West Sussex has long been a sought after UK region, attracting home buyers looking for the perfect blend of rural living, modern conveniences, easy travel links, and beautiful properties.
As the property market has exploded over the last year, the Tod Anstee team has reported record enquiries as millions of people in the UK re-evaluate and look for that elusive work/life balance.
Our series of local guides showcase some of the extraordinary villages and towns in West Sussex, from award-winning Petworth to tiny coastal enclaves and the vibrancy of Chichester. From our base in the famous cathedral city, we are delighted to welcome you on a walk around some of the celebrated destinations and hidden gems that offer enviable living for families and professionals.
Today, we’re visiting Petworth, a small historic town of around 3,000 residents, nestled in the crown of West Sussex – the South Downs National Park.
Buying a Home in West Sussex
There are many reasons to buy in West Sussex. It offers miles of protected countryside, historic castles, action-packed outdoor sports and easy transport links to London. The fresh air and outdoors is a big part of life in West Sussex, and it’s gloriously diverse.
Spend a day soaking in the sea air at one of the immaculate beaches, visit local markets to pick up regional produce, or dive into the Chichester cafe culture.
While modern train links and road networks make West Sussex convenient, it’s also a place ideally suited to make the most out of life – here are some of the things to put on your to-do list if you’re looking to enjoy life in our beautiful county.
- Diners and foodies are beyond spoiled for choice, with local brewers, gastro pubs, and innovative restaurants offering a twist on traditional fish and chips.
- Sport is everywhere, with golf clubs, sailing clubs, hiking trails and off-road biking adventures galore.
- Arundel Castle is a must-visit for history buffs and is a jaw-dropping site with lavish gardens and various events throughout the year.
- Goodwood Festival of Speed is an annual extravaganza that celebrates the best of West Sussex. Fast cars, lively entertainment and tasty food, attract over 100,000 people every day of the festival.
One of the joys of life here is that West Sussex is relatively small, so you’re never far from the coast, city or a local event.
We’ll go on to look at one particular town as an ideal location from which to appreciate all that West Sussex has to offer.
Spotlighting Petworth as a West Sussex Hotspot
Officially named the UK’s Best Place to Live in 2021 by the Sunday Times, there is a lot to be said for the quality of life in Petworth. The review found that this historic West Sussex market town is a prized destination for the tranquil countryside, with excellent independent shops and a wonderful community feel.
Petworth’s town centre is postcard-perfect yet has a warm, friendly spirit with huge local initiatives to help elderly residents and the vulnerable throughout the pandemic.
Tucked away in the Chichester District, Petworth is close to all the popular local attractions:
- The town is in the heart of the South Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with miles of open land for walking, hiking, sports and family days out.
- You can be on the south coast, savouring the sea breeze in just 30 minutes.
- Goodwood Festival, Chichester Cathedral, the RSPB Pulborough Nature Reserve and Arundel Castle are all within 12 miles of the town.
- If you’re looking to commute, the nearest railway station is only 4.6 miles away, and you can hop on a bus to Chichester, Horsham, Worthing or Midhurst.
Living in Petworth means browsing quality antique shops, visiting the 700 acres of parkland surrounding the National Trust Petworth House, or experiencing the frivolity of the Petworth Festival summer jamboree.
There’s no doubt this town is packed with things to do, yet with an understated and elegant atmosphere.
Schools and Education in Petworth
As with many of the villages and market towns in West Sussex, Petworth residents have a wide range of choices when choosing a school.
From local town primaries to distinguished private schools, sixth form colleges and the nearby Chichester University, there are exceptional educational establishments throughout the county, within easy travelling distance.
- Petworth Primary is a small C of E school in the town, rated Ofsted Good and offering places for pupils from reception to age 11, with around 200 students.
- King Edward’s Witley caters to ages 10-19 and is a mixed independent school with just under 400 pupils. They offer boarding and day pupil enrolment around a 23-minute drive from Petworth along the A283.
- Seaford College provides tuition up to the sixth form, from age seven, and has around 850 students. It is just 10 minutes from the centre of Petworth to the south, with expansive grounds and a scholarship programme.
Chichester University is less than 15 miles away for older children or further education, taking around 30 minutes to drive south down the A285.
Petworth Property Market
Now to the property market – and you’ll find a wide range of period homes, traditional countryside cottages and family properties dotted throughout this special market town.
Property listings in Petworth include:
- Character homes with panoramic views of the surrounding South Downs.
- Spacious contemporary family properties with off-road parking.
- Converted period buildings with enclosed gardens.
- New-build homes in the town, built with locally sourced Petworth stone.
Average prices sit at around £753,910, and demand remains high for this prestigious location.
Homes in Petworth typically achieve a sale price of:
- £890,905 for detached properties.
- £442,732 for a semi-detached house.
- £460,143 for a period terraced residence.
Whatever type of home you are looking for in Petworth, you’re guaranteed to feel a part of the unique community in this award-winning location.
For more information about current listings or to gain insight into when new properties are likely to hit the market, please get in touch with the Tod Anstee team. Our property professionals provide local knowledge and advice to ensure you grasp an opportunity to buy and find the ideal home to meet your long-term lifestyle aspirations.