Durford Wood, Petersfield, GU31

The Arts and Crafts mansion designed by Inigo Triggs with a naturalistic garden by Gertrude Jekyll.

Owners Comments

“I’ll really miss being able to wake up and walk through the woods,” Robinson says, explaining that only one other property is visible from anywhere on the grounds. ”However, the house was always a family home but now our children are all grown up and soon to leave”.

He adds: “When I look at the stone on the home’s elevations, I think of the men who cut it by hand 100 years ago. I hope the new owner appreciates the craftsmanship that has gone into it and feels as privileged as I do to have looked after it for a time.”

“As soon as you enter the house, light streams straight through its heart,” says Robinson.

About the Property

This Country Manor House is a masterful blend of heritage and luxury. Designed in the 1920s by the celebrated Arts & Crafts architect Inigo Triggs, and featuring gardens by the iconic Gertrude Jekyll, the estate offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of English architectural history. Set in approximately 10.4 acres of enchanting grounds, providing the ultimate retreat for those seeking elegance, privacy, and a connection to nature.

The current owners extended externally and fully modernised the house internally during a six-year renovation project which was completed in 2023. This enabled all the plumbing, electrics and insulation etc within the main house and annex to meet current building standards. Materials such as handmade roof tiles, handmade bricks, solid oak beams and cast iron guttering were reclaimed from period buildings across the UK to provide an indistinguishable finish from the existing structure.

Maximising light while preserving original features was a key focus of the renovation. The sturdy oak beams were painted silver, while all 167 windows in the house were replaced with new double glazed units. A large solid oak staircase with a two-storey feature window leads up to five bedrooms including a spacious master suite, with a separate staircase leading to a sixth bedroom.

The main house spans 6,265 sq. ft of accommodation including the garaging complemented by The Hollow, a charming cottage.

Outside

Approached via electric gates and a sweeping, tree-lined driveway, the estate is as impressive outside as it is within and comes with approximately 10.4 acres of grounds including woods and a garden by the celebrated designer Jekyll. It is Jekyll’s garden that makes the property exceptional. The British doyenne of garden design created or gave advice on more than 400 gardens throughout her career and her ideas continue to echo throughout English cottage gardens. Her calling cards included a naturalistic planting style that was in stark contrast to the more formal approach of the Victorian era, and soft lines in terms of planting as well as layout of paths.

These ideas can be seen in her delicate drawings of Durford Edge, now in the Online Archive of California, and the garden itself, a century on from when it was first planted: curvaceous paths loop around oak trees; a rainbow of azaleas greets guests from the drive; and a series of planted “rooms” create a sense of privacy as well as unexpected vistas, including a 500m descent that draws the eye to the South Downs.

The current owners have extended the existing 100 year old terraces using matching reclaimed York stone paving to meet and encircle the beautiful large garden pond/lake which provides a calming outlook from both main house and annex. The pond complete with central fountain and surrounding lighting is inhabited by a number of wild ducks which only add to its charm.

Accommodation Overview

Main House
• Ground Floor:
• Triple-aspect drawing room with fireplace and terrace access
• Formal dining room with bay window overlooking the grounds
• Study with terrace doors
• Family room
• Bespoke modern and contemporary kitchen/family room with central island and French doors to the garden
• Sitting room with secondary staircase and bi-fold doors to the garden terrace
• Utility room
• First Floor:
• Principal bedroom suite with en-suite bathroom and feature fireplace
• Guest bedroom with en-suite featuring jacuzzi bath
• Three additional double bedrooms with picturesque views
• Contemporary 6 family bathrooms

The Hollow
• Open-plan living space with chic kitchen and dining areas
• Four bedrooms (two en-suite), plus a family bathroom
• Covered terrace with seamless access to decking and lakeside gardens

Outbuildings
• Large double garage and large single detached garage with inspection pit beneath and there’s a further bedroom studio with its own staircase above.

Key Features
• Designed in early 1920s and completed in 1923
• Featuring gardens by the iconic Gertrude Jekyll,
• 6 Bedrooms and 4 bath/shower rooms in the main house
• 4-bedroom lakeside cottage
• Approximately 10.4 acres of gardens and grounds
* Large pond/lake circa 0.3 acres.
* Triple garaging with studio.
• Immaculately presented and turn-key ready
* The property is located within commuting distance of London

Location & Lifestyle

The estate is located in the sought-after Durford Wood Estate, a private collection of country homes just north of Petersfield. Surrounded by the scenic South Downs, the area offers unparalleled access to outdoor pursuits, including hiking, cycling, and horse riding. The estate itself is part of a 300-acre woodland enclave, with 50 acres owned communally by the residents.

The nearby village of Liss (2 miles) provides local amenities and a mainline railway station to London Waterloo, making the property ideal for commuters. The market town of Petersfield (3 miles) offers a vibrant mix of boutique shops, cafés, and cultural activities, as well as a second railway station.

For families, the area is renowned for its outstanding schools, including Bedales School, Churcher’s College, and Highfield School. Recreational options abound, from sailing at Chichester Harbour to world-class polo at Cowdray Park and racing at Goodwood. Arts enthusiasts will enjoy the nearby Chichester Festival Theatre, while golfers can tee off at Petersfield, Liphook, or Blackmoor golf courses.

General Information
• Location: Durford Wood Estate, GU31
• Local Authority: East Hampshire District Council – Tax band G
• Tenure: Freehold
• EPC Rating: E
• Approx. 6,265 sq. ft (main house), plus 2,600sq. ft (annex) plus 1000 sq. ft (garages)
• Grounds: Approximately 10.4 acres
• Utilities: Mains electricity, private water supply, private drainage, oil-fired central heating, high speed optic fibre broadband. 

The estate represents a rare opportunity to own an extraordinary home in one of Hampshire’s most coveted locations. Combining timeless design, luxurious living spaces, and an unparalleled setting, this property invites you to experience the pinnacle of opulent living. Contact us today to arrange a viewing and take the first step toward making this remarkable estate your own.