Month: August 2016

Builder Montague Gibbs and architect Trevor Tatham had a huge influence on the growth of Lee-on-the-Solent after World War 1.

And an example of how they expected the area, and the people moving there, to prosper is tucked away in a bungalow called Branscombe in Milvil Road.

They must have realised that ownership of the motor car, then a relative novelty only available to the wealthy, would be something that gained wider appeal. So although Branscombe was built in the early 1920s it was still designed with an integral garage, almost revolutionary in its day.

Originally a three bedroom bungalow, Branscombe was also cleverly created to make the most of its plot, with its angled shape giving plenty of room yet still allowing a good area of garden in its fifth of an acre.

Colonial influences were still prevalent at the time, so the bungalow also acquired a veranda that runs around the front of the property which, because of its shape, means the veranda actually runs along four walls.

The property has only changed hands a very few times since its construction, the current owners taking possession in 1995. They have now decided to move on, but the home they leave behind is now an impressive five bedroom property as two more bedrooms have been added in the original roof space, centred round a galleried landing that creates almost an atrium effect in the entrance hall below. In fact, with the skilful integration of the stylish staircase it would be hard to detect that how it is now is not what the architect always intended.

“This is one of those stand-out properties, and for more reasons than the permanent presence of the union flag from the mast in the front garden,” says Colin Shairp, of Fine and Country Southern……

It’s almost 170 years since the primitive Methodist chapel was built in the Hampshire hamlet of Upper Wield.

Not least among the changes in the intervening years was the arrival of a new neighbour in 2003, when Chapel Cottages was built alongside after 155 years of existence.

Not that the Victorian building was overwhelmed by its neighbour because the architect took as inspiration for the new house the design of Upper Wield Manor. As a result, Chapel Cottages looks to have been part of the landscape for years, blending the great practicality of a new home with the atmosphere and style of a much older country house.

“The twin bay windows on the ground floor and the porthole window set between them on the first floor give a delightful period feel that’s reinforced by the catslide roof descending from the main ridge to almost ground level over the car port at the side of the house,” says Chris Gooch, of Carter Jonas.

“Partial black weatherboarding extending out across the car port mirrors the same cladding of the twin workshops behind the car port. It’s a truly effective combination of materials.

“The front bays face south east, bringing plenty of light into the kitchen / breakfast room behind one and the dining room behind the other. On the west end of the house is a further bay for the sitting room which looks out along a lawned garden to a summerhouse and open fields, with clever planting framing the view.

“On the first floor there are three bedrooms, one a large master suite with a dressing area leading through to a large bathroom. There’s a separate dressing room lit by the porthole window plus two generous double bedrooms served by the family bathroom, equipped with both a bath and shower cubicle.……

Taking the old to create the new

New build homes in the centre of Winchester are a decreasingly common occurrence but, in a project handled sensitively, they can effectively be created by breathing fresh life into older properties.

A good example of how to achieve such an outcome is just being launched on the Upper High Street in Winchester where local developers Williams Ewan have used their familiarity with the city and its needs to create two apartments with the real bonus of private gardens.

“The directors at Williams Ewan have lived in Winchester all their lives and have a keen appreciation of what the city needs and how to create schemes in keeping with its history,” says Chris Gooch, of Carter Jonas.

“The execution of the work to complete this scheme has been to a very high standard and, of course, top quality fittings and appliances have also featured from the start.

“An essential part of schemes to suit modern Winchester life, apart from kitchens bristling with AEG appliances, is installing Cat 5 cabling for television and media but the interiors also have their traditional touches with oak featuring for the flooring in the kitchen, the staircase, and internal doors.

“The first flat (guide price £475,000) has a large ground floor living room with a dining and seating area to the front and the kitchen towards the rear. From there, a turning staircase descends to the lower ground floor which has two bedrooms and a bathroom with a bath and double shower cubicle.

