Ogbourne St. George, Marlborough, SN8

Fine & Country are delighted to present March House, a substantial period property with extensive gardens and paddock with outbuildings. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a large family home on the edge of this popular village close to Marlborough.

Seller Insight:

What is your favourite room of the house and why?

The kitchen with its Aga cooker: the centre of our universe for so many years, for homework, lively meals, collaborative washing up and lots of good conversations.

Who do you think would be the next ideal owner?

A large family, possibly multigenerational. People who love the quietness, beauty and freedom of the surrounding countryside without being remote. (London, Bath, Bristol, Salisbury, Oxford and the Cotswolds are all within easy reach.) Animal lovers, in our case dogs, cats and two pet sheep.

What do you love most about the house and why?

Its character and relaxed feel, and the flexibility the top floor gives. 33 years ago we moved in with 5 teenage children. Since then the house has welcomed back adult children with partners and babies for months and even years at a time. Now it regularly hosts family gatherings of 17 plus 4 spaniels.

What do you love about the local community?
Its variety.

How easy is it to commute from here?

Very easy. We have easy access to the M4 north of us and train lines into Paddington from Swindon, Great Bedwyn, Pewsey or Hungerford

What made you choose this property over others
that were available at the time?

The quiet, beautiful rural location, the garden and meadow, and the character and size of the house itself.

Accommodation Summary:

Ground Floor:

There’s a pleasing symmetry to the layout of March House’s ground floor. On entering the large hall, the farmhouse kitchen/diner, family room and utilities are to the left; go right to 2 spacious interconnected reception rooms (one currently used as a study). Both wings have doors to the back garden. The hall itself is a great space for more formal entertaining, with its wood burner and French doors with a view onto the terrace and pond. Off the hall are also doors to a WC/boot room and to the cellar.

First Floor:

There are four good-sized double bedrooms on this floor, arranged in a fashion so as to offer excellent privacy for the principal bedroom. There are also two amply proportioned bathrooms and a separate lavatory. A second set of stairs leads from the principal bedroom down into the kitchen, making that first morning coffee within easy reach!

Second Floor:

There are 3 further bedrooms on the second floor with 2 adjoining. In addition, there is another family bathroom plus small kitchen. This space would be perfect for older children wanting a little more independence, or as guest accommodation, allowing larger families or groups of friends to stay under the same roof.

Outside:

An impressive horse chestnut tree stands proud over the gravelled carriage driveway to the front of March House, and plenty of parking is available. The rear gardens here are truly gorgeous, starting with a patio, the grounds extend almost directly west, perfect for making the most of the afternoon and evening sun. The planting has been beautifully thought through with attractive borders to the lawns and plenty of colour. More mature hedging and trees line the boundary, with well-established apple trees in the orchard.

There are a range of outbuildings offering excellent opportunities for further development (subject to the necessary consents). This includes a generous double garage with separate road access.

Beyond the gardens lies a picturesque gently sloping paddock, which could be suitable for a horse. There is direct access onto the Ridgeway national trail from here, perfect for walking out and enjoying the panoramic views from nearby Barbury Castle. The total plot size extends to about 1.7 acres.

Location:

Ogbourne St. George is situated on the beautiful Marlborough Downs. The national cycle network running along the old railway line makes getting into Marlborough on foot or by bike very convenient and numerous footpaths and by-ways can be found within moments of the front door, with some stunning scenery. The village is 3 miles north of the ever-popular historic market town of Marlborough and it is difficult to think of many things that Marlborough High Street lacks. Along with being the second widest high street in the UK, it is host to a fantastic range of shops, cafes, restaurants, independent cinema The Parade, and public houses which sit side by side with larger national chains, such as Waitrose.

There is a variety of excellent schooling available at all levels, an Outstanding rated pre-school and Ogbourne St. George primary within easy walking distance, and St. John’s comprehensive, Marlborough and the world-famous Marlborough College all close at hand. The surrounding countryside also is a huge draw to the area, with country walks, bike rides and other outdoor pursuits all readily available. The Marlborough Downs, Savernake Forest, The West Woods, Avebury stone circle, Barbury Castle and many other beauty spots are within easy reach. The scenic Ogbourne Downs golf course is close to the village. For transport, the M4 is easily accessible at Junction 15. The railway stations at Swindon, Pewsey, Great Bedwyn and Hungerford offer direct services into London Paddington with the fastest taking under 1hr.

Services: Mains water and drainage, 3-phase electricity supply, modern electric heating with programmable thermostats in every room, Pod-point electric vehicle charging, fast broadband, oil tank for Aga

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