Features in Simon Jenkins’ book ‘England’s Thousand Best Houses’. St. Mary’s is an enchanting, medieval timber-framed house, with fine panelled interiors, including the unique Elizabethan ‘Painted Room’, giving an air of tranquillity and timelessness. Interesting displays of family memorabilia and rare Napoleonic collection. The formal gardens with amusing topiary, include an exceptional example of the prehistoric Ginkgo Biloba, magnificent Magnolia Grandiflora. The five acres of grounds include the Victorian ‘Secret’ Garden with original fruit wall and pineapple pits, Rural Museum, Jubilee Rose Garden, Terracotta Garden, Woodland Walk leading to Landscape Water Garden with island and dramatic waterfall and unusual circular Poetry Garden. In the heart of the South Downs National Park, St. Mary’s is a house of fascination and mystery, with picturesque charm and atmosphere of friendliness and welcome.