New Place Manor is the oldest building in Pulborough (West Sussex) and has a fascinating history. But whilst it may be old, it’s also absolutely stunning and I was so delighted to be offered the chance to have a look around recently.
An important part of Pulborough’s past
Older than the deceptively named Old Place (Old Place is a mere whippersnapper having been built in 1450), New Place Manor dates back to 1252.
It was built by Alard le Fleming after he was granted a royal license to replace a burnt house in his park at Pulborough. When he died in about 1263, the estate was allegedly divided between his two daughters and became the two estates of Old and New Place Manor. Alard was an important man and it was either him (or his forebear) who was a military advisor and commander during the reigns of Richard I and King John, and the minority of Henry III. His importance extended throughout Sussex and you’ll hear speak of him in Rudgwick.
In due course, New Place Manor passed into the hands of the Aspley Estate and was extended. A great gate was built (which still stands) emblazoned with the Aspley family coat of arms to celebrate the arrival of Queen Elizabeth I on her famous journey between Sutton Place and Cowdray Park in 1591.
Thereafter, New Place Manor was owned by William Bartelott. Bartelott was a water bailiff, and he and his family were important figures in the area (you can read more about William in The Rising Down by Alexandra Harris). Over subsequent years, the house has seen guests such as Max Factor Junior during the war, been a hotel, and is now once more in private ownership.
Grade II listed and described as an Elizabethan Manor, New Place Manor has the oldest dovecote in Europe and the largest Tudor inglenook fireplace in the country in its Great Hall. It also allegedly has a tunnel that goes all the way to St Mary’s Church although it’s blocked up now.
A chance to stay in this magnificent home
My visit to New Place Manor came about due purely to historical interest. I was expecting wooden beams, nooks and crannies and interesting architecture. But I wasn’t expecting a stunningly restored and refurbished property, done with incredible panache and style, where, if you fancy it, you can book the whole house to stay for a few days retreat into luxury.
As you leave the main (Roman) road through Pulborough, you turn down a track and arrive through gates to an oasis of calm. Standing proud in 1.4 acres of grounds, dripping in wisteria and surrounded by a walled garden, you know immediately that you’ve arrived somewhere special.
Stepping into the hall, you’re enveloped with a sense of the past but there’s also an immediate wow factor, with impressive works of art, bold colours and very stylish design. The show stoppers on the ground floor are the kitchen with its Medieval window and gallery, and the Great Hall with its chandelier and vast working fireplace. It’s hard to believe it’s a family home.
There are seven bedrooms and five bathrooms set over three floors, each one finished with beautiful attention to detail. Upstairs, in the master bedroom, a spiral staircase gives way to a roll-top bath (one of a number in the house) and clever design emphasises all of this great old house’s many quirks while creating a sense of delightful luxury. It is an absolute treat just to walk around and it feels effortlessly chic.
The bathrooms are so beautiful you may be tempted to just stay in one of them for a couple of days but the garden doesn’t let you down either with a terrace overlooking the great gate, a pool and grass tennis courts.
If you’re interested in history, Pulborough is a town that keeps on giving, and New Place Manor sits at the very heart of its past. It is beautiful, it is important and it’s undoubtedly very special. Perhaps above all else, from the moment you arrive, this house wraps you up in its history but also welcomes you as a beautiful family home. We are lucky indeed to have individuals who have lovingly taken on the custody of this very stunning Pulborough property.
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