Tilford, Farnham, Surrey, GU10

Charles Hill Court is accessed through large, iron, electric gates off Charles Hill. There is a long, sweeping drive, lined with giant Sequoia, which hints at the origin of the land as part of a larger estate. As the drive bends to arrive at the large parking area in front of the house, far-reaching views of the Surrey Hills open up to the south. A separate drive, which branches off adjacent to the gate lodge, provides access to the garaging and office, which are discreetly hidden from the house.

Built in 1908 for Elizabeth Antrobus of the Coutts banking family, Charles Hill Court was designed as the 'perfect country house for a lady'. The strikingly elegant architecture was the accomplishment of two famous architects: Detmar Blow (1867-1939), a British architect whose clients belonged chiefly to the British aristocracy; and Fernand Billerey (1878-1951), of French origin, whose primary client was the Duke of Westminster. Charles Hill Court combines the influences of British, French and Dutch design, of which the French elements are said to be similar to that of Mary Antoinette's palace in Versailles. In combination, these styles form a truly unique and aesthetically pleasing design with an emphasis on light, volume and intricate detailing. Despite its heritage, Charles Hill Court is not listed, which offers an incoming buyer flexibility to extend or alter the existing house (subject to planning consent) – the current owner has completely refurbished the bathrooms, rewired the entire property, installed a new security system, and replaced the boilers to increase efficiency, as well as refurbishing the kitchen and carrying out minor configurational changes to open the spaces further.

The grounds are equally detailed and thoughtfully designed to an exquisite standard; the gardens comprise an array of lawns, planted beds, rhododendrons, azaleas, and roses, which were largely created by the garden designers Liz Lake Associates, also responsible for The Grove Hotel, Hertfordshire. An extraordinary wealth of mature trees lines the drive and surrounding grounds, creating the aura of an established arboretum. A wisteria walk at the front of the house leads through to a temple, whilst the rear of the house has a series of terraced ponds. The 20m outdoor swimming pool of single depth is accompanied by a pool house, providing an ideal area for summer entertaining. The pool house was designed by Andrew Murdoch of Aucket Fitzroy Robinson, mirroring the architecture of the main house, and comprising a sauna, kitchen, and changing and shower facilities. The tennis court occupies a sheltered spot in the original walled garden, which was formerly the vegetable garden of a larger estate. There are various outbuildings including a machinery/equipment shed, log store, tool shed, four bay car port, and office building comprising the estate office and three garage spaces.

The Gate Lodge was refurbished relatively recently, comprising a kitchen/breakfast room, sitting room, WC, shower room and double bedroom on the ground floor.
There are two further bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor. The lodge has a small area of enclosed garden, which provides the occupants with privacy.

Farnham 3.4 miles (London Waterloo 53 minutes) ; Guildford 13.5 miles; Farnborough Private Airport 10.2 miles; Heathrow Airport 33.6 miles; London 42.4 miles. (Distances and times approximate).

Charles Hill Court occupies a commanding yet private elevated position to the north of Charles Hill; the area is renowned for its natural beauty and its accessibility from
London. The property sits between the attractive villages of Tilford and Elstead in rural Surrey, both having their own picturesque cricket clubs, tennis clubs, and a selection of public houses and cafes.

The nearby market town of Farnham is less than 3.5 miles away, and offers an extensive range of shops, restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops and supermarkets, whilst the larger town of Guildford, one of Surrey's principal shopping centres, is less than 14 miles away.

Transport links from Charles Hill are excellent: the A3 'Milford Junction' is only 3.5 miles away, providing access to London and the South Coast; there are train services to Waterloo in under an hour from Farnham and under 40 minutes from Guildford; and the property is convenient for both Heathrow and Gatwick, as well as the private airport at Farnborough.

There are several well-regarded schools in the area, such as Amesbury, St. Edmund's, Barrow Hills, Frensham Heights, Edgeborough and Charterhouse.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the area offers excellent walking and riding opportunities, including Hankley Common and Frensham Common, both owned by the National Trust, and Alice Holt Forest. Also nearby, there is racing at Goodwood and Sandown Park, as well as tennis at The Bourne Club in Farnham, polo at Cowdray Park, local golf clubs at Hindhead, Liphook and Hankley Common, and sailing at both Frensham Ponds and Chichester Harbour. Charles Hill Court itself leads out into woodland through the back gate, from which there is easy access to a network of walks and bridlepaths.