NO FORWARD CHAIN!

The Hidden Cottage, Ivy Cottages, Grove Road South by Marco Harris,

Tucked away in one of Southsea’s most central yet surprisingly peaceful positions, The Hidden Cottage enjoys a truly unique setting. Although surrounded by the energy and convenience of Southsea Central, once inside the courtyard you would be forgiven for thinking you were deep in the countryside. Perfectly positioned between Merton Road and Marmion Road, the property sits just moments from Palmerston Road Southsea’s vibrant high street where an eclectic mix of independent shops, cafés, bars and restaurants can be found. A Waitrose is also close at hand, making everyday convenience effortless. A local favourite comes highly recommended: Crazy Crumb Bakery & Café, just a short stroll away, celebrated for its excellent coffee, sourdough loaves, irresistible sweet treats and you have to try the lamb roll!

The Property
Approached via a discreet alleyway beside a neighbouring shop, the sense of arrival is genuinely special. As the alley opens, you are welcomed into a charming shared courtyard laid with original 19th-century cobbles that is bathed in sunlight throughout the day. Shared with just one neighbouring cottage, the courtyard also benefits from raised flower beds, a log store and an external tap. The cottages themselves are striking. Decorative gables, beautifully shaped windows and arched ground-floor openings hint at their storied past rumoured to have once been police stables, where horses would peer out through the very windows you see today. Uniquely, the cottage offers two front doors, each full of character. The right-hand door most commonly used opens directly into the kitchen. Here, natural stone flooring with underfloor heating sets the tone, complemented by a classic shaker-style wooden kitchen, inset Butler sink and range cooker. An exposed brick fireplace, now home to a wine rack, forms a striking focal point. Just beyond, the cosy living room centres around a working log-burning stove perfect for winter evenings while a charming alcove beneath the stairs offers space for books, storage or a reading nook. There is ample room either here or within the kitchen for a dining table, allowing flexibility depending on lifestyle.

Upstairs, the sense of character continues. Two well-proportioned bedrooms both feature exposed beams and vaulted ceilings. The principal bedroom is particularly atmospheric, with a cast-iron fireplace and exposed brickwork forming a standout feature. The second bedroom is a comfortable double, currently arranged as a home office, and benefits from bespoke built-in wardrobes. The bathroom has been tastefully updated and blends period charm with modern comfort. Finished with wood-effect flooring, Victorian-style sanitary ware and brick-slip tiling, a herringbone-pattern feature wall frames the bath beautifully. A deluxe window above fills the room with natural light, creating a space that feels both cosy and indulgent.

Agent’s Comments

“This is one of those homes that truly surprises you. Hidden away, full of history, and utterly charming The Hidden Cottage offers something genuinely different in the heart of Southsea".

Useful Information

• Council Tax Band: C (approx. £161.55 per month)
• Tenure: Freehold
• Construction: Solid wall construction, believed pre-1920s
• Services: Mains gas, electricity and water
• Boiler: Installed in 2026
• Broadband: Fibre broadband available (typical speeds approx. 35–65 Mbps)
• Energy Suppliers: Gas and electric currently supplied by Octopus Energy
• Parking: On-street permit parking (short walk to the property)
• Bathroom: Fitted in 2020
• Listing Status: Not listed; believed not to be within a conservation area
• Rights of Way: None known
• Courtyard: Shared ownership with the neighbouring cottage; shared access only for neighbouring flats to reach rear doors and bin areas
• Outbuildings: Lockable external store
• Flood Risk: No known history of flooding
• Disputes: No known disputes with neighbours
• Included Fixtures & Fittings: Washing machine, range cooker, curtains, bedroom headboard with fitted lights
• Chain Position: Offered with no forward chain

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Checks
In line with UK Anti-Money Laundering Regulations, all successful buyers will be required to complete identity and source-of-funds checks. A charge of £60 inc VAT per person applies for these checks. To ensure compliance, buyer details will be shared with a third-party AML provider who will contact you directly to complete the verification process. This is a legal requirement placed upon estate agents and is designed to protect all parties involved in the transaction.

 
Important Notice & Disclaimer
These particulars are issued in good faith and are believed to be correct; however, they do not constitute any part of an offer or contract. Measurements, areas and distances are approximate and provided as a guide only. Prospective buyers must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of all information, fixtures and fittings, and services prior to exchange of contracts. No tests have been carried out on services, appliances or systems referred to in these particulars.