For centuries locals have cherished it. Over the years, visitors have flocked in huge numbers to admire the stunningly natural beauty it has in abundance. And now it seems that this can be the case for many years to come at Chichester Harbour thanks to a bit of business that has been met with sheer delight from all of those who have fallen in love with the exquisite water wonderland.
The news that local resident Franck Petitgas has bought the Manor of Bosham, a part of Chichester Harbour steeped in rich chapters of history and brimming with natural allure, is a relief to many who feared for the future of this particular section of the harbour.
The exact details of the financial deal that secured the purchase have not been revealed but for many, that is a most insignificant part of the story. What matters to them, and others besides, is that the sale has gone through and that the estate is safe from potentially disastrous and vehemently unwanted development of any kind.
The estate has been sold by the Guinness family, who have owned it for around a century. The deal, recently reported in the Chichester Observer, includes acquisition of Chichester Harbour’s seabed as well as some freehold buildings; the most important of these is said to be Bosham Sailing Club’s historic clubhouse. And this includes over 800 boat moorings. It should be noted at this point that Petitgas is said to be a “keen sailor”.
As reported, Petitgas has confirmed that he is keen to “preserve and enhance” the stunning surrounds and says that he and his family are privileged to act as custodians “of this beautiful and unique setting. Our paramount aim is to preserve and enhance these environmentally and historically sensitive surroundings, so they can be enjoyed by the Bosham community and beyond, for many generations to come.”
Petitgas, said to be one of Morgan Stanley’s leading investment banking bosses, has been praised for making the purchase and his subsequent pledges about the preservation of its future. One regular visitor to the harbour, who preferred not to be named, said he was delighted that the future seemed secure — and that the worry that the stunning beauty of the area could in any way be blighted had dissipated. He added: “The fact that this deal would appear to have helped to preserve the Manor of Bosham is absolutely fantastic news, it really is – of that there can be no question.”
Petitgas has confirmed that he is keen to “preserve and enhance” the stunning surrounds and says that he and his family are privileged to act as custodians “of this beautiful and unique setting. Our paramount aim is to preserve and enhance these environmentally and historically sensitive surroundings, so they can be enjoyed by the Bosham community and beyond, for many generations to come”.
