Willowbank, Titchfield, Hampshire

Combining Elizabethan foundations with early Georgian grandeur, this distinguished Grade II-listed house is steeped in history. Willowbank is a 10-minute drive from the Solent and has a rich naval association, with a First Sea Lord among its previous residents. Versatile in nature, its principal six-bedroom layout spans some 5,525 sq ft and is replete with original features, from period joinery to sweeping sash windows. A garden of just under an acre surrounds the house, with magnolia and yew trees, a productive orchard, a secret walled garden, and a magnificent south-facing Hartley Botanic greenhouse.



Setting the Scene



Now a peaceful, picturesque village in Hampshire, Titchfield has a storied past. Its 13th-century abbey was granted to the Earl of Southampton by Henry VIII following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It was later converted into Place House, an impressive Tudor mansion now managed by English Heritage.



Up to the 17th century, Titchfield played a significant role in maritime trade. This house was built during that period and was later significantly developed in the early Georgian era. Inside, a wealth of period features speak to this history, including original box shutters, 300-year-old broad oak floorboards, Purbeck flagstones, and intricate cornice detailing.



More recent additions, including smart electric heating and an electric Aga, have subtly modernised the home. There is also planning permission in place to reimagine the stables and harness room into a self-contained two-bedroom dwelling.



The Grand Tour



A handsome presence on Mill Street, Willowbank is built of richly toned red brick. Entry is through a sage-green front door framed by an elegant, pronounced doorcase, which leads to a grand entrance hall grounded with original dark oak floorboards and a cast iron gas stove.



To the left are a series of rooms, including a snug, workshop, and wine cellar. On this side of the house is also a superb drawing room, with a large bay fitted with sash windows and a French door to the garden. On one side is an impressive stone fireplace, its mantel ideal for cut flowers or artwork. Opposite is the dining room, another elegant space with additional French doors to the garden and a further stately stone fireplace.



The kitchen sits next to the dining room and is a charming space with stone flag flooring. A double-oven electric Aga has been added, along with reclaimed oak work surfaces. An exposed beam spans overhead, providing a dark counterpoint to the room’s serene, predominantly white scheme. From the kitchen is a bright utility room and, beyond that, a large larder for dry goods. Additional storage is found in a cellar beneath the house.



A refined staircase rises to the upper floor, where six serene bedrooms, a playroom or study, a bathroom, two ensuite shower rooms, and a separate WC are arranged. Each bedroom has its own character, defined by refined paint colours and beautiful sash windows.



The principal bedroom is an exceptional space with twin French doors opening to a small balcony overlooking the lawns. A fireplace with exquisite botanical motif tiles sits on one side. A versatile playroom or sitting room provides access to two further charming bedrooms.



On the top floor is a generous attic with lime-plastered walls and wide oak boards salvaged from 18th-century ships.



The Great Outdoors



The gardens at Willowbank are an intrinsic part of the overall experience. Lovingly tended, they comprise walled gardens, established perennial borders, and mature trees. An orchard is home to a variety of apples and quinces, and there is also a fruit cage. A secret walled garden provides an enchanting retreat, while a beech and hazel coppice rolls down to the River Meon, where mallards and moorhens can be spotted.



Elsewhere, planting makes the grounds a haven for bees and butterflies, and a sublime south-facing greenhouse offers a peaceful spot to sit in the sun.



A garage and long flint-cobbled driveway provide ample parking. A series of outbuildings includes a wood store, piggeries, a covered sheep pen, a harness room, and two stables. The latter currently benefits from planning permission for conversion to a separate two bedroom dwelling, providing a fantastic opportunity for ancillary residential accommodation or onward sale.



Out and About



Titchfield is a wonderful village rich in period architecture. It sits around a 30-minute walk to Meon Shore via Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve, which spans 369 acres of diverse habitats. Titchfield Haven Beach is also nearby, while the South Downs National Park and the New Forest are easily accessible.



Nearby towns include Wickham, with its Georgian square, and West and East Meon, traditional villages with pubs, chalk streams, and walking routes through the Meon Valley. Hamble-le-Rice is a delightful sailing village around 15 minutes away, while the larger centres of Portsmouth and Southampton are within easy reach.



The surrounding area is steeped in history, with nearby sites including Portchester Castle, Netley Abbey, and the ruins of Bishop’s Waltham Palace.



There are several schooling options nearby. In the state sector, Crofton School and Cams Hill School are well-regarded, alongside several village primaries. In the independent sector, West Hill Park School, Meoncross School, and The Portsmouth Grammar School are strong local options.



The M27 and A27 are both close by, providing quick routes to Southampton and Portsmouth in under 20 minutes. Fareham station is the nearest rail link, with services to Southampton and Portsmouth, and onward connections to London Waterloo.



Council Tax Band: G