South Downs National Park: hundreds of new homes unveiled at historic King Edward VII Estate in West Sussex

Grand apartments carved from listed country mansions, hospitals, convents and colleges in landscaped estates in the commuter belt have an appeal that’s wide and evergreen.

Reached at the end of a mile-long private road, King Edward VII Estate in West Sussex lies within the South Downs National Park.

Built in 1901 as a tuberculosis hospital, the sanatorium has since been hailed an Arts & Crafts masterpiece.

It includes a Grade II*-listed chapel with prized stained-glass windows that is now a café and shop for residents at the 162-home development.

The listed grounds, originally planted by renowned horticulturalist Gertrude Jekyll, are an early example of “therapeutic gardens”, linking with the buildings and the wider landscape.

New footpaths are being created, with four miles of walks through the 165-acre estate’s mature oak woodland and heathland.

Flats with terraces in the restored main building overlooking the gardens have been unveiled, priced from £775,000 to £1.5 million.

As well as restored cottages and homes in the converted hospital buildings, 247 new properties are being built including big detached houses with up to 4,800sq ft of space, costing from £1,695,000. Residents also have a swimming pool, tennis court, gym and concierge services, while the original reading room and dining hall are being reinstated.

City & Country, the developer, is making on-site guest suites available for visitors to rent. Nearby Haslemere train station has a 46-minute service to Waterloo.

Call 01730 817979 for more details.