Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex£1,200,000 Freehold

Chantry House

Almost every room is finished with a soothingly sublime neutral palette of limewashing

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As its name suggests, this impeccable house in delightful Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, was once the town’s chantry. It has been thoroughly reimagined since then, though all works were sensitively carried out in tandem with local restoration experts, ensuring that the sensitively reinstated Victorian features were brought to the fore. A series of sophisticated living spaces occupy the ground floor, guiding towards the garden at the rear, while the home’s three peaceful bedrooms occupy the upper level. A four-minute walk from Shoreham-by-Sea station, Chantry House is also exceptionally placed for rail commutes into the capital or to nearby Brighton.

Setting the Scene

Shoreham-by-Sea has a rich and varied history. Old Shoreham dates to pre-Roman times, with the newer port and town established around the 11th-century. Throughout the ages the area has had famous residents including Captain Cook, and briefly became home to the British film industry when the first commercial film was shot on Shoreham Beach in 1912. Chantry House sits on East Street, which runs opposite St Mary de Haura, a Grade I-listed parish church that as stood as a place of worship for over 900 years.

The home as it stands today was once part of a striking double-fronted house that remained in the ownership of one family for almost a century. More recently the building was reimagined, though its period character remains. A sophisticated selection of paint colours and finishes adorn its walls while sisal, Jaipur limestone flagstones and textured oak run underfoot. Newer conveniences, including air source heat pumps and cast-iron radiators, have been effortlessly integrated to create a characterful home well-adapted to the needs of modern life.

The Grand Tour

Entry is to a smart hallway, where the home’s hallmark pairing of oak floorboards and limewashed walls begins. On the right is a flexible space currently used as a study that could also make for a brilliant music room or snug. Light from a trio of sash windows set within a wide bay illuminates the room. At the end of the entrance hallway is the living space, which is orientated towards an Dean Forge wood-burning stove atop a matching hearth.

The heart of the home, the kitchen and dining room sits at the rear and basks in the light that enters through glazing along its far wall. It is divided between the kitchen, to the right, and a built-in dining space opposite. The kitchen is exquisitely finished with mid-century science cabinetry, oak countertops, a reclaimed Yorkstone sink and integrated appliances including a Rangemaster. A glass-fronted dresser in the middle of the units is a wonderful spot to curate a display of favourite crockery. Hand-thrown light fittings along the wall are from Lowri Marno Ceramics and emit a warm glow.

Opposite is the dining nook, with its built-in bench and cut-out flush shelving. Reclaimed oak doors lie adjacent, allowing for an easy flow between inside and out during the warmer months. A well-equipped utility room and pristine bathroom complete the ground-floor plan.

The home’s three restorative bedrooms lie upstairs. The principal room is at the front, with the same wide bay as the study below. A dressing room, or secondary study, sits adjacent, and stairs ascend to a luxurious bathroom with a walk-in shower on the second storey. The en suite’s views are stunning, overlooking the spire of the nearby church. In the middle of the first floor is an additional snug, with the two remaining bedrooms beyond. As with the main room, both are grounded by sisal carpet and have elegant en suites; one with a walk-in shower, the other with a bathtub.

The Great Outdoors

The living spaces guide towards a trim rear garden, which is largely left to lawn. There is log storage on one side, as well as a pair of mid-century planters. The garden has two south-facing beds carved out within the limestone for the horticulturally curious to arrange pots full of kitchen herbs or floral fancies.

Out and About

East Street has an abundance of independent shops, restaurants and boutiques. La Patisserie is an artisan bakery and coffee shop a few doors down from the house, while the Best Health Shop is excellent for stocking up on organic supplies. Closer to the River Adur, Neighbourhood Store has a host of locally produced gifts, and The Living Room is an excellent option for sourcing vintage homewares.

Shoreham-by-Sea is brilliantly positioned between Brighton and Worthing on a long stretch of beach much loved by water sports enthusiasts and year-round swimmers. From May onwards, the beach, a nature reserve, bursts into bloom with wildflowers. The beautiful River Adur runs through the town, offering opportunities for paddleboarding and canoeing, and supports a variety of wildlife including wading birds and gulls. Every fortnight, Shoreham has a large farmers’ market famous for its local produce from the surrounding areas.

Further outside the town is the South Downs National Park, which has access to excellent walking and cycling routes to ancient landmarks such as Cissbury Ring, Devil’s Dyke and Arundel Castle. The adjacent hills and plains are now producing highly regarded English sparkling wines as well as organic meats and vegetables, sold in an impressive network of local vintners and farm shops.

The West Sussex Coast is peppered with seaside towns that have seen significant regeneration and are increasingly popular. Shoreham is no exception, with several renowned architecture practices promoting their projects along the beachfront. Worthing, Angmering, Arundel and Chichester (with its internationally renowned galleries) are within short driving distance of the house. Littlehampton is also close by, offering facilities for sailing in addition to the East Beach Café, designed by Thomas Heatherwick.

Brighton is within easy reach, with some excellent restaurants and all the amenities of a city. In the centre of Brighton are The Lanes, known for its bohemian charm. The area is home to an abundance of independent fashion and interior design boutiques and the renowned Snoopers Paradise. For organic food, Infinity Foods is the place to go, while Wølfox Cafe specialises in excellent coffee. Plateau and Mange Tout are renowned for their natural wines, while The Coal Shed is famous for its steak. Burnt Orange, their sister restaurant, specialises in wood-fired cuisine.

There are several excellent schools in the area, both state and private, including nearby Lancing College and Shoreham College.

Direct trains run from Shoreham-by-Sea station (a four-minute walk away) to London Victoria in just over an hour, or to Brighton in around 15 minutes. There are also very good motorway connections via the A27. It is a 45-minute drive to Gatwick Airport, and nearby Brighton City Airport has facilities for domestic and private flights.

Tenure: Freehold
Council Tax Band: D

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. Inigo has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.