Down Street, Dummer, Basingstoke, RG25 2AD

The Old Rectory is a house of remarkable presence and provenance. Approached via oak gates and a sweeping gravel drive that curves past a fountain and planted turning circle, the property immediately conveys the sense of occasion expected of one of Hampshire’s most distinctive period homes.

Designed in 1850 in the full flourish of the Victorian Gothic revival, the house is attributed to William Donthorne, one of the founding members of what became the Royal Institute of British Architects. His drawings for the property remain preserved in the Victoria & Albert Museum. Constructed in a striking combination of knapped square flint and Bath stone dressings, with ornate Tudor-style chimneys, The Old Rectory epitomises the era’s romantic architecture. Unusually, the square flints are believed to have originated from discarded stones once cut for 18th-century flintlock rifles, adding an unexpected historical layer to the house’s fabric.

The façade itself is alive with detail: carved plaques indicate the purpose of the principal rooms within — a harp for the former music room, a bishop’s mitre for the study, and a pair of clasped hands for the reception hall. Inside, the character continues with high ceilings, generous oak doors, original tiled fireplaces, and a fine wine cellar.

Principal Rooms
The reception spaces are designed with both elegance and scale in mind. The drawing room, with its marble fireplace and dramatic bay window, captures long views across the gardens and floods the space with natural light, a rarity in Gothic houses of this period. The library, once a billiard room, is richly panelled in oak and fitted with finely crafted bookcases.

The kitchen has been thoughtfully reimagined for modern living, with bespoke cabinetry, a large central island, Aga, and direct connection to a light-filled breakfast/family room. Beyond lies one of the house’s most impressive later additions; a cathedral-like indoor swimming pool and leisure complex, complete with gym. Constructed in sympathetic flintwork sourced from Dorset and finished with matching Bath stone dressings, this space represents a seamless dialogue between Victorian craft and contemporary lifestyle. Its vaulted ceilings and glazed wall bring a sense of light and openness, framing the gardens beyond.

Upstairs, the principal suite is arranged as a private wing with bedroom, dressing room, and large en suite bathroom. Four further bedrooms and three additional bathrooms provide well-balanced family and guest accommodation.

Coach House and Outbuildings
The former coach house has been sensitively converted into a fully self-contained cottage, ideal for guests, extended family, or staff. Recently refurbished, it offers a generous kitchen/breakfast room, sitting room, bedroom, and bathroom. Additional outbuildings include garaging, a barn with hayloft, and further storage.

Gardens and Grounds
The gardens, designed by Chelsea Flower Show ‘Best in Show’ winner Sarah Eberle, are a triumph of structure and colour. Manicured lawns are framed by herbaceous borders and specimen trees including beech, copper beech, lime, hornbeam, and yew. Formal elements include a parterre of roses, tulips, lavender, and clipped box, while an archway leads to a dedicated croquet lawn. A woodland walk extends through a small copse, linking the grounds to the neighbouring parish church.

Location
The Old Rectory occupies a central position within the historic village of Dummer, a setting rich with literary and ecclesiastical heritage. Jane Austen’s father served as rector in the neighbouring parish, and Austen herself is known to have visited close friends here. The 13th-century All Saints Church, described by John Betjeman as one of England’s most significant, stands nearby as a reminder of the village’s deep historical roots. A short stroll down the lane brings you to The Queen Inn, the village’s traditional pub, providing a welcoming hub for the community.

Despite its tranquil, timeless setting, the property benefits from excellent communications: the M3 (Junction 7) is less than a mile away, offering swift access to London and the South Coast. Mainline rail from Basingstoke reaches London Waterloo in under an hour, while Winchester, with its cathedral, theatre, and fine shopping, lies within easy reach. Popham private aerodrome, along with Heathrow and Gatwick airports, provide further connectivity.

The area is also exceptionally well served by leading schools, including Cheam, Horris Hill, Ludgrove, Elstree, Cothill, Downe House, Winchester College, Eton, and St Swithun’s.

Mains water and electricity. Private drainage (septic tank). Oil fired central heating.
Freehold
Council Tax band H (The Old Rectory)
Council Tax band A (Coach House)