School Lane, Headbourne Worthy, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23

A 16th Century Grade II Listed farmhouse occupying an elevated position overlooking its own beautiful gardens, woodland, river and lake totalling around 4.35 acres.

Description

Lower Farm’s rich history is evident in its architectural features that include locally sourced brick and stone work, plain tiled roof and exposed beams . Originally a three-bay structure from the 16th century, the property was extended in the 17th century with the addition of a cross-wing.
There were more recent additions utilising local reclaimed
materials that have created a guest wing and an additional ground floor reception room. Notable interior features include a 17th century fireplace and original beams with a galleried landing and flagstone floors, all reflecting the property’s heritage.

Upon entering one is immediately welcomed by a fabulous vaulted entrance with a stained glass window and access to the charming kitchen, breakfast room, dining room and study. The kitchen features a flagstone floor, aga, wall and floor mounted units with a layout that is ideally suited to modern family life, offering the opportunity of further enhancement and modern additions. A very generous sitting room is adjacent to the kitchen with an impressive open fireplace and access to the south facing paved terrace. The formal dining room is a particular highlight with high ceilings, exposed beams and the 17th century feature fireplace whilst also offering access to the veranda. There is a study, boot and utility area and a cloakroom that complete the ground floor.

On the first floor the primary bedroom is generous in its proportion and enjoys the best of the views over the gardens and comes with its own en suite bathroom. There are three further bedrooms with an additional suite within the modern extension, ideal for guests or annexe accommodation. There is a family bathroom and a linen cupboard completing the first floor. There are some areas of the property that would benefit from some cosmetic enhancement that would have an immediate effect, further elevating Lower Farm.

OUTSIDE
To find such tranquillity, privacy and comprehensive grounds in a location so close to Winchester is a rarity and a truly unique opportunity. The sweeping driveway leads to a gravel parking area and a hand built Granary atop staddle stones. The drive continues to a lower barn that makes for ideal storage of garden machinery, tools and other leisure equipment such as vintage cars or bikes.

The current owners created a path that meanders alongside a row of Yew Trees and passes what was a hand built dry stone wall and leads to an expansive area of open formal lawns. The previous owners have also utilised the barn as a ‘Party Barn’ as it is situated in prime position opening on to a paved terrace overlooking the gardens. It also has views back to the house offering an ideal area for entertaining all year round. The paths lead around the gardens, across the river and around the lake where local wildlife such as swans, ducks and kingfishers have been seen and thrive.

Location

Headbourne Worthy is located on the northern fringe of the city of Winchester and comprises a local school, public house, church and a local farm shop which includes a bakery and café. The focal point of the village being the ancient St. Swithun’s Church which dates back to the 11th century. A wider range of shopping and cultural facilities can be found in the cathedral city of Winchester, which is 1½ miles away.

The main line railway station provides a regular service to London Waterloo (59 minutes). The M3 motorway (J9) is about 1½ miles away with connections to London, the South West and the wider motorway network.

Lower Farm is well situated to some of the leading schools in the area which include Pilgrims at Winchester, Princes Mead at Abbots Worthy, Bedales at Petersfield, St Swithuns School for Girls just outside Winchester and Twyford School to the south. In addition there is Peter Symonds Sixth Form College in Winchester, and not forgetting of course Winchester College itself.

Sporting facilities in the area include some of the finest chalk stream fishing in the northern hemisphere on the nearby River Itchen and its carriers along with the River Test to the west. Golf can be found at Avington, Alresford, Twyford and Winchester Golf Clubs. Nearby sailing is available on the Solent with its many marinas and there is horse racing at Salisbury, Newbury, Ascot, Epsom, Goodwood and Fontwell. The theatre can be enjoyed at the Theatre Royal in Winchester and the Mayflower in Southampton as well as the Opera at The Grange in Northington near Alresford for the summer season.

Winchester city is renowned for its history, culture and magnificent cathedral, which is surrounded by an abundance of important and notable buildings. Lower Farm is around 1.5 miles from the pedestrianised high street of Winchester city centre and contains a variety of shops, independent boutiques, restaurants and recreational facilities such as The Arc Discovery Centre and a local cinema to name a few. There are captivating walks through the cathedral streets leading to St. Catherine’s Hill and the water meadows around St Cross where walkers or cyclists can follow the Itchen Navigation south out of Winchester to local villages.

Square Footage: 3,530 sq ft


Acreage: 4.36 Acres

Additional Info

Mains electric
Mains water
Mains gas
Private drainage - Requires updating to meet new 2023
regulations – Quotation available upon request