Hursley, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21

A substantial period farmhouse with detached cottage.

Description

Lower Ratlake Farm is a substantial period farmhouse, situated in the popular Hamlet of Lower Ratlake, a short distance from the pretty and highly sought after village of Hursley. The property also benefits from a public footpath that lies opposite providing some wonderful walking routes.

The property is approached over a winding tarmac driveway, which runs past the cottage known as The Pig Barn, to a gravel courtyard that lies adjacent to the house and garaging. The house itself, with its recently fitted timber framed windows, is approached through a front door leading to an entrance hall, however like so many farmhouses most access the property through a rear lobby and into the kitchen/breakfast room. There are four principal reception rooms in total, a good sized drawing room with double doors that lead out on to the south westerly terrace and a large fire with fitted wood burner, double doors from this room lead through to the dining room again with a fireplace and the south westerly aspect. There is a spacious living room and a cosy snug again with a wood burner. The kitchen is well fitted with a range of kitchen units and appliances with granite work surfaces and a fitted Aga. Planning permission was granted in 2022 to extend the kitchen should one wish to (ref. 22/01497/FULLS). A utility room and ground floor cloakroom complete the ground floor accommodation.

Stairs from both the front and rear entrances to the house lead to the first floor. The principal bedroom suite is an excellent size and overlooks the property’s delightful grounds. There is an adjacent bathroom. From the generous first floor landing, there is access to four further bedrooms, a large family bathroom and a roof terrace.

OUTSIDE
The gardens extend in all to just under 4 acres and are exceptional. There are extensive areas of lawn interspersed with magnificent yew and beech hedgerows and a wealth of specimen trees and shrubs. There is a large south westerly terrace to the rear perfect for entertaining, a swimming pool and tennis court.

THE PIG BARN
The Cottage, known as ‘The Pig Barn,’ is a charming detached cottage with a large open plan kitchen/sitting room with ample space for a dining table. From here, double doors lead out on two sides with those to the rear opening into a small private garden.

The design of the property is such that the sitting area has a vaulted ceiling with the bedroom overlooking this space. The kitchen is well fitted with a bespoke range of units and appliances and a central island. On the first floor is a double bedroom with an adjoining shower room.

OUTBUILDINGS
There is an excellent outbuilding which incorporates a large double garage, single garage, storeroom and storage over. This building could be converted for further accommodation subject to the necessary planning consents and permissions.

Location

Lower Ratlake Farm, once part of the historic Hursley Park estate, is situated in a delightful rural secluded setting of just under 4 acres of beautifully maintained grounds, nestled between the villages of Hursley and Ampfield. Hursley is often referred to as the village of chimneys, famous for its architecture and of course the Hursley lozenge windows which feature in so many of the properties. This delightful village offers a range of amenities including a butcher, post office and shop, two public houses, a primary school, church and recreational grounds including tennis courts. Hursley is situated approximately 5 miles to the southwest of Winchester. Ampfield provides a church, a very active village hall, 18 hole (par 3) golf course, hotel with restaurant and two public houses. The nearby market town of Romsey, provides comprehensive amenities.

Communications are excellent, with a mainline station at Winchester, Romsey and Southampton and with access to the M3 at Junction 11 (Winchester) or to Junction 4 of the M27 at Rownhams. The M27 gives access to the New Forest and beyond to the west, as well as to Southampton International Airport.

Square Footage: 2,992 sq ft


Acreage: 3.99 Acres

Additional Info

Council Tax Band for the house - G
Council Tax band for The Pig Barn - A
Freehold
Mains water and electricity. Private drainage (septic tank and sewage treatment plant). Oil fired central heating.