Swaines Hill, Alton, Hampshire, GU34

Exceptional Georgian and Arts and Crafts style country house in an idyllic rural setting


Description

High Beeches is an exceptional interpretation of both the classical Georgian country house and Arts and Crafts style farmhouse, providing an aesthetically beautiful, practical and comfortable home that was completed in 2018. From its elevated position, the house has wonderful views over its own land and rolling Hampshire countryside beyond.

Approached via a sweeping private drive, High Beeches’ symmetrical facacde has instant architectural appeal. Carefully chosen materials, such as the mellow lime render used for the construction of the south facing façade and Cotswold slate roof afford the impression of a much older building, that rests in harmony with the maturity of the landscape.

Inside, the generosity of space and abundance of light is particularly notable throughout. The house extends to approximately 11,895 sq ft in total. The magnificent, centralised entrance hall, which has stone fireplaces with open fires at either end, provides a fabulous space for entertaining. From here the principal reception spaces are accessed. Throughout the ground floor there is reclaimed Bourgogne limestone flooring and underfloor heating. There are 8 reception spaces on the ground floor, 6 of which face south with views over the gardens and interconnect through exaggerated doorways, carefully juxtaposed to provide outstanding lateral living space that could equally suit a couple as it could a large family. There are rooms for different times of day, with individual character and orientation to take advantage of the garden views. The centralised, south facing kitchen/breakfast room adjoins a dining area and separate, relaxed seating area, ideal for modern living. The bespoke kitchen features bespoke cabinetry, a Lacanche oven and Italian granite work tops. There are open fires in the drawing room and family room. 5 of the reception rooms have bi-fold doors that open directly out onto the gardens and outdoor dining and seating areas. Bespoke cabinetry and joinery, oak and painted accoya windows and bi-fold doors are particular design features throughout.

On the first floor, the principal suite occupies the East side of the house. It features both 2 dressing rooms and 2 en suite bathrooms. There are 3 further bedrooms suites, 2 of which have dressing rooms. The dimensions of the bedroom suites, referenced on the floor plans, speak for themselves. Each bedroom has views over the gardens and countryside beyond. In addition there is an airing cupboard and a laundry.

The basement comprises a series of useful storage rooms.

Two charming outbuildings are arranged as ancillary lodges and the first floor room above the carport is presented as occasional ancillary accommodation. The party barn has two reception spaces, a woodburner, a fully fitted kitchen with breakfast bar and a shower room. There is a detached outbuilding laid out as a gym. All the outbuildings are built in a period style with particular attention paid to the choice and quality of materials.

The outdoor swimming pool is sheltered by mature hedging and surrounded by a sun terrace. The charming, thatched pool house provides a covered area for summer dining and houses the changing room and boiler room. Two carports provide substantial garaging and there is a separate workshop and kennel as well as numerous places to store logs.

Two Victorian style greenhouses and several raised beds provide opportunity for growing an abundance of fruit and vegetables in a sheltered, courtyard.

A new stable block comprises 4 loose boxes, a tack room and store. There is direct access from here to the paddock behind.

There is a rear drive providing separate access for staff and deliveries.

The gardens and grounds at High Beeches extend to approximately 19 acres.

Location

The surrounding East Hampshire countryside is very well known for its picturesque villages and outstanding opportunities for walking, riding and country pursuits generally.

The village of South Warnborough is 2 miles from the house and has a pub, village shop, church, village hall and playground. Upton Grey, approximately 3 miles away has a village shop with Post Office, medieval church, village hall and public house called the Hoddington Arms. In nearby Odiham there is a wide variety of shops, restaurants and facilities including a doctors’ surgery, dentists, opticians and pharmacy, with further day to day amenities, extensive shopping, recreational, business and educational facilities at the larger towns of Alton, Basingstoke and Farnham.

Communications are excellent, with both the M3 (Junc. 5) and the A31 giving swift access to the national motorway network, as well as Heathrow, Southampton and Gatwick airports. There are main
line train services from Hook and Basingstoke to London Waterloo within an hour.

Local schools include the Cof E Primary School and Lord Wandsworth’s College in Long Sutton and Robert Mays in Odiham. Slightly further afield are Daneshill, St Neots, Alton School, Winchester College, St. Swithun’s and Eagle House, Cheam and Wellington College.

Square Footage: 11,895 sq ft


Acreage: 19 Acres