “I would set up outdoor screens and big speakers pool-side utilising our terrace space.

“Some would go off for tennis competitions while others were more ‘relaxed’ around the pool deck and so on. My 50th birthday was a big event which lasted 2-3 days and where, due to illness, I remained stone-cold sober throughout.

“That was an eye-opener watching about 100 guests slowly but surely disintegrate. With the house being so private, people can let their hair down without fear of disturbing any neighbouring residences.”

He said one of the lovely things after a long evening gathering was setting out breakfast in the dining room the next day “a perfect chill-out area for buffet-style food while enjoying the views across the South Downs.

“In fact it may be that extraordinary uninterrupted vista that I’ll miss the most. We have been so lucky to have that.”

The property is on sale through agents Strutt & Parker who describe the property as ‘an impressive Art Deco country house.’ They say that, as well as the eight bedrooms, the house has three bathrooms, shower room and wcs, a reception hall and glass enclosed courtyard, drawing room, dining room, sitting room, study/home office, kitchen/breakfast room, a second floor leisure suite, chauffer's lodge and double garage, swimming pool and tennis court, stables, tack room, workshop and field shelter.

A passenger lift provides access from the first floor to the leisure suite and gymnasium that occupies the entire top floor.