Lodge Hill Road, Lower Bourne, Farnham, Surrey, GU10

A spectacular Arts and Crafts-style residence set on around 3.2 acres with far-reaching woodland views.

Description

Designed by one of Farnham’s most significant architects, Harold Falkner, Merlewood is an exceptional residence offering a rare combination of architectural character, generous proportions and beautifully balanced accommodation.

Falkner was instrumental in shaping much of the town’s early 20th-century appearance and in preserving its historic character. As co-founder of The Farnham Society in 1911, alongside Charles Borelli, he helped to influence architectural standards across the town, particularly in the Georgian-style shopfronts and town centre buildings reconstructed under their guidance.

The house has been restored to it’s original character and decorative style including the wood panelling by the current owners. A further extension using plans drawn up by Falkner himself have significantly increased the size of the kitchen, family room and basement to incorporate modern open plan living.

Set within mature, secluded grounds of around 3.2 acres, Merlewood presents an impressive façade with its varied rooflines, decorative timber gable and tall chimneys, giving an immediate sense of history and craftsmanship. A wealth of original Arts & Crafts features remain, including stained glass windows set in carved stone, ceramic ceilings, decorative friezes of leaves and flowers, and upstairs a spacious landing with access to an external balcony. The footprint of the house follows an angled, butterfly like shape, an intentional design by Falkner to create a natural sun trap and enhance natural light.
Approached through electric gates and a sweeping driveway that curves past landscaped lawns and established trees,

Merlewood enjoys an elevated position with far reaching woodland views that enhance its sense of privacy and calm.
Inside, the home unfolds across a wonderfully fluid ground floor, where elegant reception rooms radiate from the central entrance hall, complete with original cornicing and a feature fireplace. The main drawing room, with its large bay window, triple aspect and open fireplace, forms a grand yet inviting space—the perfect setting for both formal entertaining and relaxed family living. A cosy nook in the corner offers a delightful retreat for quiet reading or enjoying the garden views.

The heart of the home is the expansive kitchen and breakfast room, thoughtfully designed with generous preparation areas, an informal dining space and direct access to the utility room. Features include marble tiles, a breakfast bar, a pantry and integrated appliances including an AGA, induction hob, boiling water tap, filtered water tap, two dishwashers and a steamer. A glass trap door leads down to the original basement which has been converted by the current owners into a spacious wine cellar. A roof lantern and large bay window in the adjoining family room flood the space with natural light and frame beautiful views of the grounds, while French doors open onto the south westerly terrace, making this an ideal area for entertaining.

Off the kitchen, a beautifully light conservatory opens directly onto a terrace, creating an ideal spot to enjoy the morning sunshine. Thoughtfully designed, it also provides an elegant internal link between the house, the wooden framed car port and the single garage, seamlessly connecting the practical elements of the property while enhancing everyday convenience. Above the garage and carport is a versatile studio, ready wired and plumbed, ideal as an additional living or work space with an external staircase.

Adjoining the kitchen is the formal dining room, complete with an original intricate ceiling rose, stained glass window and feature fireplace. Two studies and a cloakroom complete the ground floor accommodation.

Accessed via stairs from the family room is a new basement level home cinema and gym/games room. This versatile space benefits from a shower room and bi folding doors opening onto the lower terrace.

Location

The house is situated in the heart of South Farnham in the Bourne, and is moments from the picturesque Bourne Green (0.5 miles), with its café, tennis courts and play park; and from local shops including a small supermarket/Post Office and pharmacy. A network of footpaths near the property give access to beautiful country walks including the Bourne Wood (0.6 miles), and local pubs include The Fox and the Bat and Ball. Farnham train station is about 1.4 miles away.

The Georgian market town of Farnham (1.8 miles) offers an extensive range of branded and independent shops. Coffee shops and restaurants include a number on the picturesque Castle Street and Lion and Lamb Yard; and there is a choice of supermarkets including a Waitrose. The Maltings arts centre offers theatre, film and crafts, and the new Brightwells Yard complex, now has a six screen cinema, and will bring a new town square with shops, restaurants and public gardens. Farnham town hosts an array of seasonal events throughout the year.

Farnham’s mainline train station (1.4 miles) provides trains to London Waterloo (from 53 minutes). The A31 provides access to the national motorway network.

There is a good selection of schools in the area including, South Farnham Infants, which feeds South Farnham School; St Polycarp's Primary School, Potters Gate C of E Primary, St. Andrews C of E Infant, Weydon School, Edgeborough, Frensham Heights and More House School.

Please note, all distances and times are approximate.

Square Footage: 6,716 sq ft


Acreage: 3.2 Acres

Additional Info

Upstairs, the bedroom accommodation is equally impressive. The principal suite overlooks the front garden and includes two dressing rooms, one with an enclosed Juliet balcony, an en suite bathroom and an additional en suite shower room. The bathroom is shared with a guest bedroom, which enjoys a large bay window and French doors leading to the balcony. A further en suite bedroom and a study, also suited to use as an additional bedroom, complete the first floor.

A secondary staircase leads down to the kitchen/breakfast room.

Ascending to the second floor, there are five further bedrooms, a shared shower room and an additional cloakroom.
Outside, the impressive grounds are a true highlight. Sweeping lawns, mature woodland boundaries and beautifully planted areas frame the house, creating a peaceful environment that feels both expansive and intimate.

The property further benefits from a tandem garage currently used to store a vehicle and additional gardening equipment including mower.

A greenhouse and a unique summer house that can be rotated on its base depending on requirements.

Leisure facilities include a circular swimming pool and a tennis court completing the appeal of this exceptional country home.