Soke House, Alresford, Hampshire

Deceptively Spacious, Rich in Character

Soke House is a characterful home in the heart of Alresford, one of Hampshire's most attractive market towns, believed to have been built around 1750. Later combined from two cottages, it now forms a surprisingly spacious three-storey house, with a scale that is not immediately apparent from the outside.

The house sits in The Soke, a short walk from the centre. From the garden, a footbridge crosses the River Arle and leads up towards Broad Street. The sound of the river carries through to the back of the house and garden.

Inside, the kitchen, dining room and sitting room flow easily together across the ground floor. There are five double bedrooms in total, two of which are currently used as a study and a library.


A Bright Welcome

An elegant, light-filled entrance hall with parquet-style flooring (Amtico) and space for coats, with a cloakroom to one side and access to a substantial dry cellar below.

A large window by the stairs draws light through, with a view straight through to the kitchen and its window beyond.


The Heart of the Home

At the rear of the house, the kitchen has been updated by the current owners, creating a well-considered space that works easily day to day.

A full-height sash window looks out over the adjoining garden, bringing in good natural light.

Bespoke cabinetry with granite worktops incorporates an induction hob, double sink and Miele oven with a plate warming drawer beneath, along with a dishwasher, washing machine and well-designed storage throughout.


Family Living

The dining room sits alongside the kitchen, with space for a table for six, a piano and a dresser, as well as a useful cupboard, and opens out to the garden, so the areas connect well for both everyday living and when entertaining.

Beyond, the sitting room offers a more intimate atmosphere, with exposed oak beams and a wood-burning stove, creating a cosy and characterful room.


Rest & Retreat

The first floor is arranged around a generous landing, enhanced by an attractive fireplace and a large window.

This level offers three spacious double bedrooms, two of which are currently arranged as a library and a study.

Another bedroom benefits from built-in wardrobes and enjoys an appealing outlook over the garden. A family bathroom supports the bedrooms on this floor.

A staircase rises to the second floor, where the principal bedroom is an impressive room, enjoying far-reaching views across the town and surrounding countryside and accompanied by a dressing room, a calm and restful retreat.

A further double bedroom and a stylish shower room are also accessed from the landing.


Step Outside

To the rear, the garden is enclosed and easy to manage, with a paved terrace opening out from the house and space to enjoy the outlook, with the sound of the River Arle close by.

There are areas of lawn, a greenhouse and a number of well-positioned spots to catch the sun, making it an easy place for a morning coffee or a glass of rosé in the evening, with pretty planted borders.

There is also a useful store shed beside the house, ideal for keeping bins neatly out of the way.
A gate at the end of the garden opens onto a path that crosses the River Arle via a small footbridge and leads up towards Broad Street, providing a direct and appealing walk into the centre of town.

In addition, the property benefits from a private parking space located a short walk away, between Nos. 46 and 48 Broad Street. It is held on a 99-year lease from 29 September 2016, with approximately 90 years remaining.

There is a second space which is not included in the sale but is available by separate negotiation.


Life in Arlesford

Alresford has long been regarded as one of Hampshire's most desirable places to live. Voted the best place to live in the South East by The Sunday Times, it offers a rare blend of timeless charm and modern convenience, a town full of life and history, yet peaceful and beautifully kept.

Broad Street is one of its most admired addresses, lined with Georgian houses, wide pavements and a strong sense of community.

The River Arle meanders through the town, feeding a string of picturesque watercress beds and flowing past the historic Fulling Mill and Eel House. The Watercress Line heritage railway, still operating steam trains, adds a touch of nostalgia and draws visitors year-round.

Day to day, Alresford is well served. Within a short walk of The Soke are independent shops including a butcher, fishmonger, bakeries, a delicatessen, greengrocer, wine merchant and pharmacy. There are also excellent gift shops, boutiques, galleries, and several thriving cafés, pubs and restaurants.

The town hosts a weekly Thursday market and several annual events including a watercress festival, agricultural show and Christmas lantern parade.

Alresford is a gateway to some of Hampshire's most beautiful countryside. River and meadow walks begin just a few steps from the front door, with longer footpaths leading through the watercress fields and out towards Old Alresford, Abbotstone and the South Downs Way.

There is a welcoming and active local community, with groups, clubs and societies ranging from tennis, golf and bowls to bridge, yoga and choral singing. The town also has its own library, doctor's surgery, dentist, optician and post office.

Education is another draw. Alresford has two state schools, Sun Hill Junior and Perins Secondary, both rated Good by Ofsted. Nearby independent options include St Swithun's, Winchester College, Pilgrims', Lord Wandsworth, Alton School and Bedales.

For those commuting, Winchester station is around 15 minutes by car, with fast trains to London Waterloo in about an hour. Alton and Micheldever stations are also within easy reach.

The A31 offers quick links to the A3, M3 and M25, while Southampton Airport is just under 30 minutes away.


Services & Features

* Mains gas, electricity, water and drainage
* Gas central heating
* Openreach currently offers fibre broadband up to 76 Mbps, with full fibre (up to 1,600 Mbps) expected in 2027
* Council Tax Band: G
* Local Authority: Winchester City Council


In The Area

* Moments from River Arle walks and countryside footpaths
* Short stroll to Alresford's shops, cafés, pubs and market
* Weekly market and local butcher, baker, deli, greengrocer and fishmonger
* Doctor's surgery, dentist, optician and pharmacy in town
* Regular community events and welcoming local groups
* Excellent state and private schooling nearby
* Close to South Downs National Park and walking trails
* 15 mins to Winchester station (trains to London Waterloo approx. 1 hour)
* 19 mins to Alton or Micheldever stations
* Quick access to A31, A3 and M3