A beautifully elegant and richly historic house offers ample space and comfortable living in the heart of sunny Selsey. Dating back to the 1600s, The Homestead is a spacious and very pretty Grade II listed thatched home. Dr Mike Fox and Freddy von Rabenau, who have owned The Homestead since the turn of the century, said they have ‘totally refurbished’ the house over the years and today the interior is beautifully elegant as well as richly historic. Freddy said: “Everything has been redone, from the plumbing to the heating and the electrics. We did it up to do bed and breakfast; although for personal reasons I stopped doing that a few years ago, it still has permission for this. “We also have large hot water tanks for the showers, fire doors and a high specification smoke alarm system. “I’m very biased as I put so much effort into refurbishing in it – I spent hours with the electricians, for example, deciding where light switches go...” Back in the day, The Homestead was a farmhouse and today’s kitchen and dining room are the best example of the original historic building, while other areas of the house have been added on over the centuries and there are beamed ceilings aplenty. Given its 17th century origins, it should come as no surprise that it has retained a number of original features, from inglenook fireplaces to an original Elizabethan window. Freddy said: “It’s the sort of thing you find at the Weald and Downland Living Museum.” Despite the house’s great age, it has ‘friendly vibes’: “We used to have ghosts, but a friend of mine did some space clearing and they are gone now.” Outdoors, the house boasts a lovely pond with a waterfall and over 400 goldfish. Freddy said: “We’ve allowed it to go a little bit wild, because we want to attract newts, frogs and dragonflies. “There’s also a tack room in the back, so one or other of my horses comes round over the year for lawnmower duty. “However, if people don’t want animals, it’s a really good storage area.” Freddy and Mike are only moving because they need more land for their horses and less space for themselves. They said their home would suit families with teenagers – especially given that all five/six bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms – someone keen to run a busy B&B or those looking for a peaceful home a stone’s throw from the shops and the beach. Freddy said: “Yes, it’s on the High Street but it’s set back from the road a fair distance and it’s really quiet. “When I’m in the kitchen facing the high street, I can’t hear the traffic!” Freddy said The Homestead’s location is a real advantage. She said: “You can just pop over to the shops, there are restaurants within walking distance and you don’t have to worry about parking. “We’re only about ten minutes’ walk from the Bill. “Everything is here.” For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Stride & Son, Southdown House, St John’s Street, Chichester. Telephone 01243 782626. The Homestead, 154 High Street, Selsey, PO20 0QE Substantial and attractive Grade II listed detached house with a thatched roof, in an excellent position on the High Street of Selsey.Dates back to the 17th century and has been renovated and improved by the current owners, but is still full of charm and character.Over 3,000sqft of beautifully presented accommodation including five/six bedrooms (all with en-suites) and two/three reception rooms.There are also well-tended gardens of about 0.36 acre, which include a detached garage and ample parking, as well as a timber stable/tack room.Price £895,000 Stunning new mews homes close to Chichester city centre Stylish country house in Aldingbourne with delightful gardens
