13 bedroom house

A magnificent 13 bedroom country house set in an idyllic New Forest setting on the edge of the village of Bransgore. The property has been refurbished to a high standard throughout and further benefits from a swimming pool pavilion, numerous outbuildings, garaging and approximately 15 acres of private grounds. Energy Efficiency Rating: F

The village of Bransgore lies on the edge of the New Forest, within easy reach by car of popular beaches and the towns of Christchurch and Bournemouth. The village boasts a well regarded primary school, sports field and children’s playground, as well as many woodland walks nearby. The wider area has much to offer to the modern family. Little Harrow is situated within the New Forest National Park, with the stunning Dorset and Hampshire coastline approximately five miles to the south. Places of interest include Christchurch Harbour, Highcliffe Castle, and historic Christchurch Priory and ruins. There are opportunities for water sports and equestrian activities, and a variety of golf courses in stunning coastal and forest settings. The area offers a range of family attractions for days out. The nearest mainline train station is Hinton Admiral (approximately a mile away), which runs to Waterloo in approximately two hours. There are airports at Bournemouth and Southampton, offering both domestic and international flights.

The Main House

Believed to date from the 1850’s with later additions from the turn of the 19th century, this beautiful home operated originally as a Victorian model farm. Over a course of the last 25 years the current owners have refurbished and restored the property throughout to create a stunning family home offering an elegant balance of character features combined with fittings befitting a modern day family lifestyle. The accommodation for the main house alone extends to almost 10,000 square feet set across three floors and comprises a stunning range of reception rooms and bedroom spaces. To the front, a large carved oak door opens into a capacious entrance hallway with wonderful wood panelling, wooden flooring and feature wood burner set within a superb ornate fire surround. From the hallway, a majestic stairwell ascends to the first floor with a large feature window above its half turn. Adjacent to the hallway is the impressive double aspect drawing room with two feature bay windows, wooden flooring, open fireplace, ornate decorative plaster work and French doors opening out onto a small terrace with the croquet lawn/double tennis courts beyond. Adjoining the drawing room is the triple aspect library/family room which again features wood panelling, large picture windows, ornate decorative ceiling work and a wood burning stove. The main entrance hall continues on to a small lobby area with WC and round to an inner hallway which in turn links to a comfortable seating area, two multi-purpose reception rooms and an exceptional 25' dining room with beautiful marble fireplace and the most exquisite original ornate plaster ceiling and cornice work. This lovely room further benefits from two large south facing windows that flood the room with light. A walkway, complete with original foldable wall mounted serving tables, links the dining room to the butler’s pantry and cloakroom, the former servants hall, (now used as a play room) and the kitchen. In keeping with the period, the current owners have created a unique kitchen/breakfast room which reflects the character features of a Victorian kitchen whilst providing all the benefits of modern conveniences. Set against the wall is the original and previously undiscovered Victorian cooking range set within a ceramic tiled chimney breast. The bespoke free standing oak units, created by Dream Designs house double under counter fridges, an integrated dishwasher, microwave and electric back grill. A four oven oil fired Aga with companion unit sits opposite the old range and complements the kitchen perfectly. Further rooms to this level include two large walk in pantries adjacent to the kitchen and a scullery (now a utility room) beyond. The scullery includes a restored traditional wooden sink, and plumbing for additional dishwashers and washing machines. A rear door from the scullery provides access to the plant room, stores, tank room and the adjoining art studio, all formed around an attractive courtyard setting. To the first floor, a landing area accessed from the main and secondary stairwell provides access to nine first floor bedrooms. The master bedroom suite benefits from a feature fireplace, south facing windows, two walk in wardrobes and a luxurious en suite comprising a free standing bath, walk in power shower and plenty of storage. The two principal guest bedrooms set to the east wing are exquisite, with both enjoying fireplaces, excellent ceiling heights and large windows overlooking the croquet lawn. Bedroom two also offers an en suite with free standing bath and separate walk in power shower. A second door to the en suite enables this bathroom to be used as a 'Jack and Jill' bathroom if required. Three further double bedrooms, all with southerly aspects, run along the front of the house, with a bathroom, WC and separate shower room opposite. To the western side of the house, there are three remaining double bedrooms and another bathroom. From here, the second staircase continues up to the second floor landing, which in turn links to four further bedrooms and the tank room, together with large areas of storage cupboards.

Outbuildings

Set just behind the main house is the beautiful, fully air conditioned swimming pool pavilion with heated 12 m x 6 m pool and tiled surround. The pool includes double Olympic swim jets for continuous swimming and a deep and shallow end. At the far end of the pool room is the changing area with shower, WC and plant room. Folding retractable doors allow the pool to be opened to the beautiful gardens beyond and to the Canadian style, heated cedar hot tub. To the south west of the house are the former farm buildings which include the original stables, together with the stable boys room and loft over which is accessed by an external staircase. There are also a number of attractive brick storage areas. A further range of brick buildings comprise a garage and two workshops together with an open fronted storage area. The main yard complex is completed by a detached double garage together with an open fronted timber framed feature building. Set away from the main yard, towards the back of the plot is a further very useful barn which provides excellent storage options.

Outside

To the front of the property is a large driveway providing off road parking for multiple vehicles, with garaging facilities set to the side of the house. The beautiful gardens and grounds that accompany the property are apportioned into different areas of interest and include three grass paddocks, a small, but beautiful wild flower garden and an area of mature and mainly deciduous woodland. The land is bordered by established hedgerows and is predominantly laid to level lawn, making it well suited to the grazing of horses. The farmyard complex further benefits from separate access from the road.

In total, the grounds extend to approximately fifteen acres.