The first residents have now moved into the houses built by Metis Homes at the King Edward VII Estate in Midhurst, West Sussex.
The award-winning developer has built a boutique collection of nineteen houses named after classic British royal names within the exclusive 165-acre woodland Estate, which offer residents contemporary living, luxurious on-site facilities and private woodland walks – all surrounded by miles of beautiful, undulating West Sussex countryside.
Since its initial launch, Metis Homes has already secured seven sales, with the first residents moved in in September 2019.
Downsizing from West Horsley, Shelagh Butcher bought one of the houses at Edmund Villas having fallen in love with Midhurst after visiting the King Power Gold Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club. Working from home, Shelagh has converted the accommodation above the garage into her office, and lives with her daughter and rescue dog, Jack.
Shelagh said: “The setting of King Edward VII is truly unique… located in the heart of the countryside it feels like we are in the middle of nowhere, yet we can get into London, Chichester and Midhurst very easily. You can barely see the houses within the grounds either, as we're nestled within pretty woodland, and when I walk out of my front door, I'm immediately looking out onto open green space because the garage and the drive are all at the back of the house - it's very nicely done.
"We have so many things on our doorstep within the Estate to enjoy - the pool, the beautiful formal and informal gardens, the dining room and the library - where I work sometimes. It's a dog friendly place so we can take Jack out to exercise within the grounds or out on the footpaths as do many other residents. There are so many walks we can choose from because we are right on the edge of the National Trust. Being able to work from home is a luxury, and with lots of people already living here, there is a good community feel. These are all big selling points for me.”
Adam O’Brien, Managing Director at Metis Homes added: “Having the first set of customers move into our part of the overall development at the King Edward VII Estate is not just an exciting time for us, but also for our buyers and the many residents already living in other sections of the Estate. The community here has been steadily growing over recent years as the lure of ‘estate living’ continues to attract people from local areas as well as London. It’s an ideal spot for those who like to feel away from it all, yet want to be close to the lifestyle that West Sussex offers.”
Previously the site of a tuberculosis sanatorium which was founded by King Edward VII at the beginning of the 20th Century, this exquisite location offers buyers a choice of three, four and five bedroom houses – some with Help to Buy – with prices starting from £545,000.
Combining contemporary luxury with period charm, the houses are set within a secluded pocket of mature woodland. Each home benefits from unusually large bedrooms, French windows which open into a private landscaped garden, whilst most also boast a studio above the double garage offering flexibility of use as a home office, guest suite or fitness room.
Residents also benefit from the Estate’s extensive amenities within the architecturally striking Arts & Crafts Grade II listed former hospital which has been lovingly restored, along with its iconic gardens which were once designed by the influential 19th century garden designer, Gertrude Jekyll. Facilities include an on-site gym, a spa style swimming pool, a sumptuous reading room with double height bay windows, dining hall, tennis court and electric car charging points. A concierge service is also available who will hold keys, accept deliveries and offer advice on local activities.
