Restored private Manor House and Estate steeped in local history and bound by ancient, landscaped parkland.

Description

Woodcote Manor Estate is a remarkable country estate located close to the popular market town of Alresford, and nestled in the rolling Hampshire countryside near the village of Bramdean. At its heart lies Woodcote Manor, a handsome Grade II* listed manor house accessed from a sweeping, tree lined, private driveway more than a quarter of a mile in length.

The property sits centred in its own land, affording great privacy with far reaching rural views across the South Downs National Park. With its origins known to date back to the late 12th century, the property is steeped in local history, with its oldest surviving parts, including the classically styled front façade, dated 17th century. Outside, exquisite mature gardens envelope the property, some of which were designed by renowned horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll, and include a historic walled garden.

The extensive outbuildings include a substantial coach house, former water tower, squash court and stable block all with planning permission for residential conversion. To the south east of the manor lies The Gardeners Cottage, a three bedroom property with separate road access, let out on an assured shorthold tenancy.

The land at Woodcote Manor Estate extends to approximately 59 acres and includes historic landscaped parkland, dating back to the 18th century and woodland pasture as well as arable land and woodland, providing opportunity for the enjoyment of country pursuits such as walking, riding and shooting. Further land is available separately.

Like many historic country houses Woodcote Manor has evolved over the centuries. The main classical looking façade is of 17th Century origin. This was added to the 15th Century Hall House, with the impressive exposed timbers that are now visible in the kitchen and family room.

The south elevation is reflective of the Queen Anne era, built by Sir Reginald Blomfield for Edwin Abbey in the early 1900’s. He also made other important additions to the house including the stunning reception hall with its grand proportions, oak panelling and decorative ceiling. Outside, the walled garden, coach house and tithe barn date back to the 17th century, with the coach house and barn being Grade II listed in their own right.

The house and gardens have been rejuvenated by the current owners who have undertaken careful restoration of the property during their ownership.

Woodcote Manor carefully balances a sense of grandeur with the needs of modern family life and has been the much loved home of the current owners for the past 20 years. On the ground floor, the main reception rooms flow freely with elegant proportions, high ceilings and outstanding views of the gardens and landscape beyond. The formal entertaining rooms include a magnificent entrance hall, dining room and drawing room. Period features have been carefully protected and enhanced with some fine panelling, majestic fireplaces, working shuttered sash windows, cornicing and decorative plaster work. To the rear of the property is a light kitchen with vaulted ceilings and central island, breakfast room, comfortable family room and large utility room. The property benefits from an extensive wine cellar, currently used as a billiards room.

An ornate, square spiralled staircase gives access to the first floor, with an extensive master suite including large double bedroom, formally the tapestry room, dressing room and bathroom. The first floor has a further five guest / family bedrooms as well as access to a two-bedroom staff flat (with separate external access). A second, one bedroom ‘nanny flat’ is accessed from the landing, with small living room, kitchen, and bathroom. The second floor houses a small study, two ensuite bedrooms and a playroom (currently used as an art studio).

The gardens at Woodcote Manor Estate are one of the properties defining features and create a tranquil setting for the house, catching the eye from every window with well considered use of water features. The main elevation opens onto a formal lawn, gently sloping down to a grass tennis court and haha with views across the ancient parkland beyond. A brick and stone path runs along the west and north elevation with well stocked flower beds, box hedging and al fresco dining space. To the rear of the property lies a substantial walled garden, a dream for every horticulturalist. Espaliered fruit trees line the walls, with herbaceous borders, kitchen garden, greenhouse and a secluded swimming pool, beyond.

Gardeners Cottage lies to the south of Woodcote Manor, privately placed with separate road access. Grade II listed in its own right; the property was an addition by Sir Reginald Blomfield in the early 1900s. On the ground floor, the property has a large kitchen/dining room, sitting room, entrance hall with utility and downstairs WC. Upstairs has three bedrooms including a good sized master ensuite and separate family bathroom.

Coach House Sitting adjacent to Woodcote Manor, the coach house is a Grade II listed, brick building under a tiled roof. Dated 1886, the northern elevation boasts an impressive bell tower with working clock. Planning permission was granted in 2018 for conversion of the coach house into a two bed dwelling.

Tithe Barn Believed to date back to the 1760, the tithe barn lies behind the coach house and adjoining the stable block. The barn is of authentic, timber frame construction under a tiled roof and is Grade II listed. Consent was granted under the 2018 application for its repair and restoration with use continuing as ancillary to house, including car garaging and storage of garden machinery.

Stable Block Adjoining the tithe barn lies a single storey stable block consisting of three stables, now used for storage, and a tack room. Thought to date back to the mid 19th century, planning permission was granted in 2018 for conversion into a one bedroom flat.

Water Tower To the north of Woodcote Manor, sitting amongst the farmland, is a former, three storey water tower with outstanding panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Planning permission was granted in 2018 for conversion of the water tower into a four-bedroom dwelling.

Squash Court Behind the tithe barn and with direct access to the back drive is a former squash court with artist studio above. Currently used for storage, planning permission was granted in 2018 for conversion into a three-bedroom dwelling.

Location

Woodcote Manor Estate lies just half a mile east of the sought after village of Bramdean, set in a very private position well away from the road. The property enjoys an elevated position commanding exceptional views overs its own parkland, land and the Hampshire Countryside beyond. Bramdean is small, rural parish with its own church, village hall and popular public house.

The market town of Alresford lies approximately 5 miles to the north, with a number of local amenity stores, educational and healthcare facilities.

The Cathedral City of Winchester, just 10 miles to the west, boasts many cultural and historical highlights including its medieval cathedral which hosts a popular Christmas market each year. More extensive shops and facilities are found in Winchester including numerous supermarkets. The South Downs National Park is a spectacular setting and the landscape hosts an outstanding network of footpaths and bridle paths across some of the most breath-taking countryside in the south. The area has become increasingly known for its successful wine industry, with a number of world renowned vineyards close by producing some of the worlds best English Sparkling Wines.

The area has a number of high calibre primary & secondary schools in both the private and state sector. Local prep schools include Twyford, Pilgrims, St Swithuns and Prince’s Mead in Winchester and Bedales Prep near Petersfied . At senior level, Winchester College and St Swithuns in Winchester offer both boarding and day education for boys and girls respectively. In Petersfield, Bedales offers mixed day and boarding, whilst Churcher’s College is a mixed day school. In the state sector, Alresford and Cheriton both have primary schools, whilst Perins School in Alresford provides secondary education.

Square Footage: 14,133 sq ft


Acreage: 59 Acres