Location

Rothiemurchus is situated in St. Cross, a conservation area to the south of the centre of Winchester. The area, renowned for its high-quality housing stock is situated conveniently for the pedestrian shopping centre in the High Street containing a wealth of shops, restaurants and recreational facilities that include the Theatre Royal and a local cinema. Winchester College and the water meadows of St. Cross stretch along the banks of the river Itchen nearby. There are splendid walks through the historic cathedral streets, the water meadows and on to St. Catherine‘s Hill.

Winchester is approximately 59 minutes by train from London Waterloo, the M3 motorway (Junction 9, 10 and 11) is within easy reach making both London and Southampton readily accessible. The interconnection with the M27 make Southampton International Airport easily commutable and also opens up to the South Coast. The A34 to the north provides access to Oxford, the Midlands and the A303 to the west country.

The city enjoys a reputation for outstanding schooling. St Cross falls within the catchment area for the highly regarded Kings' School with a further diverse range of state and private schooling within easy reach, including Winchester College, Peter Symonds sixth form college, St. Swithun's school for girls, Twyford Prep, Pilgrims, Prince's Mead preparatory school and St Faith's CE primary school.

Description

This imposing Victorian family home dates back to 1895 and is set within charming gardens with distant views over the surrounding countryside making for an ideal long term family home. Thoughtfully extended and enhanced by the current owners, the property retains an abundance of period features reflecting its interesting history.

Discreetly hidden by mature trees and hedging, the property is approached via stone steps that rise from the driveway. A welcoming covered main entrance opens on to a hallway with a cloakroom and provides access to all principal reception rooms. At the heart of the home are the elegant entertaining spaces comprising a dining room, sitting room and drawing room. Each room features unique focal points which are particularly charming, whether that be the open fireplace in the dining room, or the double doors from the sitting room to the terrace. A particular highlight is the dual aspect drawing room that is flooded with natural light and stunning views over the landscaped gardens to the hills beyond. There is an open fireplace that contributes to the most comfortable and homely atmosphere. The cleverly extended kitchen is incorporated within a David Salisbury Orangery and offers a brilliant area to share family time, cook and entertain. Double doors lead from the kitchen to a fantastic paved terrace and the gardens beyond, ideal for al fresco dining in the summer months. There is an array of floor and wall mounted cupboards, open work surfaces, modern appliances and a range cooker. A concealed doorway leads to a practical boot room, which connects to the family/games room and the garden. Completing the ground floor is the former breakfast room, now a study, a walk-in pantry, and a large utility room.

A sweeping staircase rises from the hall to the first floor, where a landing leads to the impressive primary bedroom, complete with built-in wardrobes. This floor also contains three further double bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms. A secondary staircase ascends to the top floor, offering two charming attic bedrooms and a bathroom featuring a delightful slipper bath. A generous attic storage area completes the upper level conversion.

Occupying an elevated position at the head of its grounds, the house and gardens enjoy far reaching views across the South Downs, St Catherine's Hill and the neighbouring Hockley Golf Course. Mature trees and established hedging surround the garden and provide a feeling of extreme privacy, whilst containing a variety of well-stocked borders, sunny terraces, secluded corners to sit and relax and manicured lawns that gently fall to a lower garden. Arranged as a series of productive ornamental spaces the lower garden features pretty pathways, vegetable beds, fruit trees, flowering shrubs and a particularly useful greenhouse and traditional garden shed. A historic hand pump stands as a reminder of a former water supply once used to nourish the garden along with the unique feature of an Anderson shelter. It's clear that the entirety of the outside space has provided a peaceful haven and an enjoyable country garden on the fringe of city that the current owners have thoroughly enjoyed.

The current owners of the property own an adjoining paddock that could be available by separate negotiation. Please do call for further information.