Island House, Steep, Hampshire

A rare opportunity to acquire the principal and most substantial portion of Island House, an iconic Edwardian country residence set within the highly regarded private Island Estate in Steep, near Petersfield.

Constructed circa 1901, Island House was designed by the noted Arts and Crafts architect Harry Inigo Triggs of Unsworth & Triggs. Triggs, a respected architectural historian and contemporary of leading Arts and Crafts figures, was renowned for his sensitive interpretation of vernacular traditions and craftsmanship. The formal gardens were laid out by the celebrated horticulturalist and garden designer Gertrude Jekyll, whose enduring influence on English garden design is internationally recognised. The collaboration between architect and garden designer reflects the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement, where house and landscape were conceived as a unified composition.

Island House occupies an elevated position within approximately 2.5 acres of established grounds, enjoying far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside and towards the South Downs. The gardens are a particular feature, comprising sweeping lawns interspersed with mature trees and descending to areas of private woodland, accessed via original pathways and steps. The setting affords a notable sense of privacy and tranquillity, further enhanced by the estate's exclusive woodland for residents.

The accommodation extends to over 5,000 sq ft, arranged over four floors including the cellar, and retains a wealth of period detail characteristic of its Edwardian heritage. The house is distinguished by its generous proportions, high ceilings, sash windows and original architectural features.

A welcoming entrance hall with cloakroom leads to an inner hallway. The kitchen/dining room connects through to a substantial conservatory, providing an outlook over the gardens. The double-height sitting room, centred on an open fireplace, features a large picture window framing the rear aspect and views beyond.

The principal reception room is of particular note: an impressive wood-panelled space with a striking double split staircase rising to the first-floor galleried landing. Three pairs of French doors open onto a covered veranda, creating a seamless relationship between the interior and gardens. A study lies adjacent, and the basement provides two useful ancillary areas.

On the first floor, a galleried landing serves the principal bedroom suite with en suite bathroom, three further well-proportioned bedrooms, a family bathroom and a storage room. The second floor offers three characterful eaves bedrooms, a substantial storage room with potential for further accommodation (subject to the necessary consents), a large bathroom and access to the roof via a skylight.

Externally, the approach provides a generous private parking area. A double-length tandem garage of approximately 32 ft and a separate workshop complement the accommodation.

Island House represents an exceptional example of early twentieth-century Arts and Crafts architecture, set within gardens of historic pedigree and enjoying commanding views over the Hampshire countryside. While some modernisation of the kitchen and bathroom facilities may be desirable, the house appears structurally sound from external inspection and retains the integrity and character of its original design, offering a compelling opportunity to restore and enhance a significant country home.