Second World War links of historic farmhouse near Chichester transformed into luxury B&B

A thriving guest accommodation business deep in the countryside not only garners sky-high scores from travel website ratings but is based in a home which once welcomed movie stars and royalty.

Formerly an isolated farmhouse with its own flint chapel, for nearly three years Old Chapel Forge has been run by Teresa and David Charles on a bed-and-breakfast (B&B) basis, incorporating four luxury private suites which are busy year-round.

While the property dates back to 1611, when it was built by the local farmer, the couple said the chapel was last used in around 1847.

However, both house and chapel came into their own in the Second World War: “After the Battle of Britain, when plans commenced for the invasion of France, the cottage and chapel became part of Operation Hadrian and formed one of the 82 advanced landing grounds in the south of England, with British and Norwegian squadrons based here.”

The cottage served as the paymaster’s and flight control offices and put up Crown Prince Olav of Norway.

Forced to make an emergency landing having been shot at flying across the Channel, international movie star Clarke Gable was another famous visitor.

Mustangs, Typhoons and Spitfires all used the airfield which, at the height of its use, saw nearly 100 aircraft, including Avro Ansons, ferry casualties from D-Day and carry plasma to Normandy.

David said: “A local brewery used to fill an empty Spitfire bomb with beer before it was delivered to France, to the great delight of the troops.

“The front porch of the chapel was knocked out to allow aircraft engines to be repaired inside, as was the south side of the cottage to gain more visibility of the runway.”

Over 70 years later, Old Chapel Forge is lovingly restored and distinctly more peaceful, offering guests a garden replete with roses and a pond, sweeping views and the occasional deer flitting through arable fields.

Unusually, the guest suites are in separate accommodation, enabling Teresa and David to live in their own private three-bedroom cottage. Each suite has its own front door entrance and key safe box, so people can let themselves in as they please.

The couple said a big plus of running a B&B is that, by midday, most of their jobs are done – especially given their policy of minimum-two-night bookings.

“We can go to the gym, play golf or go to the beach. How many jobs do you have in the City where you get people breakfasted and off you go, then come back from four to six, and then have your evenings free?

“We enjoy being in control of our own time but it’s also very social – we’ve had some really lovely people staying with us.”

After two years’ hard work, both cottage and chapel are repainted from top to bottom, re-wired and boast new windows. The chapel also has solar panels, meaning almost no utility bills during the summer months.

Teresa and David are only moving due to the ill health of a member of the family – ‘otherwise we would never have dreamed of selling’.

However, they are more than happy to provide full support and training to the new owners of Old Chapel Forge to ensure a seamless transfer of what are already over 200 nights booked for the rest of the year.

Old Chapel Forge, Lower Bognor Road, Lagness, PO20 1LR

Significantly improved bed and breakfast in an idyllic rural setting on a plot of approximately two thirds of an acre with stunning views across open farmland.The main cottage provides an independent living space for the owners with three bedrooms.There are two guest suites with en-suite bathrooms adjoining the main cottage, with private entrances.Set within stunning established gardens is a detached 17th century chapel which has been tastefully renovated to provide two further self-contained independent guest suites, both with private entrances, high vaulted beamed ceilings, en-suite facilities, parking and garden areas.The freehold is offered for sale at an asking price of £895,000 to include goodwill and chattels.

For more information contact Coastguards Estate Agency, 6 Coastguards Parade, Barrack Lane, Bognor Regis, PO21 4DX.Email: [email protected], call 01243 267026 or visit www.coastguardsproperty.co.uk