Explore a West Sussex modern country house with playful interiors

A sprawling country mansion with impressive manicured gardens, tennis courts, 40 acres of woodland and a river flowing through the property, not to mention a heated indoor swimming pool, home bar, sauna, steam room, hot tub, treatment room, home gym, play spaces, zip wire... Need we go on?

By Lotte Brouwer

published 21 April 2020

Set near the West Sussex market town of Midhurst (meaning 'among the wooded hills') is this idyllic country mansion.

Dating back to 1850, this nine bedroom family home has plenty of history and character, with traditional features including French chateau-style shutters, twinkling chandeliers, period oak panelling and elaborate tiled floors, but the property has enjoyed a complete refurbishment over the past few years, transforming it into a gloriously modern and playful property.

A real showstopper, the house has something for all generations; from the heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, home gym, treatment room and home bar for the grown ups, to the tennis courts, delightfully fun play rooms – not to mention the play house and zip wire in the manicured landscaped gardens for adventurous kids (and kids at heart).

One for the Pinterest boards, this classic country estate has updated its interiors to fuse traditional country style with modern updates. Spa-like bathrooms are extra large, and feature walk-in showers and modern freestanding tubs that are almost big enough to swim in.

And if you're thinking this type of country home is reserved for daydreams only, think again; it's available to rent through uniquehomestays.com.

Ready to explore?

Manicured, landscaped lawns tumble down to wild meadows and 40 acres of privately owned enchanting woodland before reaching the river Rother that winds through the house's grounds.

And if you skip down the terrace steps the other way you'll find the tennis courts.

There's also a barbecue and fire pit, and a a large trampoline, outdoor playhouse and zip wire for kids.

Push open the front door into a traditional-style hallway, with original tiled floors and wood panelling.

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There's a wood panelled lobby, with an impressive wooden staircase leading up to the nine bedrooms upstairs.

The kitchen combines old and new; with a traditional Aga but a modern kitchen island with breakfast bar and industrial-style kitchen stools.

The large, open-plan ground floor flows from the kitchen into a TV room, and on into the lounge. There are no doors, just open doorways.

The kitchen also flows into an informal dining space, with rustic picnic benches, and doors that open out into the garden.

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The downstairs lounge is super snug, with linen sofas, a plush rug and an ottoman instead of coffee table.

French windows open out into the manicured gardens beyond.

There's a more formal living room too, reserved for grown ups.

And there's a formal dining room too, for special occasions and visitors. Modern dining chairs offer an up-to-date contrast against the traditional wood panelling and dark palette.

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But arguably the best room of all is the pool house extension.

A heated indoor pool, surrounded by arched French windows and a large sky light. The French windows open up onto a terrace, making this a popular spot in spring and summer months.

The home bar lives here too, with comfy lounge seating.

Aside from a sauna, steam room and hot tub, there's a treatment room with sink and shower.

And if that wasn't enough, there's a home gym too.

Upstairs, the master bedroom has a classic feel to it, with an upholstered buttoned headboard and classic details.

Nestled in between the bed and the sofa is a box with pop-up television for binging Netflix in bed. The bay window offers room for seating.

The master bathroom is pretty divine too, with a large zinc tub big enough for two.

Meanwhile, the children's bedrooms feature fun and playful touches, like the tin ceiling, hanging swing bed, funky homework station and a treehouse style bunk bed with chalkboard painted interior walls.

The girl's room also features a fun bunk bed with hanging seat, along with a stylish homework area.

Read Also:Stylish Homework Nooks & Home Offices For Kids

All this is on top of the generous play space downstairs.

The remaining rooms are chic guest bedrooms, each with its own country-inspired style.

All of the bathrooms feature a modern country look, for example with wood shutters, wood panelling and wood flooring, updated with modern bathroom fittings.

The tiled bathrooms are equally chic, featuring linen blinds and gorgeous lighting.

We imagine that waking up in a property like this will give you little desire to leave, but with the beautiful countryside of the South Downs National Park on the doorstep, as well as the Goodwood Estate and Cowdray Park Polo Club, plus London just an hour away, it really is the most idyllic staycation setting.

From £15,000 per week, £12,000 per short break, via uniquehomestays.com

Photography: Mark Watts

Lotte Brouwer

Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.

Explore a West Sussex modern country house with playful interiors

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