It is promoted as an idyllic countryside escape, offering all the hallmarks of rural bliss with sweeping fields, rustic appeal, and even a private woodland area. However, a barn conversion listed on Rightmove includes a truly extraordinary clause hidden within its details.
The Macabre Detail in the Listing
The property description, penned in the ornate language typical of estate agents, starts conventionally enough, highlighting a 'tranquil natural setting and a haven for wildlife'. Yet, the final line delivers a stark and unsettling revelation: 'Please note the previous owner has been buried in a discreet corner.'
This three-bedroom home, located in a secluded part of the South Downs National Park, recently went under offer at £600,000. It had been languishing on the market for more than a year before attracting a buyer.
A 'Rare Opportunity' with a Unique Legacy
Agents described the characterful barn conversion as a ‘rare opportunity’ with ‘enormous potential’. Situated at the end of a narrow country track, it forms part of a group of three properties once attached to a farm.
The home is surrounded by open fields and close to the picturesque village of West Harting. It boasts a generous sitting and dining room, original features, a detached double garage, and parking for several vehicles. There is also a 'particularly special' private copse of trees.
It is in a corner of this woodland that the former owner, along with his beloved dog, now rests.
The Story Behind the Burial
The man buried on the property has been identified as Brian Gibbins, a retired farmer who never married and had no children. He is said to have once owned the nearby Ryefield Farm, living there with his mother while working the land.
After retiring, Mr Gibbins reportedly renovated the barn and moved in, selling the farm that had been in his family. He lived there quietly with his black Labrador. When he died around 18 months ago, in his mid-80s, he made one final request: to be buried on his own land, alongside his dog.
Neighbours' Perspectives
A neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, shared insights into Mr Gibbins' life. 'He was a nice man, quite a character, but I didn’t know him for long,' they said. 'He was in his mid-80s. He was an invalid. He had a carer who would come round regularly and look after him. He loved his dog and I would go round with my two dogs and talk to him.'
The neighbour added, 'He wasn’t married and I don’t think he had any family to speak of. He had lived with his elderly mother. They had owned Ryefield Farm and by all accounts he was a pretty good farmer.'
Another neighbour remarked on the unusual nature of the burial. 'It is unusual to have a burial site within the garden of the house you are buying,' they noted. 'The house has been on the market for well over a year so it has taken a little while to get interest in a sale.'
Reflecting on the area's beauty, they said, 'This area is outstandingly beautiful so I can see why he might not wanted to leave. I think the grave has been a sticking point for buyers but now it finally looks as if it has some interest.'
Online Reactions and Debate
The sombre detail was first spotted by property hunters on Reddit, where the listing sparked a lively debate. Some users found the situation touching. One wrote, 'Am I the only person who thinks this is kind of nice? If the previous owner liked it so much to be buried there.'
Another sentimental poster added, 'I love this, if I bought the house I’d visit that corner of the copse regularly for a tidy up and to make sure that I kept is as lovely as the owner thought it was to want to be buried there.'
However, others were less convinced. One user joked, 'Do you want ghosts? Because this is how you get ghosts.' Practical concerns were also raised, with one commenter noting, 'I can't help wondering what happens if there's a flood, or the local foxes find something in the way when they're digging holes.'
Overcoming the Unique Obstacle
Despite its unique footnote, one buyer has been willing to look past this unusual legacy. The property was marked 'under offer' after its price was reduced by £75,000 in September, following more than a year on the market.
This sale highlights how even the most unconventional property features can eventually find a buyer, especially in a sought-after location like the South Downs National Park.
