From Hampshire’s Itchen Valley to Beachy Head, and taking in Chichester, Haslemere and Lewes, the South Downs is one of the most desired locations for homebuyers in the UK.

But where is the perfect spot to buy in this varied and competitive market?

Second homes and celebs

The South Downs is known for its second home buyers and discreet celebrities, according to Rupert Coles, Partner at Private Property Search, Strutt & Parker’s Independent Buying Arm.

“The rich go to the Cotswolds because they want people to know they’re in the Cotswolds, but those who go to Sussex want to be understated and private – it has an unspoken elegance,” he adds. “Private members clubs Brighton and Charleston Farmhouse make the area more attractive for second homers who want to remain connected to an urban hub on the periphery.”

While it’s not on the commuting route, the South Downs are close enough to London to make a great location for a second home, with decent access to the coast and airports.

Outside of these unique draws, it also has good sized properties with great views, well-kept interiors and sizeable gardens. Coles says: “It’s National Park status helps preserves its quality and unspoilt beauty, and people are prepared to pay a premium for this. The property market has been active around the £1.5m mark.”

London buyers

Paul Machell, Head of Strutt & Parkers Chichester office, agrees that there is a real mix of buyers from film stars to Londoners. And there is the added attraction of things like Cowdray Park Polo Grounds, sailing and racing at Goodwood. Properties like Graffham Court, a private estate from the late 19th century, benefit from being close to a number of these highly-desired amenities.

He says: “We have seen a trend in more buyers coming down from the commuter belt, choosing to escape suburbia for a clean and green lifestyle, often after the kids have grown up. These are the types of buyers who often do a three-day commute.”

James Brine, Head of Strutt & Parker Haslemere, adds that just five minutes out of Haslemere, over half of the buyers are Londoners, with a third of locals looking to upsize and the rest downsizing. In this area you’ll find properties like Idle Hill, a substantial contemporary family home with commanding views over the National Park and Milland Valley, conveniently close to Haslemere station.

Move 20 to 25 minutes outside of Haslemere - deeper within the Park - and it becomes an even split between the three groups of buyers, as most moving out of London will keep being near to a station and shops as their priority when moving.

Where to buy…

Amberley. Located bang in the middle of the Downs, this quaint old-fashioned English village is lined with little stone cottages, many of them thatched. Looking down upon the River Arun, many homes also boast views of Arundle Castle. Prices here start from £400,000 for a three-bed.

Singleton and East Dean. Singleton and the adjacent East Dean are hugely popular quintessential National Park villages. They lie close to Goodwood and have fabulous pubs, pretty churches and cricket greens. Singleton has easy road access to Chichester, while still being able to walk straight out onto the Downs.

Charleston. The focus here is the 400 year old inn - The Fox Goes Free - that attracts crowds from all over. You can enjoy great food whilst enjoying the spectacular views on a summer afternoon.

Treyford. A small hamlet sitting on the north side at the foot of the Downs, looking across the rolling ridges. You can walk from Treyford into the hills without passing anyone all day. Because of this remoteness, a number of A-listers live here. South Harting is close by for everyday amenities. Allan Cottage in Treyford has a swimming pool looking up to the Downs.

Other hotspots. The most expensive villages are Marden, Compton, Elsted and South Hartings. The East is slightly cheaper. Most like to be on the outskirts of the Park, close to Haslemere station. You get some lovely villages and hamlets here – the top most frequently asked about places we find are the three ‘L’s’; Lickfold, Lurgashall and Lodsworth.

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