Lovely Lavant Property

10.09.2021

As leading West Sussex property experts, the Tod Anstee team loves little more than showcasing some of the fantastic towns and villages in our beautiful corner of the British countryside!

This time, we’re looking at Lavant, just two miles north of the elegant city of Chichester and nestled into the southern borders of the renowned South Downs National Park.

Each article in this series is aimed to demonstrate the quality of living on offer in each unique location and provide an overview of the property market opportunities.

The Appeal of West Sussex Property

West Sussex is the ideal county for professionals, families and people looking to make the most of their home and enjoy the security of a peaceful community while with immediate access to London and the southeast. The synergy between contemporary convenience, endless countryside, and tranquillity is something rarely found anywhere else in the UK.

As one of the most in-demand property markets nationwide, there are many compelling reasons West Sussex remains the gold standard for homebuyers:

• West Sussex is packed with culture and heritage sites, such as historically significant ruins, Chichester’s Roman Palace, and countless theatres and music venues to enjoy modern and traditional drama, art and dance.
• Family-friendly towns and villages offer some of the best-rated educational establishments in the country, including Chichester University, making it a diverse region ideal for children of all ages.
• The South Downs National Park is an outstanding area of natural beauty, suited to laid-back strolls and peaceful picnics, through to high-octane off-road sports and hiking adventures for the energetic.
• With a stunning coastline and miles of pristine beaches, a short visit to West Wittering provides a backdrop to an area full of opportunities to wind down and enjoy the finest beachside landscapes, all within a stone’s throw of significant transport connections.

Whether you aspire to a lifestyle of boutique shopping, rural living, welcoming communities or graceful period properties and architecture, West Sussex offers it all.

Spotlighting Lavant as a West Sussex Destination

With a population of fewer than 2,000 people, Lavant epitomises the ideal village lifestyle. The area is split into three villages – Mid, West and East Lavant, with West Lavant the smallest village, with local stables.

It is set in an enviable location within the National Park, yet a short distance from Chichester and the array of entertainment, amenities and facilities available in the city. The history here is remarkable, with the village dating back to 1086 and named after the local River Lavant, leading to Chichester Harbour.

Locals can visit two stunning medieval churches, dating back to the 12th century, and classic pubs such as The Bat and Ball, serving drinks since the early 18th century.  The Royal Oak is the traditional village pub, with rumours of ghostly guests, providing a luxurious dining experience next to the famous Goodwood Estate.

Country walks and unspoiled scenery surround the village:

• Kingley Vale Walk winds through one of the oldest yew forests in Western Europe, with no less than 14 ancient monuments to discover.
• The Trundle is an iron age fort, with spectacular views over the racecourse, South Downs, and stretching over to the Isle of Wight.
• Centurion Way is a beautiful cycle path that runs just south of Lavant village, connecting Chichester to West Dean.

While it might be quiet and cosy, Lavant is far from remote.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place each summer on the neighbouring estate, bringing energy and visitors in droves to this outstanding racing attraction, and making the village an ideal spot to capture the best of the action. Indeed, racing enthusiasts flock to the Lavant Straight for incredible track viewing opportunities.

Therefore, this small village is an exceptional location for people looking for the finest West Sussex experience, and yet with local conveniences and easy transport connections in the heart of the county. Chichester train station is just less than four miles away, and the A27 is around five miles drive, with access to the M27 and M3.

Driving to London takes around two hours, the beach is less than a 30-minute journey, and you can be in Chichester Harbour within 40 minutes if you wish for a change of scenery away from the farmland down to the coast.

Schools and Education in Lavant

Lavant offers a junior school for local children called Lavant C of E Primary. The school caters to children from age 4 to 11 and is rated Good by Ofsted. It is a focal point for the local community, with fields, a library, curriculum kitchen, and wild gardens to help younger children learn and grow.

Nearby you can also find:

• Portfield Primary Academy, 3.9 miles from Lavant offering education for ages 4 to 11 and rated Ofsted Good.
• Chichester High School is around 4.3 miles from the village, providing Good rated education for ages 11 to 18.
• The Regis School, a co-educational academy under 10 miles away, teaches ages 11 through to the sixth form and is also rated Good.

The University of Chichester is only around 11 minutes drive from Lavant.

The Lavant Property Market

Lavant is an extremely popular destination, being so close to the cathedral city of Chichester and with exceptional properties attracting professionals and families seeking countryside living. There is a vast range of properties here, from new-build contemporary homes to period residences, sizeable detached family estates, to charming bungalows.

Whether in Mid, West or East Lavant, you will find homes with stunning views, generous gardens, and easy access to village amenities. The average Lavant property value is around £690,000, with cottages and period homes often the most sought-after.

• Properties in Lavant have risen by just under 12% in value in the last 12 months.
• Semi-detached homes usually reach around £370,000, and terraced houses sell for approximately £302,500.
• Larger family homes and detached properties typically sell from £515,000.

Given the small size of each location, it is essential to have first access to new residences as they come onto the market, given the tremendous amounts of interest in the Lavant area.

Tod Anstee provides expert property advice to ensure clients find their perfect Lavant home, often securing viewing information in advance of new houses listing on the market. If you are interested in securing a home in this prestigious West Sussex village, with the breadth of heritage on offer, the key is to work with a local agent with experience in Lavant property.

For more information about current listings or to hear about new homes as they come up for sale, please contact the Tod Anstee team.