Soberton Lodge

An impressive country residence, having been subject to an exacting programme of improvement and modernisation by the current vendors, with accommodation in the main house arranged over three floors and approaching 3,700 sq ft. All the rooms are well proportioned with high ceilings and filled with natural light. The house grounds and outbuildings offer flexibility to accommodate a range of lifestyles and leisure pursuits.

Whilst many period features remain, the house is ideally configured for modern day to day family living and entertaining. The delightful and unusual octagonal entrance hall leads onto two of the reception rooms, a WC and shower room, and the kitchen. The elegant 21ft drawing room, opens into the dining room through internal double doors, with both rooms benefitting from direct access onto the south facing terrace via French doors. The 27ft morning room is dual aspect and also provides access to the terrace . The kitchen/breakfast room, refitted to a high standard in a timeless country style with AGA and walk-in pantry, is a particular highlight of the house with views to the wooded drive, menage and paddock. The rear entrance has the benefit and convenience of separate utility and boot rooms. To make the most of the pool and adding to the entertainment value of the house, there is also a superb pool room with vaulted ceiling and shower room ideal for those long summer days and evenings.

To the first floor, the dual aspect master bedroom enjoys wonderful views over the gardens, grounds and countryside beyond, with fitted wardrobes and an en suite bathroom. The main guest bedroom, also with dual aspect and en suite bathroom, is situated at the other end of the house and overlooks the swimming pool, orchard and gardens. The three further double bedrooms have views over the garden and grounds and are served by the family bathroom. The sixth bedroom, which incorporates a study area, occupies the second floor and is more contemporary in style. This light filled room features an oak and glass divide to screen a modern bathroom.

The annexe, which is currently arranged as two self contained studio flats with a very useful additional room used as an office, could suit a variety of needs but has most recently been used for longer term guests and holiday lets.
Outside

Electric gates open to reveal a long drive edged by mature shrubs on one side and a woodland area on the other. The drive continues past a parking area for the annexe to the main house and outbuildings beyond. Extending to 3.5 acres, the grounds are a fabulous feature of the property that wrap around the house with both formal and informal areas, having been planned and planted with a great deal of care and thought. The formal areas of the garden take advantage of the house and pool as its backdrop. There is a wide paved terrace, with formal pond, adjoining the rear of the house to take full advantage of the southerly aspect with expanses of lawn and well stocked borders beyond. A small orchard with quince, pear and apple trees lies adjacent to an attractive stepped path leading to a pedestrian gate onto the Meon Valley Trail. The fantastic heated swimming pool is situated on the eastern side of the house which is an enviable setting for outdoor entertaining, including a courtyard garden with water features and herb planters and pots. The drive and garden is just as attractive at night due to well-placed lighting. More informal areas include an oak fenced/part walled vegetable garden including raised beds, fruit cage, greenhouse and potting shed serviced with water and electricity. To the front of the house is the fenced paddock and ménage within sight of the house. At the rear of the oak framed garage is a wild flower area with a horse gate giving direct access onto the bridleway. Several areas of the garden are given over to wild flowers, including to the rear of the stables with weeping willow trees.

Situation

Occupying a rural position in the Meon Valley in the South Downs National Park, the stunning countryside surrounding the property means outdoor pursuits abound with walkers, cylclists and equestrians being particularly well catered for. A comprehensive range of local amenities can be found in the pretty Georgian centres of Wickham and Bishops Waltham, 3 and 4 miles away respectively. Both offer an excellent range of independent boutiques and eateries along with banks, post offices, convenience stores and doctor’s surgeries. For more comprehensive facilities visit the ancient market town of Petersfield and the cathedral city of Winchester, both offering fast links to London Waterloo (about 1 hour and 1 hour 10mins respectively). Southampton Airport is also easily accessible and caters for both internal and international flights. Access to the A3M gives good communication routes to Guildford and London to the north and Portsmouth to the south.

Additional Information

Local Authority: Winchester City Council and South Downs National Park

Services: Mains water and electricity, oil fired central heating and private drainage.

Additional information: There is planning permission for a stable block and new vehicular access SDNP/12/01470/HOUS

Marketed by: Hamptons Sales, Winchester