Smugglers Lane, Bosham, West Sussex, PO18

A fabulous architect-designed, highly sustainable, energy efficient contemporary home with direct water frontage and slipway, commanding far-reaching views over Furzefield Creek to the ancient woodland of Bosham Hoe and the main channel of Chichester Harbour.

Built in 2007 on the site of a historic boatyard, Combes House is a much loved harbourside home whose innovative design creates an interior of stunning natural light and space where views through full height high performance windows and glazed doors capture the natural beauty of this special waterside location. The house has been designed for seamless inside/outside living to merge into one with the incorporation of elegant, wide decked terraces on several levels. This harmony with the landscape is enhanced by the silvered cedar cladding which allows the building to blend with its surroundings. The house is set in Piet Oudolf inspired coastal gardens, where drifts of grasses and herbaceous plants create a naturalistic landscape down to the water's edge. South-west facing, the house is flooded with natural light and the main terraces benefit from the full sun.

The interior of the ground floor is largely open plan with partially vaulted ceiling and large full-height windows and full-width tri-folding doors opening onto decked sitting areas with beautiful harbour views. The main living area of limed oak flooring is divided by a central raised fireplace creating two distinct areas, one focused on its water views and the other being a cosier space for relaxation with books and media. This double-space opens directly onto the large kitchen/dining/family room which was specifically designed for social entertaining and is fitted with a sleek contemporary Italian kitchen in tones of charcoal gray and polished stainless steel including a good range of integrated appliances, polished stone worksurfaces and large breakfast bar. Stunning water views can be enjoyed from this room with doors opening direct onto the upper decking, forming an extension of the living space, and down to the major lower deck and gardens.

To the north, a large inner hall leads to a spacious study providing an alternative quiet space away from the main living areas, equally suited to being used as a home office or further sitting room. The hall also has direct access to the integral double-garage providing ideal storage for bikes, wetsuits, dinghies and surfboards whilst an adjacent cloak/shower room provides convenient changing facilities with a separate utility room alongside.

A set of walnut, glass and stainless steel stairs lead to the first floor where both principal and guests' suites have vaulted ceilings and private covered balconies showing to full advantage the impressive harbour views looking out over Furzefield Creek to woodland and the main channel. The principal bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and beautifully appointed large wet room with twin basins, bath and curved slate clad shower recess. A glazed and galleried landing leads to the three further bedrooms each with their own covered balconies, two having a bathroom en-suite and the other an adjacent cloakroom - which could easily be extended to provide a shower room. There is also a separate laundry and plant room containing the heat recovery system.

Shared private access from Smugglers Lane leads to a private driveway to the north of the house providing ample casual parking, access to the integral double-garage and private slipway providing launching facilities to Furzefield Creek. Combes House is intensely landscaped with mature trees and shrubs affording a high degree of privacy. Doors from the main living areas open directly onto a large south facing deck with stainless steel balustrade planted with grapevines and steps down to an even larger lower deck, both with fabulous harbour views. The mature landscaped gardens are designed to create a natural coastal landscape using a limited palette of blue, purple, white and varying shades of green combined with the structure of architectural grasses and herbaceous plants alongside a variety of fruit trees which, within the wooded surroundings of the creek, create a tranquil and private estuary setting in which to enjoy this lovely harbourside location.

The picturesque village of Bosham is one of the most historic villages in West Sussex. There are a number of local shops as well as a gallery in the old village centre, together with the Anchor Bleu public house and a short walk along Bosham Lane brings the visitor to the Millstream Hotel. The village also has an ancient Saxon church with Quay Meadow just a short walk from the high street where Bosham Sailing Club can be found. Bosham also has its own arts and crafts centre. To the north of the village there is a local convenience store together with a collection of further local shops and Bosham train station providing services running to London Victoria via Chichester or London Waterloo via Havant.

The cathedral city of Chichester lies some five miles to the east and provides a comprehensive range of facilities arranged around a partly pedestrianised centre. Recreational activities include the famous Chichester Festival and Minerva Theatres and the award winning Pallant House Gallery.

Whilst sailing is probably the premier pastime in the area, other leisure activities are well catered for including a number of golf courses, swimming and windsurfing at the blue flag beaches of West Wittering.

The historic Goodwood Estate can be found 9 miles to the north and has its own private health and social club, the Kennels Club as well as hosting the internationally renowned Festival of Speed and the three day September Revival meeting at its historic motor circuit. Goodwood also has the internationally renowned racecourse and hosts a full calendar of equine events such as The Qatar Goodwood Festival, known as 'Glorious Goodwood'.

Nearby are several of the growing number of successful West Sussex vineyards, all with attached restaurants, such as Ashling Park, Wiston, Nyetimber and Tinwood.