Winchester, Hampshire

This wonderful Arts and Crafts home has five bedrooms and is within easy walking distance of the historic town of Winchester. Finished with gentle colours and natural materials, the interior extends to over 2,000 sq ft across two floors of generously proportioned and inviting spaces. The house has a private landscaped patio courtyard with a vine-draped pergola and a wraparound garden that teems with mature plantings. There is also a handy garage with further off-road parking. Winchester Station is a 15-minute walk (or five-minute drive) from the house and runs direct services to London in around an hour.

Setting the Scene

With the first settlements dating back to the Iron Age, and having occupied a prominent role in England until the Norman conquest, the city of Winchester is steeped in history. Its medieval castle, built by William the Conqueror, was the seat of power for monarchs; today, King Arthur’s Round Table is housed in its spectacular Great Hall.

Built between 1850 and 1880, Salcot Lodge is set back from the street behind a thick hedge and timber screens. A handsome façade of knapped flint and brickwork stands tall and is complete with ornate crisp white bargeboards, four-over-four sash windows, a gabled roof and ornate chimneys. An enclosed brick and glass porch projects from the façade, offering an inviting and sheltered entryway to the house.

The Grand Tour

The front door opens into a welcoming hall, where the eye is drawn to a fireplace with an ornately painted cast-iron surround and a marble hearth, fitted with a wood-burning stove. A sun-washed palette of earthy paints make for an uplifting and relaxed atmosphere. Underfoot, a hand-painted white-and-oak checkerboard floor adds a playful touch and flows seamlessly into the drawing room. A south-east-facing bay here floods the space in natural light while framing leafy views.

The layout unfolds into a spacious and light-filled open-plan kitchen and dining room. The kitchen is fitted with bespoke off-white farmhouse units topped with elegant marble surfaces and a green and black Rangemaster cooker. Above the ceramic Belfast sink, a large window gives way to serene views of the trees. Original stone flooring in rich brown hues line the floor. In the dining area, a brick fireplace – now fitted with a solid Rayburn wood-burning stove – adds character and warmth.

At the rear of the plan lies the spectacular sunroom, with vaulted ceilings, full-length skylights and cool grey slate flooring. Bathed in brightness, it is a wonderful spot for relaxing and gathering throughout the year. Gothic-style arched French doors open directly onto the paved terrace and patio beyond – an ideal set-up for summertime soirées.

A well-appointed WC room is finished with an uplifting combination of glazed white ceramic tiles and sandstone orange tones. There are also two utility rooms on this level, along with additional storage tucked beneath the stairs.

On the first floor, three generously sized bedrooms and two smaller rooms are set beneath the eaves. Each has softly washed walls and white-painted floorboards. Views over the leafy setting provide a soothing, restful atmosphere.

The exquisite shared bathroom is fitted with a freestanding bathtub, a walk-in shower and a striking chequerboard marble floor.

The Great Outdoors

A private landscaped patio extends at the back and can be accessed via the sunroom or via a pathway running alongside the house. Lined with stone tiles, the outdoor space has a pergola with plenty of room for a large dining table as well as an area for lounging. There are well-maintained beds planted with a variety of flowers and shrubs, while ivy climbs along the external wall.

The garage adjoining the house has space for one car within and room for a further four on the drive.

Out and About

In the heart of Hampshire, Winchester is a cathedral city that attracts visitors all-year round thanks to its storied past and architectural relevance. Part of the city walls date from Roman times, while several historic landmarks are found among its streets and squares. Some examples are Winchester Cathedral, with the longest medieval nave in Europe, and the Butter Cross, a gift from the Bishop Winchester dating back to the 14th century. Built by William the Conqueror, the Winchester Castle has survived for centuries, and the marvellous Great Hall is home to King Arthur’s Round Table.

The house is within walking distance of the high street, with its many restaurants, cafés and shops. Local favourites include Forte and The Hatch, offering contemporary British fare, Three Joes Sourdough Pizza, and 18th century pub The Wikeham Arms. The city runs a busy program of cultural events and hosts a monthly farmers’ market. 30 minutes’ drive away, Jane Austen’s house in Chawton makes for a wonderful day trip.

At the northern edge of the South Downs National Park, the region is surrounded by countryside and woodland, offering endless opportunities for exercising outdoors while taking in widescreen views of the rich landscape. Filled with wildlife, and populated by ancient woodland, the region’s varied geography makes it the perfect choice for weekend hikes, kayaking, and cycling. The ever popular New Forest is a short half hours drive away providing endless hours of rambling trails and outdoor pursuits.

There are excellent schools in the area, including St Bede Church of England Primary School and Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ Barton Farm Primary Academy, alongside several independent primary and secondary schools.

Winchester station offers direct railway routes to London Waterloo in 60 minutes, Portsmouth in 40 minutes and Bournemouth in 50 minutes. Gatwick Airport can be reached in approximately 90 minutes by car. There is convenient access to the National motorway system via the A31, A34, and M3.

Council Tax Band: G