Generations by the water’s edge
After nearly 50 years, Miriam and Morten Bentsen are preparing to bid farewell to Newbarn, a beloved lakeside home that has been in the family for generations. Miriam shares the joy of living by the water and the emotional journey of selling a family home.
In the serene landscape of West Sussex, overlooking the shimmering expanse of Bewl Water, a vast resevior and recreational area, stands Newbarn - a remarkable country estate with a rich history spanning nearly three centuries. For Miriam and Morten Bentsen and their four children, this beloved home has been a sanctuary and the backdrop of countless family memories for almost 50 years.
Purchased by Miriam's parents in 1977, Newbarn was “a tiny cottage in the middle of very dense woodland - Bewl wasn’t there yet,” Miriam recalls. By the time she and her husband bought the property in 2000, Bewl had become a focal point for the entire family. “My kids look back on their childhood and think they had a Famous Five lifestyle – making rafts out of crates and sailing across Bewl. They’re so grateful for it, and they’re all still very much into nature.”
The Bentsens’ decision to sell was not made lightly. With their youngest child soon to finish school and their other children having moved out, the couple realised it was time to find a more manageable home. "Downsizing is a practical step for us now," Morten explains. "But it doesn't diminish the emotional attachment we have to Newbarn. It’s been a place of joy, growth, and countless beautiful memories."
Understanding the sentimental value attached to Newbarn, Miriam and Morten knew they needed a real estate agent who could appreciate their emotional journey. "We chose Knight Frank because they not only understand the market but also the personal significance of selling a family home like ours," Miriam says. "The London team were incredibly sensitive to our needs. They did an amazing job with the marketing and provided exceptional guidance throughout the process."
"Newbarn’s setting is truly unparalleled," notes Ed Rook, head of Knight Frank’s Country Department. "With its panoramic views over Bewl Water, extensive gardens, and the historical charm of the house itself, it offers a rare combination of privacy, beauty, and heritage."
The main house, dating back to 1720, has six bedrooms, four bathrooms and a mix of formal and informal living spaces arranged over four floors. The property also includes an 18th-century Sussex Barn, an Oast House and two separate cottages, all set within around 14 acres of mature gardens and grounds. “Every part of Newbarn has its own story and purpose,” Miriam reflects. “The dining room is perhaps my favourite room. It can seat 22 people, and it’s got a huge inglenook fireplace and beautiful old beams. It’s a gem sitting in there for special occasions like Christmas or a birthday.”
As they prepare to hand over the keys to Newbarn, the Bentsens are confident that Knight Frank will find the right buyers who will appreciate the estate’s unique charm and history. "We hope the new owners will love and cherish this home as much as we have," Miriam says. "I’d love it if a young family could enjoy it in the way we have."
And what will Miriam miss most about Newbarn? “Opening my curtains every morning and looking out at the view - it never wears. It might sound silly, but I’ll miss standing at the kitchen sink – it has to be one of the best views in the country while washing up.”
Newbarn is for sale with a guide price of £4,250,000. Discover more of our available waterfront properties here
