Ropes Lane, Fernhurst, Haslemere, West Sussex, GU27

Ropes was designed as a detached country residence by the distinguished Arts and Crafts pioneering architect C.F.A. Voysey and built in 1901. Its architecture is classically Voysey – organic in how the house seamlessly blends with the surrounding topography, effortless in how it brings the surrounding gardens inside via large windows, and sincere in the deep sense on warmth and unpretentiousness within its walls, particularly of note are his trademark heart-shaped locks which abound throughout the house.

The house of 2025 presents as a lovingly and painstakingly restored family home. Our clients were careful not to destabilise the Voysey ideals but brave enough to create a more singular identity for the house rather than a sister of its other half. The works completed were extensive and include remodelling, re-wiring, re-plumbing, a new boiler/heating system, a new kitchen (Neptune), replacement of all windows (replicas of previous but double-glazed), and the installation of wet underfloor heating throughout the ground floor.

Integral to the house accessible from the middle garden is the gym and infra-red sauna; this versatile space is suitably placed for a work-out or quiet refection.

Our clients created multiple 'rooms' within the grounds, whilst incorporating a seamless flow between them. Of particular note, the 'Middle garden' was designed by Gertrude Jekyll and features her signature lily pond, surrounding lawns, beautiful trees and formalised planting in shades of white, creams and greens. Further is a large lawned garden in a cottage/prairie garden style featuring tall grasses and herbaceous borders; on this level there is also the affectionately named 'Pub' which is a superb building centred around a raised fire/seating area, a brilliant spot for entertaining, and beyond are several garden stores. There is also a covered jacuzzi area.

Directly accessible from the main house is the superb west-facing and elevated Mediterranean terrace and garden, a conveniently located suntrap for al fresco entertaining. To the north of property there are further outbuildings which include the office/studio with a WC, and the large garage block. There is also an extensive kitchen garden featuring raised beds, a greenhouse, and octagonal potting shed, and lastly a large chicken run with coop is adjacent.

Fernhurst village centre 1 mile, Haslemere 4 miles (London Waterloo 56 minutes), Midhurst 5.5 miles, Petworth 10 miles, Guildford, 17 miles (London Waterloo 35 minutes), Chichester 19 miles, London 48 miles

(Distances and times are approximate)

Ropes occupies a private and quiet position on the edge of the much sought-after village of Fernhurst on the Surrey/West Sussex borders, an unspoilt area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within the South Downs National Park. Fernhurst provides a selection of shops, a church, primary school, doctors' surgery, green grocers, café, active village hall and the Red Lion pub. The picturesque village green creates the quintessential English setting and is a hive of activity; there are tennis, football, and cricket clubs in addition to the various activities occurring throughout the year.

Within the area there is an excellent range of schools, including: St Edmund's and Amesbury at Hindhead, St Ives in Haslemere, Brookham and Highfield at Liphook, as well as Bedales and Churcher's College in Petersfield, and Seaford College in East Lavington, south Petworth.

One of the key benefits of this delightful West Sussex village is the wonderful array of footpaths and bridle paths that the surrounding countryside has to offer. There are many and varying walks such as those up to Black Down on the outskirts of Haslemere, or taking-in the South Downs and vineyards, and there are shorter routes through nearby woodland.