Property description
Occupying an elevated position offering spectacular views over the River Itchen across extensive farmland is this beautiful period farmhouse benefitting from a delightful 1/3 acre garden and 32 acres of water meadows with impressive barns extending to 10,250 sqft.
Owners Comments
“Rose Cottage’s main quality is, her adaptability. She has tolerated absent commuters, enjoyed many dinner parties, embraced many children young and old in her cosy rooms and accommodating garden. It is home to a newly retired couple, I often wonder what she thinks of that?””
“Whitesmeadow Farm was created from empty fields in 1997 and has been a successful home to show winning rare breed cattle, as well as sheep and poultry.”
Introduction
With origins dating back to 1775, this accommodating family home was restored in 1970 and more latterly extended and upgraded to create a comfortable family home retaining much of the character evocative of its era, including the striking inglenook fireplace in the upper lounge.
Whitesmeadow Farm extends to 32 acres, conveniently positioned close to the M3 access in the highly regarded village of Twyford and comprises productive hay paddocks, grazing land and exceptional dry barns, timber framed with Yorkshire board cladding constructed approximately 20 years ago. The farmhouse, called Rose Cottage is simply charming, offering the practicality of a country farmhouse, yet maintaining its dignity as an attractive and cosy family home. The accommodation offers an all year round enjoyment with the Aga in the farmhouse kitchen and Inglenook fireplace in the upper lounge offering the Winter warmth yet the patio doors within the kitchen open to the south facing terrace and the cool lower lounge leading to the conservatory providing the summer haven.
It is the outlook of the cottage and farm which holds most enjoyment, with stunning views from all aspects over picturesque trust land protected as an area of outstanding natural beauty. The gardens are beautifully maintained culminating at the pretty River Itchen which offers both fishing rights and an idyllic, brief walk to the village centre. Twyford is a highly sought after village situated within the South Downs National Park close to Winchester offering excellent commuter access and a plethora of excellent schools in both the state and private sectors.
Description
A UVPC door opens into the useful boot room where quarry tiled floors flow via a stable door into the farmhouse kitchen/breakfast room which is both practical and sociable designed to reflect the historic influence of the cottage with exposed beams and a feature brick cooking arch with an inset two oven gas fired Aga. The room is beautifully bright, dual in aspect enjoying patio doors which open onto the excellent south westerly facing sun terrace. The kitchen comprises country style units with wooden worktops and a butler sink with generous space for a farmhouse dining table and chairs. An archway leads to the original part of the cottage passing two large larders into the inner hall which hosts the downstairs cloakroom and access to the cellar. There is a spacious utility room which currently serves as a practical second kitchen to allow a more sociable aspect to the main kitchen. Refitted in 2014 there is a host of eye and base level units with ample worksurfaces, an integrated electric oven, plumbing for appliances and useful hatch to the dining room. The sitting room is the focal point of the cottage, enjoying a quirky split level but centred upon the striking brick inglenook fireplace and original bread oven in the upper area. Steps descend to the lower lounge which provides a second reception area flowing through to the conservatory which affords much natural light and elevated views over the gardens and countryside beyond. The ground floor accommodation is completed by the pretty dining room, once again featuring exposed beams and timbers against lather plaster and is a wonderful room for both formal or informal dining. The mezzanine landing hosts four bedrooms and the family bathroom which is equipped with a pedestal low level WC and separate shower cubicle. The master bedroom is delightful benefitting from recessed wardrobes and steps down to the ensuite bathroom which hosts a traditional Victoria style suite comprising free standing claw foot roll top bath, pedestal wash hand basin and low level WC. On the second floor are two character loft rooms which are versatile in their usage, one currently utilised as a peaceful reading room. The cellar features two storage rooms, ideal as a wine cellar and hosts the gas boiler.
Outside
The gardens are an absolute joy, 1/3 acre in size with gently rolling lawns culminating at the picturesque bank of the River Itchen. The feature extensive courtyard sun terrace offers a high degree of sun and privacy elevated over the well tended gardens. To the side of the garden is a large productive growing area with greenhouse and beautifully stocked flower borders flank the lawns which are studded with fruit trees. A summer house offers an ideal resting place. There is a large double garage with inspection pit and outside WC plus ample parking in front.
Farm
There are 32 acres of water meadows centred around a large dry yard with 3 barns of 10,250 sqft with much potential and built within the last 20 years. There are 2 large hay paddocks, grazing land and small livestock paddocks adjacent to the barn. The property enjoys 35m of fishing rights on the River Itchen. Whitesmeadow Farm has been farmed organically, although not registered, and has participated in conservation schemes whilst being home to a well known herd of rare breed cattle. One of the fields contains a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its riverside flora. The layout of the yard lends itself to Equine use, as well as livestock farming, and has potential for diversification given its position within the Southdown's National Park and proximity to the city.
Location
Twyford is a largely unspoilt village with excellent local amenities including good recreational facilities, excellent public houses known for good food, village shop, tearooms, hairdressers and travel agents. The historic City of Winchester is just a short car journey away along with Hockley Golf Club and M3/M27 junctions. Mainline railway stations are available at Winchester, Eastleigh and local line at Shawford.
Agents Notes
The property is served by gas central heating and private drainage. There are 35 metres of private fishing rights over the River Itchen to the immediate rear of the garden.
Directions
From the Hockley lights travel under the M3 via the B335 towards Twyford and Rose Cottage and the farm entrance can be found approx. 500m on the right hand side.
Property Features :
- Charming 4 bedroom period farmhouse with 1/3 acre of stunning gardens
- 32 acres of water meadows comprising hay paddocks and grazing land
- Substantial dry yard with 10,250 sqft of well constructed barns
- Spectacular views over the river Itchen to countryside beyond
- 35 metres of fishing rights on the river Itchen
Property Info: