Property description

Owners Comments
“We have very much enjoyed living here over the past 30 plus years, it has proved a great place to bring up our children. With very easy access to Salisbury the New Forest, the Coast and even London (to where I commuted daily for many years) it is an exceptionally convenient location.”

Introduction
This striking period home was believed to be part of Lord Radner’s Longford Estate with origins dating back to circa1750 and retains a wealth of character evocative of its era including exposed timbers, feature open fireplaces, quarry tiled and wide board wooden flooring. The enchanting history of this home is immediately apparent with every view of the house offering a different yet aesthetically pleasing aspect. Although wonderfully quaint, the accommodation is surprisingly substantial in excess of 4000sqft including the impressive array of outbuildings resulting in a truly charming and individual residence. The four practical bedrooms and versatile host of reception rooms are supplemented by a useful self contained annex above the double garage ideal for separate occupation or ancillary accommodation to the main house. Although boasting a wealth of period features modern conveniences are derived from the solar panels providing energy efficient electricity and an impressive annual return. This rare gem enjoys a delightful setting within elegant gardens exceeding 1.25 acres but also an excellent adjoining paddock approaching 2.5 acres appealing to the equestrian enthusiast with idyllic riding nearby. West Grimstead is a picturesque rural village with attractive scenic walks and countryside offering a peaceful haven yet within walking distance of local amenities in Alderbury and within a short drive of the comprehensive facilities of the medieval city of Salisbury.

Description
Upon entering The Keepers House you are immediately immersed in the past with beautifully preserved exposed brick walls and inset beams in the hallway which provides access to the principal reception rooms. The country kitchen/breakfast room is equipped with an extensive range of eye and base level units and walk in larder. There is a four ring ceramic hob and electric oven with space and plumbing for further appliances. A glazed door opens into an inner hall which leads to a delightful conservatory overlooking the gardens and is an ideal venue for relaxing or entertaining. There is also a cloakroom and utility room with substantial storage supplementing the kitchen space with additional units, plumbing and space for further appliances. The family room is central to the home and forms part of the original building boasting a feature fireplace with inset woodburning stove. The sitting room enjoys attractive views to the garden via triple aspect and traditional Cobb arched windows. The dining room provides much original Victorian character, centred upon a feature open fireplace. Stairs lead to the first floor landing which hosts access to the loft and a range of generous storage cupboards. The master bedroom is to the rear of the property wonderfully bright from the dual aspect and is served by an ensuite shower room and double cupboard. Bedroom two is of a good size offering a large built in cupboard and a vanity unit, bedroom three is also a large double room with ample space for freestanding furniture whilst bedroom four benefits from a built in wardrobe and shelving. The family bathroom completes the accommodation comprising a matching suite with bath, pedestal basin and WC and built in linen cupboard.

Outside and Annex
A substantial gravelled driveway and paved area fronts the house and modern double garage with adjacent car port, workshop and lockable storage. Situated over this complex is a substantial and attractive vaulted room, with wood effect flooring benefitting from a well fitted kitchenette and separate shower room.This is currently used as a studio/guest suite. There is Calor gas central heating.

The gardens are wholly impressive and exquisitely planted with a plethora of plants, flowers and specimen trees. It provides a setting that can only be described as magical. The gardens have been created to provide both formal and informal areas with 2 ponds, well stocked borders , established trees and ornamental flowering shrubs. They have interest and colour at all times of the year and provide a haven for birds and wildlife of all types

To the side of the property is The Bothy, which was the original Victorian wash house, it has two large rooms with a chimney breast and inset stove and is adjacent to the original working well.This offers exciting potential as a garden room/office or ancillary accommodation, subject to necessary consents. Further buildings include a garage store for garden machinery, log store and greenhouse.

The paddock extends to approximately 2.5 acres immediately to the rear and side of the garden, enclosed by post and rail fencing with a separate access and large field shelter and water supply. If required a section of the garden could easily be incorporated to enlarge the paddock.

Location
The Keepers House enjoys an extremely private and discreet position in a rural setting within the heart of West Grimstead. The immediate scenery is stunning offering picturesque walks, cycle rides and horse riding. Such is the privacy of Walden Estate that it remains quite unknown to many locals. Within walking distance are the beautiful church, village recreation green and active village hall. The popular Hook and Glove public house can be reached via a lovely woodland walk to the next village. There is a local shop and Post Office available in Whaddon which is approximately one mile away. More extensive amenities are available in Salisbury city centre in addition to the nearby market town of Romsey just a few miles away. There is excellent schooling for children of all ages both in the state and private sector.

Agents Notes
Unusually this period home dating back to 1750 of brick and cobb construction is not listed. It is served by oil fired central heating and private drainage which is shared with two of the neighbouring properties. There are solar panels upon the garage roof providing electricity and a substantial income of circa £1,000 per annum. The rateable value for the property is Band F amounting £2,157.48 2015/16.

Directions
From our offices in West Wellow proceed along the A36 towards Salisbury and take the turning for Alderbury and West Grimstead following the signs for West Grimstead. Then after 800 metres on left hand side take Crockford Lane, head under the railway bridge and Walden Estate is immediately on your left hand side. Follow the track and the property and paddocks are on the right hand side after around 500 metres.

Property Features :

• Four bedroom period home
• Magnificent gardens in excess of 1.25 acres with a separate paddock approaching 2.5 acres eminently
• Beautifully scenic and tranquil country location
• Host of period features
• Energy efficient Solar Panels