Battle of Britain flying ace's home for sale: West Sussex country house with views of Goodwood Estate
A handsome country house where the last Battle of Britain flying ace lived for 20 years is on the market, offering views over neighbouring Goodwood Estate – home of the world-renowned Festival of Speed and Glorious Goodwood horse racing.
Wing Commander Paul Farnes died in Hampshire in January aged 101.
A recipient of the Distinguished Flying Medal, the highest honour in the air force for non-officers, he flew Hurricanes as one of “The Few”, the 3,000 Allied airmen who defended the skies above southern England in 1940, repelling Hitler’s Luftwaffe.
The only airman in good enough health to attend last year’s annual wartime memorial service, he was the last surviving ace, meaning he brought down at least five enemy planes.
In the heart of West Sussex, the six-bedroom, brick and flint house set in three-and-a-half acres of park-like grounds has a sitting room, family room, dining room and two kitchens.
Exposed brickwork, open fireplaces, ornamental beams and flagstone floors make for lots of character.
With rail links from nearby Chichester station to London Victoria taking around 90 minutes, this would be a lovely commuter base for a family seeking lots of outdoor space.
It is on the market with Jackson-Stops’ Chichester branch for £1.65 million.
