Itchen Abbas, Winchester

THE PROPERTY A distinguished detached Edwardian home enjoying an elevated position with far-reaching views across the River Itchen and towards the South Downs, set in the heart of the highly desirable village of Itchen Abbas.

Sunnybank is a particularly handsome period home, set back from the road and approached via a private driveway, offering both privacy and a wonderful sense of arrival. The property has been beautifully redecorated and combines elegant Edwardian character with the comfort and flow of modern family living, with many original features carefully preserved, including high ceilings, large bay windows, ornate fireplaces and a striking galleried landing. The generous proportions typical of the period are evident throughout, creating a home that feels both refined and welcoming.

The traditional panelled front door sits beneath an ornate wrought-iron Edwardian veranda, a charming spot to sit and take in the sweeping views across the valley. Inside, a wide and light-filled entrance hall runs through the centre of the house, immediately showcasing the impressive scale and character for which homes of this era are so admired.

The standout feature of the ground floor is the exceptional open-plan kitchen, dining and living space, designed by the current owners as the true heart of the home. This is a wonderfully large and sociable room, flooded with natural light from the impressive bay window and additional side windows. The space comfortably accommodates a full kitchen arrangement with extensive preparation areas and storage, alongside a substantial dining table and relaxed seating area, making it ideal for everyday family life as well as entertaining on a larger scale.

Opposite is an elegant dual-aspect reception room, currently arranged as a playroom, which provides a versatile additional living space. A large sash window frames views to the front, while the original fireplace provides a charming focal point.

Further along the hallway is a useful cellar, currently arranged as a gym and naturally lit via a glazed former coal hole. There is also a cloakroom retaining its original high-level flush WC, together with a generous utility room with quarry-tiled flooring and sash window overlooking the outbuildings.

A beautiful staircase rises to the first floor and the impressive galleried landing, illuminated by a large sash window that fills the space with natural light.

Four well-proportioned bedrooms are arranged off the landing, comprising three generous double bedrooms and a large single, all retaining their original fireplaces as attractive period features. The principal bedroom is particularly impressive, with large bay windows capturing superb views across the River Itchen and surrounding countryside. The bedrooms are served by a family bathroom and an en-suite shower room to the guest bedroom.

Outside, the south-facing gardens are both private and peaceful, enclosed by mature laurel hedging and fencing. The garden provides a delightful setting for outdoor dining and relaxation, with generous lawned areas for children to play alongside raised beds, vegetable plots and established fruit trees.

To the rear of the property is a range of traditional brick outbuildings, offering excellent storage and clear potential for conversion into a home office or studio, subject to the necessary permissions.

Sunnybank also benefits from ample driveway parking for several vehicles.

Perfectly positioned between Winchester and Alresford, Itchen Abbas is one of the most sought-after villages in the Itchen Valley, known for its beautiful countryside, strong community and excellent access to the surrounding area. Sunnybank offers a rare opportunity to enjoy period charm, exceptional space and glorious views in a truly special setting.

LOCATION: Nestled in the idyllic upper Itchen Valley along the scenic B3047, Sunnybank sits gracefully on the southern edge of the highly sought-after village of Itchen Abbas within the South Downs National Park. Surrounded by gently rolling countryside and just moments from the tranquil River Itchen, the home enjoys a perfect blend of rural charm and modern connectivity.

Ideally located between the historic cathedral city of Winchester and the quintessential Georgian market town of Alresford, the village offers a warm and active community. Local highlights include a charming parish church, the well-loved Plough Inn, a welcoming village hall, and a primary school-all within a short stroll from the property.

Everyday essentials are easily accessed in Kings Worthy with the fabulous Cobbs Farm Shop. Towards Alresford, there is also the West Lea Farm Shop, while Alresford itself provides an array of independent shops, cafes, and boutiques. Just a short drive away, Winchester caters to all lifestyle needs with its vibrant city centre, celebrated restaurants, cinema, theatre, and sports facilities. The city's mainline station offers regular services to London Waterloo, making it a superb choice for commuters.

With excellent access to the M3, M25, M27, and the South Coast, Sunnybank is perfectly situated to enjoy the best of countryside living without compromising on convenience.

THE PROPERTY:
Construction: Sunnybank is a traditional Edwardian villa, understood to date from 1907, of redbrick elevations under a tiled roof. Overall plot size 0.15 acres.
Local Authorities: Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council, Itchen Abbas Parish Council
Services: Mains gas, electricity and water; private cesspit tank drainage.
Council Tax Band G; EPC Band D
Broadband: (Source: Ofcom) Superfast Broadband is available, 58mbps download, 10mbps upload
Flooding: (Source: Govt Environment Agency: Surface water, Groundwater, Rivers & Seas, Reservoirs: All Risks are Very Low.

SCHOOLS: Sunnybank is enviably close to good schools both in the state and independent sector. The catchment schools are Itchen Abbas Primary School, Henry Beaufort Senior School and Peter Symonds 6th Form College. Local independent schools include St Swithuns School, Twyford School, Princes Mead, The Pilgrims School and Winchester College, each of which is within just a few minutes drive.