Exceptional country house

This superb country residence lies conveniently close to Alresford and Winchester yet enjoys a wonderful rural setting with its own gardens and paddocks extending to about nine acres on the western edge of the Candover Valley. In addition to the principal house, which dates back to the early 18th century, there are substantial barns and outbuildings set around a courtyard and two separate cottages.

Northington Down has undergone significant refurbishment and remodelling in recent times to provide extensive, elegant family accommodation with lovely period features. The living space radiates from a magnificent galleried reception hall with a central staircase. A total of eight bedrooms are arranged over the top two floors with an additional sitting room opening from the first floor landing by way of double doors, creating a light and airy space.

The period barns provide 7,000 square feet of storage and the two cottages each has its own small garden. There is also a studio or office close to the house.

The gardens and grounds to Northington Down are a significant feature of the property, complementing the surrounding countryside and providing a peaceful and pretty setting for this fine country house. The gardens lie predominantly on the southern side of the house where a large terrace is adjacent to the drawing room and dining room. The terrace has steps that lead up through attractive, beautifully maintained flower and shrub beds leading on to the lawned gardens and in turn leading onto a grove on the southern boundary and a feature water garden which provides an idyllic setting in dappled shade.

Promoted stories

On the western side is a further terrace surrounded by an attractive rose garden and adjacent to the kitchen. On the eastern side there is a further terraced area with gates opening to the driveway. Beyond the drive, to the north is the upper garden with an informal feel, being partly wooded and overlooking open countryside. It is a perfect environment for the excellent hard tennis court, being close to the house but not in sight.

Savills, with joint agents Knight Frank, quote a price of £3,500,000 and further information is available from the Winchester office on 01962 841842.