These days, most houses come with places to park your car or even your helicopter. What Kittyhawk House on the South Downs offers is something a little bigger: a two-runway aerodrome.
The three-bedroom contemporary home sits on the edge of the airfield, with the entire estate extending to some 67 acres in total. It's on the market at £5 million via Savills.
As well as the house, the property offers the aerodrome, which boasts two runways, as well as a hangar and concrete apron. Kittyhawk Aerodrome was originally conceived — in 1990 — as a private airstrip limited to 28 days of flying each year, but it has grown organically and is now a commercially-operated airfield welcoming all sorts of things.
Permission was granted in March 2020 for use as a ‘lawful unlicensed airfield’, which can be developed commercially, and welcomes general aviation aircraft, helicopters, giros and flex-wings, as well as accepting international flights. Don't expect long-haul flights, though: these are grass runways for small aircraft, so it's more likely to be a Cessna across the Channel to Le Touquet than a LearJet across the Atlantic to New York.
As for the house itself? It's a fine place, only completed in 2020 and with a modern, natural look. The design aim was clearly to make the most of the stunning views across the South Downs, prompting an outbreak of near-poetry from agent Chris Spofforth: 'The view from the large floor to ceiling windows of the drawing room resemble a painting by Constable,' reads the listing.
Not that the views are the only thing to recommend the place: the home office, with its wraparound bookcases and natural light, is an absolute delight.
There is also a home cinema, and an open-plan kitchen/living space.
'Kittyhawk House and Aerodrome are in a peaceful and sought after location with a long private drive and some of the finest downland views in East Sussex,' adds Chris Spofforth. 'The truly individual house is bright, spacious and open-plan, uniquely paired with an established airfield.'
Kittyhawk House is for sale at £5m — see more details and pictures.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
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