Location

Neatham is located on Sleepers Hill which name derives from local legend where King Arthur and his knights were thought to sleep at the bottom of the hill before emerging to save England. This historic location enjoys fine views south to the Hampshire Downs and over the cathedral city of Winchester. Situated about 1 mile from the centre and railway station, Sleepers Hill is ideally positioned for those wishing to benefit from the comprehensive range of shopping and recreational facilities in the city, which includes a selection of boutiques, shops, restaurants, and cafes. The city is also known for its range of cultural opportunities including the theatre, city museum, military history museum and at the historic heart of the city, the cathedral and Winchester College.

Winchester is also home to highly regarded educational establishments including the Kings School, Winchester College, St Swithun’s and Pilgrims Schools. Additional preparatory and state schools are situated locally including Peter Symonds College, Twyford and Farleigh Preparatory Schools and Prince’s Mead.

Communications from Winchester are excellent, with a direct train service to London Waterloo (approximately 59 minutes), the M3 at Junction 9 is approximately 3 miles away offering direct access to London and the South Coast, and Heathrow and Southampton Airports are 65 miles and 12 miles away respectively.

Description

Neatham forms a significant part of Sleepers Hill’s history and an exceptional example of a Victorian family home of over 5600 sq. ft. Dating back to 1889 and being one of only a handful of original period homes on the hill, this stunning example has evolved through time into what is now an impressive and versatile home of real grandeur.

The property is approached by a private driveway which leads to an imposing main entrance providing access to an impressive, vaulted reception hall with the original sweeping staircase to the first and second floors. There are three separate reception rooms, a drawing room, dining room, and a study all featuring bespoke design features, elegant period detail and original sash windows framing the outstanding views towards the South Downs. A particularly special part of the house is the Kitchen, breakfast and garden room that occupy the western corner of Neatham. Within the kitchen there are a range of built in appliances, floor and wall mounted cupboards, a four door Aga, additional electric hob and electric oven and American Style fridge freezer, marble work tops and an abundance of natural light flooding through the lantern roof light and doors to the terrace. Additionally, there is a utility/boot room with additional full size fridge, and guest WC which completes the ground floor.

The bedroom accommodation is arranged off the magnificent central galleried landing with the principal suite being of particular note. Featuring bespoke, hand painted cabinetry within the dressing area, a luxurious en suite bathroom and generous proportions within the bedroom that enjoys the best of the panoramic views south, over the garden. There are three further bedrooms on the first floor, with a sewing/laundry room and a family bathroom.

Guest Apartment
Accessed via the rear staircase, the guest apartment has been comprehensively renovated and thoughtfully designed by the current owners with profound effect. With a fully fitted kitchen/ breakfast room, striking sitting room featuring a window seat looking south, a family bathroom and two impressive bedrooms, the additional space makes for extremely comfortable accommodation.

OUTSIDE
The property sits discreetly within private grounds below Sleepers Hill with a feeling of complete seclusion. The sun terrace spans the entire width of the property and offers plenty of choice when considering areas to dine al fresco, relax or entertain. The gardens have been expertly landscaped to create a rockery, rose garden and a highly attractive Koi pond set within the well-established borders. There is an expanse of manicured formal lawn which is surrounded by mature, planting, specimen trees (including one apple tree, two pear trees and a fig tree) and a path that meanders its way to a wonderful swimming pool complex. Alongside the path is a unique sculpture that was once a Red Cedar tree dated around 120 years old. Unfortunately due to safety concerns the tree had to come down but instead of seeing it go completely, the current owners decided to keep the trunk as a wonderful feature.

The swimming pool is nestled at the bottom of the garden surrounded by mature trees and a paved terrace with a brick barbeque with metal grill and tray, an area ideal for entertaining in the summers months. The pool house contains a comprehensive range of facilities including changing rooms, showers, a sauna, fully fitted kitchen and reception rooms. To the side and front of the property there are garden sheds, an internal courtyard and well-stocked, raised borders with mature shrubs for privacy. There is a concealed and private drive that provides ample space for many vehicles and storage of other leisure equipment.