School Lane, Hartwell

ENHANCING THE HOME

Over the years, since moving into the house, the owners have upgraded and enhanced it. “In 2016, we converted the garages,” she says. “One of these is now a wonderful external space, which I use as a therapy room but could be a great office or gym. The other side is a very useful storage and workshop space.” More recently, they have updated the kitchen, with chic new sage-green, shaker-style cabinet doors to complement the light granite work surfaces. They also refreshed the hall and stairwell, with pale wood flooring and white panelling offset by the black staircase. Other decorative touches have included creating an elegant dark green and wood-cladding feature wall in the sitting room. “This contrasts nicely with the rest of the room, which is in very neutral shades,” she adds.

LIFE AND STYLE

Set back from the road by an immaculate front garden, the house is entered from the front via the covered porch. There is a generous central reception hall, which then fans off into all the main accommodation. This includes the capacious kitchen dining room, with its bright, airy ambience and stylish finish. A central island offers additional food preparation and storage space and there is plenty of room for a dining table and chairs. “This is a fantastic space when we have family or friends here – we have had so many lovely Sunday dinners,” she enthuses. “In the summer, we keep the doors open so everyone can wander in and out from the garden. The island has been great for laying out food for a buffet and for our grandchildren, who can sit up on a stool to paint or enjoy their playdough.”

FAMILY LIVING

The other magnificent room for socialising is the sitting room, where there is space for a huge, L-shaped sofa. “This is lovely because we can light the open fire in the autumn and winter months or open the garden doors to bring the outside in when it is warm.” An additional, ground-floor reception room has proved to be an outstanding, versatile space. “When we moved in, this was a dining room,” she remembers. “We then decided to make it into a family room, somewhere for the boys to go to watch television or play games. Then, when they grew up, we made it into a study.” Also downstairs are a utility room and a cloakroom.

BEAUTIFUL BEDROOMS

Upstairs on the galleried landing, which leads to all five bedrooms, there is enough space for a reading chair. The master bedroom suite nestles within the upper level of the barn-style wing, where it has a characterful, sloping ceiling, built-in wardrobes and an en-suite shower room. The second bedroom also has the luxury of an en-suite shower room and there is a family bathroom. “This arrangement has worked very well for us as the children have grown up,” the owner observes. “When they were older, they were able to come back with their partners to stay for stretches of time and could be relatively self-contained.”

SUPERB SETTING

The walled garden, which has been landscaped, has been something of an extension to the main home, with ample space for children to play out and adults to relax or entertain. There is easy access to the studio within the converted garage and to the driveway where up to four cars can park. On fine days, they have also enjoyed their proximity to the forest and nearby parks. “This is a lovely little village to live in,” she agrees. “There are sometimes fireworks displays and summer fetes, and there is a community centre where events take place. We have really enjoyed living here – the house and the village are both perfect for family living in so many different ways.”

Outside

The house sits on a generous plot, with a small garden to the front and gated access to the driveway, converted garage and enclosed rear garden. The former garage building now houses a useful office or studio space, as well as a workshop and store. There is space for four cars to park on the driveway. The landscaped garden includes areas of terrace and garden, making it ideal for barbecues, parties and summer relaxation.

Disclaimer

Chewton Rose Estate Agents is the seller's agent for this property. Your conveyancer is legally responsible for ensuring any purchase agreement fully protects your position. We make detailed enquiries of the seller to ensure the information provided is as accurate as possible. Please inform us if you become aware of any information being inaccurate.