Britain’s new homes evoke the ‘Downton’ effect

With the British public’s love of Period drama showing no sign of abating and popular hits Downton Abbey and Wolf Hall leading the British nominations at this year’s Emmy Awards, perhaps it’s not so surprising that there has been a renewed interest in all things traditional – including what we look for in a new home.

Blending traditional layouts seamlessly with contemporary touches, Millgate’s collection of just eight stunning detached properties at Crown Wood in Midhurst, offer country living at its finest. Nestled within a quiet corner of the King Edward VII Estate in the magnificent South Downs National Park, each of the fine residences are designed in the Sussex Arts and Crafts style.

Sales and Marketing Director for Millgate, Jonathan Cranley, comments: “The striking properties available at Crown Wood exude traditional charm, this includes the Kingsbriar. Set in its own large landscaped garden, this country-style home boasts an impressive drawing room with elegant fireplace evoking a country home of the past. It also comprises a study which could be used as a library, a separate dining room and an orangery on the ground floor, the latter traditionally built in the grounds of many fashionable residences in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries to house citrus trees during the winter months.”

Whilst the property pays tribute to traditions of the past, great attention to detail has been paid to seamlessly combine the traditional with more modern elements. Products such as a Falcon dual fuel range cooker and American style fridge freezer and wine chiller as well as a range of Siemens appliances including dishwasher and microwave oven, have been integrated to fulfil the needs of a 21st Century family. The kitchen has bespoke, Shaker-style hand-painted furniture, with a large central island creating the heart of the home and solid oak breakfast table perfect for informal family meals. The separate utility room houses a freestanding Siemens washing machine and tumble dryer.

The spacious master bedroom on the first floor has an en suite , separate dressing room with hand crafted light oak effect furniture and a terrace to take advantage of the stunning views whilst the second bedroom also boasts a dressing room and all the bedrooms benefit from en suites with Villeroy & Boch sanitaryware and contemporary chrome fittings. Underfloor heating is provided to the ground and first floors.

On the second floor, there is a separate suite, perfect for guests or perhaps domestic staff, plus a state-of-the-art media room for family and the homes are pre-wired for entertainment.

Outside, the grounds have been individually designed and landscaped by Millgate’s award winning Chelsea gold medal medallist contractor and a detached triple garage has electric up-and-over doors and lighting.

“The popularity of Period dramas seems to be playing a large part in what some homebuyers are looking for when purchasing a new property,” comments Sales and Marketing Director for Millgate, Jonathan Cranley. “The more traditional elements such as drawing rooms with fireplaces, formal dining rooms, a study/library and, indeed, space for live-in staff are key for those searching for their own little piece of Downton and Crown Wood fulfils this new demand.”

The historic King Edward VII Estate is undergoing restoration and will offer a range of lifestyle facilities for buyers to take advantage of, including its gardens designed by famous 19th century landscape designer, Gertrude Jekyll that are being carefully reinstated for residents to enjoy. There is a swimming pool, tennis courts, gym and concierge service, as well as café and event space, providing more opportunities for residents to relax and unwind.

For those who love the peace of the countryside, Crown Wood is ideally situated within the beautiful South Downs National Park, however, although situated in peaceful, rural surroundings, Crown Wood is well positioned for travelling, as the A286 runs through the town, north to Haslemere and south towards Chichester. The A272 provides westward links with Petersfield and the A3, with Billingshurst in the east. The nearest railway station is Haslemere, six miles to the north, which is on the main London Waterloo to Portsmouth line.

Prices at Crown Wood start from £1.75 million with The Kinsgbrier guide price at £1,975,000. For more information, visit struttandparker.com.