Description
From the moment the aged wooden gates opened, we were completely in awe of the landscape that lay in front of us. It is so rare to find a home of this age, still encompassed within grounds of this nature and unspoilt by over modernisation and development. As you venture around both the house and grounds, there are so many surprises to be found, it is simply enchanting.
The Lodge is believed to date back to the late 1800’s, originally built as a Victorian Gatehouse and later extended into a distinctive home in the early 1900’s by a family of Doctors. After many decades remaining with the same family, the current owners took over as the custodians of this unique home in 2008 and have since completed a significant programme of restoration, where every attention to detail has been met and the result is simply mesmerising. Their passion for this home is immediately evident from the moment you step inside the entrance hall, from the intricate Dolly light switches to the Vicarage style arched door way, all the historical elements have been carefully restored which really makes this home so special and memorable. As you move from room to room, the layout offers a welcoming natural flow with space to dine within the bay window in the kitchen whilst the sitting room offers a quiet space to relax within and enjoy the simply glorious views over the landscaped gardens which rest beyond the French doors, a scene which was hard for us to tear ourselves away from. Upstairs, all the bedrooms are a really good size however the main bedrooms suite commands centre stage attention with more far-reaching views over the gardens. More than any one element, it is the scale and historic atmosphere which makes this estate so distinctive, it has to be without question, one of the most remarkable homes we have seen and ever brought to the market.
Key Features
- Stunning landscaped grounds, extending to approximately two acres
- A charming Victorian Lodge, beautifully restored throughout
- An extremely rare opportunity, located within the heart of a thriving market town
- Full of intricate character detailing
- Recently replaced gas central heating boiler
- Garaging and Cart Lodge both with power supply
- Landscaped walled gardens
- Well established orchards and vegetable gardens
- Full of character, both inside and out
- Viewing, absolutely essential
Outside...
Spellbinding is the first word which really captures our thoughts when we think about the grounds here at Meadows. Overlooked by a grand English Oak Tree which is rumoured to have been planted some 350 years ago to commemorate the coronation of Charles II, the gardens have a wonderful degree of separation from one area to another. The wide variety of trees such as Redwoods, Acers, Scots Pines and Douglas Firs give such a wide array of seasonal colouring to create quite an awe dropping landscape beyond the carefully manicured lawns. The orchards allow a slice of the good life where the established fruit trees annually bear Apples, Pears, Damsons, Plums, Figs and Apricots (to name a few) whilst the large fruit cages are ready for seasonal planting. With so many large wide spaces to enjoy, the quiet retreat of the walled garden offers a serene oasis where the bountiful beds conjure a magical display from the most exotic flowers to the principal cottage garden favourites. Take a stroll beyond the imposing Pine Trees and Rockery gardens to the track which encompasses the gardens, an area left for the local wildlife where you can consider the Hedgehogs, Tawny Owls and Goldcrests as your neighbours.
Step outside the gates and you are perhaps a three-minute stroll from the centre of this thriving market town, which offers a fantastic array of places to eat and drink and a wonderful variety of locally independent shops.
Franks Thoughts...
What our owners say…
“We feel blessed to have been the caretakers of a special property for 15 years and it is a joy to wake up and look out on a very private garden full of wildlife each day. However, we are beginning to ‘feel our age’ so the time has come to find new owners who appreciate it as much as we have.”
Franks thoughts…
We’re not afraid to say it, we are little overwhelmed with this home. The grounds are nothing short of majestic, the lodge has been meticulously brought back to life and the location is beyond convenient. Living here would literally change our lives as we’re sure it would yours too.
An incredibly rare find and one we will never forget.
The Legal Part
While we endeavour to maintain accurate photographs, floor plans, and descriptions, these are intended as a guide and purchasers must satisfy themselves by personal inspection. Fixtures and fittings are to be agreed with the seller. Total floorplan measurements have been rounded for ease and distances are also provided as an approximate. The services, systems and appliances listed within our specifications have not been tested by us and therefore provide no guarantee to their operating ability or efficiency.
