Borough Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU7

The Old Vicarage is an incredibly special seven-bedroom family house offering 7,400 sq. ft of beautifully presented and extensive accommodation over three floors. In all 0.8 acres.


It’s not often that a property comes complete with a written history of its past and its inhabitants, but when the Old Vicarage in Godalming came onto the market, sure enough we were able to read all about its full, fascinating story in a beautifully commissioned hardback book.

The Old Vicarage is an incredibly special seven-bedroom family house offering 7,400 sq ft of beautifully presented and extensive accommodation over three floors in the heart of the popular town of Godalming. Not only a stunning family home, its history of great distinction and heritage makes this property one of the finest private houses in Godalming.

The site of the property has seen many significant comings and goings with at least 55 vicars of Godalming taking up residence since the first known of its inhabitants in 1185. There are some fantastic stories of its history - including visits from Charles Dickens, author Lewis Carroll and Lord Baden-Powell, celebrations to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, plus plenty of colourful characters who have lived here.

Grade II listed with both Georgian and Victorian elevations, the Old Vicarage is offered for sale in what is believed to be only the second time in its 400-year history. Over the years, the property has been subject to many alterations and adaptations. The oldest part of the current building – the bargate stone section – still stands and dates back to the 17th Century but traces of the original medieval structure may well remain under the foundations.

The current owners purchased the property in 2013 and carried out a significant refurbishment to both the house and the gardens to create a stunning family home full of character and charm which also benefits from everything that this popular town has on its doorstep.

The ground floor has five impressive reception rooms including a stunning double storey reception hall, a substantial bespoke kitchen/breakfast room with an Aga and a dining room full of character and charm. Two separate staircases lead up to the first floor where there is a very fine panelled double drawing room as well as three double bedrooms including an impressive principal bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom. Also conveniently situated on the first floor is a large and well-appointed utility room while the second floor boasts four double bedrooms and three further bathrooms.

Approached from Borough Road through electric wooden gates, as well as a separate pedestrian gate, the property sits at the head of a large gravel parking area, which features a barn-style double garage. The grounds have been beautifully laid out to provide both formal and informal areas and include a wonderful terrace with pergola enjoying long views down the garden. At the end of the main lawn is a timber gazebo, ideal for a leisurely morning coffee or an evening sundowner. The front of the house with its Georgian elevation and elegantly planted parterre has lovely views towards the neighbouring church of St Peter & St Paul.

The Location
The Old Vicarage is a fine Grade II listed former vicarage situated right in the heart of the town. Godalming is a bustling market town with a superb array of amenities within easy reach of the house including many boutique shops, coffee shops, pubs and restaurants as well as a Waitrose and Sainsbury’s. The train station is moments from the house and offers a frequent service to and from London Waterloo.

For a more extensive range of shopping, sporting and leisure facilities, the Cathedral town of Guildford lies only a few miles away. Communications are excellent with the nearby A3 providing access to the M25, Heathrow and Gatwick airports, London and the south coast.

There are many highly regarded local schools in the vicinity including St Catherine’s in Bramley, the Royal Grammar School and Guildford High School in Guildford as well as closer to home, Charterhouse, Prior’s Field, St Hilary’s and Godalming Sixth Form College.

Godalming station 0.1 miles (London Waterloo from 42 minutes or 39 minutes on the return journey), A3 2.28 miles, Guildford 4.5 miles (all times and distances are approximate)