Silchester, Hampshire

THE PROPERTY - LOT 1 Greenlands Farm is a beautiful and well-appointed country house set in mature gardens with fine southerly views over its own land. The grounds of the house further incorporate a traditionally-styled courtyard of buildings which has been developed to provide a one-bedroom flat, an office, garaging, stabling and ample domestic storage.

The house itself is a beautifully presented property, with parts believed to date from the 16th century. It has been sympathetically extended and remodelled by the present owners and now the house provides an interesting blend of bright and modern spaces, with original period character. The accommodation is both spacious and highly versatile, and is ideal for modern family living.

The house is set around the superb, open-plan kitchen / dining room, featuring a stone floor and large central island with a granite worktop. This is a stunning space which also opens through into the oak-framed orangery, enjoying views across the farm towards the North Downs. The drawing room, which is accessed from the kitchen, is another large and bright room with a fireplace, wood burning stove and doors leading out to the terrace and gardens.

There are two further reception rooms at the front of the house, both with wood burning stoves and offering a great deal of character with exposed beams.

The main bedroom is an impressive room, offering far reaching views across the garden and farm beyond, and has an adjoining dressing room and bathroom. There are two further bedrooms with en suites, and another three double bedrooms which are served by the generous family bathroom.

Adjoining the rear of the house is the indoor swimming pool with shower room and sauna. Off the pool room is a gym leading out into a covered barbeque area.

Alongside the house is a courtyard of outbuildings which include a three-bay oak garage above which is a good-sized home office. There is also a large machinery barn above which is a one-bedroom annexe with kitchen, reception room and WC.  

LOCATION Greenlands Farm sits on the edge of the village of Silchester on the Hampshire/Berkshire border. Silchester is a notable archaeological site and Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum, from which the winery derives its name. The village has a thriving community and features a public house, a well-regarded primary school, village hall and church as well as active cricket and football clubs.

Schooling in the area is second to none, with numerous excellent preparatory schools accessible including Cheam, Horris Hill, Daneshill and Ludgrove to name but a few. Secondary schools include Bradfield, Wellington and Downe House.

There are excellent communication links nearby with access to the M3 and M4 motorways and a mainline railway station at Basingstoke, which provides a quick service to London Waterloo. 

OUTSIDE The gardens and grounds are another stunning feature of Greenlands Farm. Mainly laid to lawn, interspersed with a variety of fruit trees, shrubs and beautifully stocked flower borders. To the rear of the house, accessed from the orangery is a large south-facing terrace ideal for outdoor entertaining. Finally, at the end of the garden is a hard tennis court.

In all about 7.24 acres (2.93ha).