Surrounded by open farmland the earliest record for The Grange dates to 1303 when Robert the Priest paid for a lock for a door of "The Grange at Celeseye". A later passage refers to Sir Lewis Lewknor who claimed ownership under the Great Seal of England in 1589. Heron Allan's book History of Selsey makes several references to The Grange, referring to the discovery of Saxon stonework in parts of the property. In more recent times a mulberry tree which used to grow close to the front porch inspired the naming of the Mulberry Harbours in Arromanches, used to such great effect in the Normandy D-Day landings during the Second World War.



Today, this impressive grade II listed country house is mostly Georgian in character. The extensive accommodation has all the graceful proportions of the Georgian period with elegant sash windows, many with low sills, windowseats and working shutters, stone flagged floors, impressive fireplaces and ceiling mouldings.



Approached from the semi-circular formal driveway and stunning forward walled garden, the spacious reception hall, with its impressive inglenook fireplace, provides an ideal area to receive guests, with the drawing room lying immediately to one side. The property provides a wonderful circular flow extending to a substantial rear addition and two staircases to the first floor accommodation.



A particular feature is the orangery approached by way of double doors from the drawing room, and having a dramatic central lantern light, stone flagged floor and double doors opening onto the beautiful walled garden beyond. A spacious and modern kitchen lies on the southern side of the house communicating easily with the neighbouring dining room and a beautiful vaulted library. Close by lies a home office and a utility room conveniently located near to the kitchen. A panelled family sitting room is situated on the eastern side of the property.



Upstairs the bedroom accommodation is extensive. The main bedroom provides a beautiful outlook both over the front and rear garden and features a dressing room and en suite bath/shower room. From one corner of the bedroom lies a "secret" staircase leading up to the second floor accommodation. There are two guest bedroom suites on the first floor along with a further double bedroom and a family bathroom. On the top floor there are two further bedrooms and a spacious games/cinema room.



Garden and Grounds



The garden and grounds lie mainly to the south and west of the house with three walled gardens, tree lined walkways, post and rail paddock and arboretum to the south. In all some 6.5 acres. From the Orangery and Kitchen, doors open onto a sheltered south-facing stone terrace with ornamental brick dressings. The immediate garden is walled with beautifully stocked borders, supporting a colourful variety of traditional perennials including foxgloves, poppies, geraniums and other flowering shrubs designed to create colour and interest all year round. To the southern boundary there is a brick and stone range of garden stores. A wrought iron gate set into the western wall opens onto a pergola covered terrace, planted with roses, honeysuckle and clematis. The borders of this second walled garden have been planted with a different variety of shrubs of varying colours, planted to shoulder height against a backdrop of well established trees, including fig, Indian bean tree, magnolia, walnut and monkey puzzle.



In the south west corner lies a thatched and stone built octagonal summer house complete with fireplace and a pretty French-style enamel stove. Double casement doors open onto the garden, and the building is connected with light and power.



To the south an arched gate with decorative wrought iron hinges opens onto a poplar lined walkway. This leads westwards to a fenced grazing paddock of just over an acre with gate access to Grange Lane. Beyond this the walkway leads to a small copse of trees bordering open farmland and to the south a natural pond with sheltered sitting area and island. In turn, the visitor walks past the pond to a beautifully planted arboretum. Here a central walkway lined with poplars and home oak leads to a circular glade surrounded by silver birch. Other trees include eucalyptus, willow and a variety of apple and plum trees. Behind the parking facilities/courtyard is a kitchen garden with raised bed and garden store.



Annexe and Outbuildings



Independent to the main house, The Grange provides a superb opportunity to provide ancillary accommodation to guests, relatives or an au pair. Converted in the 1990's this attached barn conversion/guest cottage could also provide an income opportunity and comprises a vaulted double height living room with an impressive fireplace at one end, fully functioning kitchen, and both a ground floor double bedroom (en suite bathroom and dressing room) and a first floor bedroom (also en suite). From the living room there is a conservatory which overlooks a private courtyard garden.



To the east of the main house there is a second driveway, the entrance to which is secured by a remote controlled gate. This leads past the guest cottage, under an attractive archway and opening through to a courtyard and substantial garage unit. This detached outbuilding comprises open bay car ports, secure garage and store room. Leading to Grange Lane, there is a further third driveway allowing easy access for trailers to the property.



Location



Surrounded by open farmland on the western edge of the well known Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve (a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)), Church Norton is a most attractive hamlet with a rich history. The hamlet is close to the original 7th century seat of St Wilfrid, the Bishop of the South Saxons and the man credited with bringing Christianity to pagan Sussex. For around three centuries Church Norton was the hub of Christian decision making in Sussex. Nearby Sidlesham Quay, believed to be described by Pevsner as "a miniature Bosham", was once a busy port, loading ships bound for France during the Napoleonic wars, but is now a beautifully tranquil nature reserve, famed for its wide variety of water-birds. Aside from the quay and harbour there are a number of nearby amenities which include a popular primary school, village store, garage, church and two public houses, including the renowned Crab & Lobster.



The historic cathedral of Chichester is just over 7 miles to the North West, with a lively hub of shopping amenities and commerce. There is a comprehensive range of social and recreational facilities including a multi-screen cinema, sports centres with swimming pools and a fine selection of restaurants, public houses, wine bars and bistros. In addition, there is the recently extended award-winning Pallant House Gallery and internationally acclaimed Festival Theatre.



There is a regular bus service (approx. 0.2 miles away) to Chichester, where there are mainline rail services to London Victoria in about 1 hour 40 minutes (via Gatwick Airport), Brighton and Southampton.



Activities



Sporting activities in the area include bathing and paddle boarding from the stunning and tranquil beach at Church Norton, sailing from Chichester Harbour, regular horse racing at Goodwood and Fontwell, polo at Cowdray Park near Midhurst, the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival events for motoring enthusiasts and Golf at nearby Rowlands Castle, Hayling Island and Goodwood. Further places of interest in the local area are: The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, West Dean College and Gardens, Fishbourne Roman Palace, Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, and the historic houses of Goodwood and Petworth. Contemporary Cass sculpture is permanently exhibited in the forested grounds of the Goodwood estate.