Little London, Broad Chalke, Salisbury

A very rare opportunity to own a charming 17th century country retreat set in magical gardens and grounds on a quiet no through road in the picturesque Chalke Valley

The Property
Located in a truly magical position close to the end of a no-through road in the heart of the Chalke Valley, Rose Bower is a very rare opportunity to own a stunning 17th century Wiltshire thatched cottage. A true haven for wildlife the cottage is set in approximately 1.3 acres of unspoilt gardens and grounds with astounding views of the surrounding countryside. During his time as Prime Minister, Rose Bower was the country retreat of Sir Anthony Eden and his wife Clarissa, niece of Sir Winston Churchill. The perfect private country getaway, Churchill visited the Edens a number of times as did family friend Greta Garbo.
Set in a West facing position the property enjoys sunsets which are difficult to beat and clever vantage points have been created throughout the garden to take full advantage as well as to watch the exceptional mix of wildlife. There is a carefully maintained piece of woodland which was originally part of the neighbouring land owned by Sir Terry Pratchett, it is difficult not to be inspired as you walk across the land.
The cottage is relatively humble with its two bedrooms but it has more colour, charm, character and interesting stories to tell than a 10 bedroom country mansion besides as a truly unique opportunity, Rose Bower is all about the sum of its extraordinary parts as well as its heavenly setting.
A abundance of outbuildings literally double the overall square footage and provide for exceptional office space and outside living. My favourite is the writers bothy which is a wonderful old timber building looking out over the garden with its own charming ’privy’ still showcasing wallpaper put up by Clarissa Eden.

Wildlife
In residence are a healthy flock of about 40-50 sparrows, some nest under the eaves. Hedgehogs visit the garden at around 9pm. A winterbourne tributary of the river Ebble bisects the land as does a public footpath. On the Winterbourne a family of water voles and water shrews are occasionally spied going about their business alongside ducklings, moorhens and sometimes the fleeting colourful flash of a kingfisher. There are tawny owls, barn owls, woodpeckers, goldfinches, greenfinches, long tailed tits and many varieties of songbirds. In the woodland on the sunny banks there are slowworms and grass snakes. At night bats hunt along the woodland fringe and in the garden. There are newts, frogs and dragonflies in the square pond at the far end of the terrace. A pair of moorhens once raised 2 chicks in this pond! 

Location
Little London is a breathtaking Wiltshire hamlet located within the civil parish of Broad Chalke and Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Situated in the heart of the Chalke Valley, Little London is surrounded by some of the most attractive and unspoilt countryside in the county.
Broad Chalke is an extremely popular and well-known village, noted for its watercress river beds, chalk streams and tranquil lifestyle. The village is home to a 13th century church, doctors surgery, active village hall, public house (The Queens Head), Chalke Valley Stores also incorporates the Chalke Valley Community Hub and a coffee shop! The village has a thriving sports centre and a highly regarded primary school. Cricket is at Bowerchalke and further amenities are available in the nearby villages of Fovant, Coombe Bissett and Sixpenny Handley. The annual Chalke Valley History Festival is of particular note attracting speakers and attendees from all over the world.

Salisbury is only seven miles away and boasts a well-thought of Playhouse and twice-weekly charter market, with a plethora of restaurants, shopping, and leisure facilities. There is a number of primary and secondary schools, both private and state, including boys and girls grammar schools. Salisbury has excellent road links to London, Southampton and Bournemouth and provides direct trains to London Waterloo from Salisbury mainline railway station.

There is lapsed planning consent for; TWO STOREY SIDE EXTENSION / SINGLE STOREY REAR EXTENSION AND CONSERVATORY Ref: S/2000/1799