“The second flat (£425,000) has a spacious open plan living area with kitchen on the first floor with a corner staircase to the second floor and its two bedrooms plus a similarly-equipped bathroom.

“The beauty of these new apartments is that they are literally……

Cornfield House lies within the rural area of East Stratton which is a highly prized address. The wonderful Hampshire countryside surrounds the village and from here there is fast access into Winchester. Sitting in gardens of about an acre, Cornfield House enjoys a lovely setting of its own and the lawns, vegetable garden and private woodland give way to fields and have wonderful open views on all sides.

The property is approached over a large driveway which has access to the integral double garage. An enclosed porch protects the front door and spacious living accommodation radiates from the hall and inner hallway.

There are three reception areas, one arranged as a dining room with glazed doors to the garden and connecting with the large kitchen where there is plenty of space for relaxed family meals. There is also a large utility room as a link with the kitchen, garage and garden.

Stairs from the inner hallway rise to the naturally lit landing. On this floor are two good size double bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, two further bedrooms, again with fitted storage, a family bathroom, cloakroom and small en suite.

Connells says offers in excess of £900,000 are invited and further information is available by calling the Winchester office on 01962 864444.…

It’s been talked about by locals as the best retirement development in Romsey due to its superb location and high specifications.

Now, with over 50 per cent sold off plan in advance of its grand opening in October, Renaissance Retirement presented its first buyer with a bouquet of flowers and chocolates to mark the milestone.

Esther Ward, 80, has just exchanged on a one bed apartment on the ground floor at Fleur-de-Lis on Duttons Road and can’t wait to move in next month.

“It’s a wonder flat – and there’s nothing like it in the centre of Romsey – if indeed anywhere in the area,” says Esther who’s lived in Romsey for 13 years since moving to the area to be closer to her family.

The development boasts very spacious 1 and 2 bedroom luxury retirement apartments, as well as an owners’ lounge, beautifully landscaped gardens and a guest suite.

Socially active, Esther choose a flat next to the owners’ lounge and backing onto the gardens so she’d close to people.

Esther said: “I’ve always been very sociable, being an active member of Freedom Church Romsey and I organize a monthly ladies luncheon, I am looking forward to being involved in coffee mornings and possibly starting a book club at Fleur-de-Lis.”

Marketing director at Renaissance Retirement, Chris Wotton, said: “We are delighted Esther will be one of our first owners to move in – we know she’ll be very happy and we know her family are very much behind her.”

Chris added: “Our apartments have sold extremely well off plan and we’ve sold 27 apartments so far due to the location, quality and size of the apartments.”

“Our biggest apartment – at 1750 sq ft has its own mezzanine gallery, separate guest room, dining room, second bathroom and huge lounge.……

Quality of life at the top of the list

HAB Housing is a forward thinking company; only to be expected really as the Chairman is no other than Kevin McCloud of Grand Designs fame.

Locally the company is forging ahead with a superb development in Kings Worthy where things are on track for completion this time next year and more than half the properties have already been reserved.

A spokesperson for the company said:

“Here at HAB Housing we’re always looking to see how we can improve the quality of life on our projects, from design integrity and comfort, to investing in communal spaces.

“Our new home owners at Lovedon Fields are set to receive an optional hassle free home service when they begin to move into their homes. Houses always need maintaining and to make life that little bit easier, we’ve teamed up with BNS Property Management to provide this paid for maintenance opportunity.

“Instead of home-owners having to call different tradespeople for the regular jobs needed around a home, BNS, one of the South West’s leading property maintenance firms, provides a wide range of services to choose from. These include boiler servicing, gutter clearance, gardening and domestic cleaning; all tasks and chores that need to be completed to keep your home working and looking good.

“Inclusion of the hassle free home service is a natural step in providing more for our homeowners than just a new build house.”

Information about the range of houses available at this innovative scheme at Kings Worthy is available by getting in touch with Charters in Winchester on 01962 830880. Prices are from £467,500.…