With a history dating from 1863 and formerly part of the Stansted Estate, Forestside House was originally the Rectory to the local Church and remained in the ownership of the Church of England until 1965. The house then accommodated a nursing home, when two additional wings were added, until in 1995 the current owner purchased the property, using the premises to run his business until transforming Forestside House into his home two years later. Whilst the South Wing was sold, the modern East Wing has been retained for business use, being the perfect home office but has the potential to offer alternative uses, such as a self contained cottage.

The soft appearance of the yellow brick elevations are inviting and on entering the reception hall with its double height ceiling, deep skirtings, ornate cornicing, grand staircase and landing topped with a cupola, give a flavour of the ornate maximalism of the interior design within. The ground floor accommodation comprises a generous drawing room, featuring a marble working fireplace, canted bay window with original shutters and double doors to the outside. On the opposite side of the hallway, a formal dining room offers a splendid setting for entertaining guests. This room was formerly the kitchen and has stairs down to the dry cellar, excellent for storing wine, along with a door to access a paved garden terrace. Adjacent to the dining room is the kitchen. The utility room is reached via an inner hallway, which also leads to a smaller room fitted with cabinets currently displaying items of fine china. A library/study provides a home office or perhaps a reading room and, along with a lavatory, completes the lower level accommodation. On the first floor, the spacious landing showcases the glass dome lantern and gives access to the six bedrooms, two of which were formerly servants accommodation, a bathroom and shower room. High ceilings feature throughout the property and the light-filled principal bedroom also benefits from the upper level bay window, which affords views across the surrounding countryside, and has an adjoining walk-in wardrobe with loft access, which in turn leads through to the generous en suite bathroom, which may also be accessed from the landing.

The modern ancillary East Wing accommodation is reached via a walkway linking the main house with the single storey accommodation. This building is currently divided into eight rooms from its former use as nursing home accommodation, along with a kitchen, shower room and cloakroom and offers opportunities for continued business-use, a granny annex, or a source of additional income.

Whilst some improvement works have been undertaken by the current owner over the last few years and period features have been retained, some modernisation and updating is still required offering a wonderful opportunity to create a grand Victorian country home.

For further detailed information and comprehensive plans please contact the agent directly, alternatively interested parties should research planning application no. SDNP/16/01388 for full details of permission granted for demolition of existing single storey extension and erection of new single storey extension, erection of new triple garage and driveway extension, and replacement of the current corridor. This provides a fabulous opportunity to significantly improve the property and create an open plan kitchen/dining/family room.

Copper beech hedging fronts the lane with brick and galleted flint built pillars marking the entrance to the property and giving access onto the gravelled driveway and to the double garage. The garden is mainly laid to lawn, interspersed with trees and to the rear the open aspect affords views across open fields and beautiful Downland countryside as far as the eye can see. A paved terrace adjoins the house taking advantage of the easterly aspect and taking in the stunning vistas.

Planning Permission exists to demolish the kitchen and build a new kitchen/sun room where the patio is currently. There is also permission to build a three bay garage in the rear garden. The garage plans have a staircase to the upper floor which can also be used. Buyers are advised to make their own enquiries with South Downs National Park planning department.

The picturesque, rural hamlet of Forestside is closely associated with nearby Rowlands Castle and Westbourne villages, which both offer day-to-day amenities including village shops, a medical surgeries, public houses, a railway station, and a primary school. The setting offers outdoor activities for walking and cycling enthusiasts, whilst golfers benefit from the Rowlands Castle Golf Club, which shares its heritage with courses such as Sunningdale and Wentworth, all designed by the international course designer Harry Colt.

Havant with more comprehensive facilities is just 5 miles distant.

There is an exceptional selection of old English pubs in the area including The Red Lion at Chalton, The Victoria Inn at West Marden, the Coach and Horses at Compton and The George Inn at Finchdean.

The cathedral city of Chichester is easily accessible to the east, offering comprehensive shopping, leisure and cultural activities including the renowned Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery.

Goodwood is just 11 miles distant, well known for its horse racing events calendar in addition to the Festival of Speed and Revival Meetings which it hosts.

Petersfield to the north also offers a good range of independent shopping and amenities, along with a Lido swimming pool.

For commuters, train services from Havant reach London Waterloo in 1 hour 21 minutes, and from Rowlands Castle (via Petersfield) to London Waterloo in 1 hour 28 minutes.

Schooling in the vicinity includes the renowned Westbourne House, Bedales and Portsmouth Grammar School, as well as the highly regarded Compton C of E school just three miles away.