Guildford Road, Pirbright, GU24

While very much situated amongst some of Surrey’s most unspoilt countryside, Fords Farm is surprisingly well connected , being moments from Brookwood Station with its London links, and the county town of Guildford. The property is tucked away on the eastern edge of Pirbright in a wonderfully private setting, its own extensive grounds enveloping the house with the feeling of a small, secluded estate. The former farmhouse is believed to date back to the 17th century and is Grade II listed, notable for its timber framing and attractive herringbone brick exterior. Inside, however, is where the house’s lengthy history is best seen: there are a wealth of stunning original features, beautifully incorporated into the modern décor . Many rooms have exposed beams, imposing doors and character fireplaces, though the most significant room is certainly the wood-panelled dining room, where lead light windows, ornate wood carvings and a cavernous fireplace feel like a step back in time. Externally, landscaped gardens are enclosed by mature woodland and a variety of outbuildings provide scope for various uses, in addition to separate selfcontained cottages for staff or visiting guests.

The house is offered to the market for the first time in over 50 years; internal viewing shows that this has been a much loved and very well-maintained home, which has been sensitively modernised while respecting the age and character of the building. The décor is attractively presented in a traditional, country style, with a largely neutral colour palette allowing the original features to shine.

The generous proportions make the house well suited to large gatherings, and there are a variety of sizeable reception rooms ideal for entertaining. In addition to the fabulously well-preserved dining hall, the drawing room, on the eastern side of the house, provides an exceptionally spacious triple aspect space previously used for billiards. The additional reception rooms are equally spacious and well appointed, affording a choice of formal and informal entertaining areas.

To the rear of the house, a warm and welcoming farmhouse-style kitchen incorporates a breakfast area overlooking the rear gardens. It has a range of appliances in addition to an AGA range cooker and is further enhanced by a variety of ancillary rooms including a pantry, laundry room, boot room and snug.

The eight bedrooms are arranged over the first and second floors and are accessed by two separate staircases, though the layout upstairs provides access across the whole house. Each of the bedrooms is individually presented and most have the added benefit of built-in storage. There are also four bath and shower rooms and two cloakrooms.

Outside

Fords Farm is set within varied grounds of about 12 acres, positioned to enjoy access to the extensive commons and woodland around the village, whilst
benefitting from its own landscaped gardens, leisure facilities, a lake and grassland.

The property is approached via tall, decorative iron gates which open to reveal a range of outbuildings and an extensive parking area to the west of the house,
which encircles a charming granary building and leads through the grounds to the self-contained staff cottages and further outbuildings, including extensive garaging, home office, wine and tool stores, workshops and a greenhouse.

The leisure facilities are particularly impressive, including a well-maintained tennis court, outdoor swimming pool and one of the country’s first indoor squash courts which has a mezzanine viewing platform.

The gardens enveloping the house have been beautifully landscaped with manicured hedging, a number of paved seating areas, flowerbeds and well-stocked borders. Mature trees include impressive willow, cherry and silver birch, and there are stands of conifers providing privacy. Adjoining the tennis court there is a sizeable terrace perfect for alfresco entertaining, which has a covered barbecue area.

Situation

The village of Pirbright is situated six miles to the northwest of Guildford, with local amenities available within the village as well as neighbouring villages including Worpelsdon and Brookwood. The area includes vast stretches of common land including Ash Ranges and is ideal for walking and riding. There are also a number of good golf courses in the immediate area including Worplesdon Golf course, West Hill at Woking, Wisley as well as Sunningdale and Wentworth further afield. The property is well positioned for excellent transport links including Brookwood railway station 1.7 miles away which offers a fast train service to London Waterloo in about 35 minutes. Both Worplesdon and Woking railway stations, within 3.2 and 5.7 miles respectively also offer fast services to London Waterloo,. The A3 is close by which links to the M25 motorway network and Heathrow and Gatwick Airports, as well as the South Coast. A first-class choice of retail and recreational amenities can be found in
Guildford and Woking which each offer an extensive range of shops and sporting facilities, well-known theatres and a wide selection of restaurants and bars. A good choice of both state and private schools can be found in the area, including Pirbright Village Primary School, Worplesdon Primary School, Rydes Hill, Hoe Bridge School, RGS Prep, the Royal Grammar School, Guildford High School and Tormead, amongst others. The area is also renowned for its equestrian facilities including Merrist Wood and Parwood.

Property Ref Number:

HAM-55729

Additional Information

Mains electricity, water and gas are connected.
Private drainage.
Guildford Borough Council.
Council tax band H.