HOW would you like to be lord of the manor?

A “quintessentially English” waterfront estate and medieval title has gone on sale.

Bosham Quay includes the entire harbour with 800 moorings and takes in most of Chichester Harbour.

It had been purchased by the Guinness family in the 1920s, but now the Burhill Group, which is owned by the family, is putting it on the market.

The site includes the lordship of the Manor of Bosham, a title which dates back as far as the Domesday Book.

It is reportedly the site where King Canute tried to demonstrate his humility to his subjects that he could not turn back the tide.

Now the 2,230-acre site at Bosham is up for sale for £6 million.

Property consultant Vail Williams is handling the sale, which it says could lead to a yield of £400,000 from rents and licences each year.

Partner Ian Froome said: “Bosham, with its 10th century church and harbour is in an idyllic setting – it is quintessentially English.

“Chichester Harbour is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is one of the most popular leisure sailing waters in the UK.

“This is a sound financial investment and the ancient manorial title makes it somewhat of a rarity, so we anticipate keen interest from buyers nationally and internationally, especially because of the Guinness family connection.

“We anticipate strong interest, both here in the UK and internationally, and we expect offers to exceed £6 million.

“Manors are of ancient origin, dating before Norman times.

“The owner is entitled to refer to themselves as lord of the manor and they can use it on any legal or personal documents.”

Burhill Group chief executive Colin Mayes said: “This is a unique opportunity to acquire assets which have been in the same ownership since the 1920s.

“So it is being offered for sale for the first time in nearly 100 years.

“Over recent years the Burhill Group has continuously grown its wider leisure interests.

“Now the group feels it is time that the future ownership of the manor would be better suited to a more focused marine property owner.

“We have been honoured to be custodians of these unique and prestigious assets for nearly 100 years.

“We are now keen to pass these on to a new owner who will protect and enhance the harbour in years to come, for the benefit of all users.”

For more details about the sale visit www.vailwilliams.com.