Hampshire Property News

A house occupied by only three families since it was built 136 years ago – and had an important role in the development of world tree preservation – is looking for new owners.

Appropriately named The Firs, the property in Beacon Road, West End, Southampton, was built in 1880 for John St Barbe Baker, a lay minister. But his son, Richard, brought the house to world prominence as it was from here that he ran The Men of The Trees Society, founded 92 years ago next month. It has since become the International Tree Foundation with the aim of undertaking non-political, worldwide tree conservation.

It is widely held that Baker, who sold the house in 1959, was far ahead of his time in connecting trees and the survival of the planet – many of the seedlings he grew were nurtured in the garden at West End. Other evidence of his skill includes the concrete base in the front garden of the revolving summer house he built for his mother when he was only 12 and already dextrous in the use of woodworking tools.

The drawing room, added with the room above when he was only four years old, was where he did his writing but even in his father’s day prominent visitors were not unknown, including the Rev Melville Churchill, cousin of Sir Winston, who used to journey on foot from Bishops Waltham every month. William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, also joined theological discussion there.

Since Richard St Barbe Baker emigrated to New Zealand in 1959, only two families, including the current owners, have lived at The Firs, which with its double ground floor bays flanking a glass roofed canopy for the front door and the orangery to one side is distinctive with its rendered walls and brilliant……

Prime positon within Peninsula Square

This classically proportioned townhouse occupies an outstanding position on the south eastern corner of Peninsula Square boasting fine views over Winchester and countryside beyond from the rear and the peaceful outlook at the front over the exquisite formal gardens.

This particular house, being at the end of this impressive row of townhouses, enjoys an abundance of light with all principal rooms benefitting from dual aspect sash windows. This, combined with exceptionally high ceilings, creates wonderful living space over three floors.

From the wide entrance hall double doors open to a reception room at the front of the house, equally suitable as a study or snug, and then on through to the extensive kitchen and open plan dining room at the rear which opens to the garden.

The drawing room, with its ornate fireplace, is on the first floor and enjoys spectacular views as does the master bedroom suite which lies above, complete with its own bathroom and walk-in closet.

There is a second spacious bedroom suite, two further bedrooms, all with fitted wardrobes, and a family shower room.

The part-walled garden is exceptionally private and enjoys a southerly aspect with outstanding views from the top terrace. Steps lead down to a lower terrace which is ideal for alfresco dining. There is a further paved area to the side of the property, as well as gated access to the rear and a garden store. There are two designated parking spaces as well as visitor parking

The property is well-placed to take advantage of the city with its extensive amenities and excellent cultural, shopping and leisure facilities. The railway station is less than half a mile away with fast connections into Waterloo making regular commuting bearable and flitting up to West End shows, exhibitions and……

A fascinating property combined with a business investment is going to auction next month with Pearsons.

Located within an elevated, rural setting about five miles south of Winchester at Baybridge Lane, Owslebury, the property currently comprises a superbly crafted holiday home with four double bedrooms and an adjoining property of a similar size which is currently a workshop but which has planning consent for conversion to a further holiday investment.

Formerly used as a carpenter’s workshop, Acorn Lodges sit in a very attractive quiet country setting in the South Downs and the converted property has only recently been offered to the holiday market.

Tastefully and carefully developed to provide light and spacious accommodation, the principal living space lies over the top floor and has a vaulted ceiling throughout the open plan living, dining and kitchen areas. Four of the bedrooms have their own shower rooms and there is a further bathroom.

Families can enjoy a peaceful holiday here with their own suntrap terrace and steps up to a garden together with plenty of parking. The amenities in the surrounding area are excellent with acres of countryside to explore together with good road connections to towns and cities across the south coast.

The auction is to be held at The Hilton Hotel, The Ageas Bowl, West End, Southampton on 13 July and a price guide is given at £375,000 for the freehold.

Enquiries should be carried out prior to the auction and further information is available by contacting Pearsons in Winchester on 01962 853344.…

Potential buyers who viewed an impressive scheme to create nine homes in a Winchester city centre church have been quick to come back with reservations.

The scheme at St Thomas Church in Southgate Street drew an enthusiastic response from guests invited to preview it on launch night and now two have come back with reservations for homes at the multi-million pound scheme.

“I knew as soon as I saw the plans for St Thomas’s that we were looking at something special,” said Chris Gooch, partner in charge of residential sales for Carter Jonas in Winchester. “But seeing the high quality of the finished showhomes inside the Victorian church shows that Hemdean Ltd is the perfect developer to carry out the scheme.

“For many years the Victorian and Grade II-listed church has successfully fulfilled other roles within its unaltered exterior, most notably as home to the Hampshire County Records Office. The current scheme is seeing it converted into nine superbly luxurious homes with a total value in excess of £8 million.

“I have been receiving an enthusiastic response since the launch event. The church is an integral part of the city centre and a short walk from all the features that make Winchester such a vibrant and appealing place. It’s easy to see why The Sunday Times recently Winchester declared Winchester the best place to live in England.”

The new apartments, including one within the tower itself, just beneath the spire and with spectacular views, are being created by Hemdean (St Thomas) Ltd to offer comfortable layouts, the best quality fittings from Bulthaup, Miele, and Porcelanosa, and a sumptuous lifestyle. Guide prices range from £625,000 to £1.45 million but owners of each apartment will take satisfaction from the high standards of unique design, construction, and finish.

While in a prime city……

Connells’ New Homes division has reported a significant increase in new homes sales in May 2016, including a 36% rise in those buying a new home compared to last month and a 23% rise in new homes sales compared to May last year*.  With new builds becoming an ever more popular choice for first time buyers and home movers alike, the Connells Southern New Homes team highlights the benefits of choosing a new home:

“Many people may not know that there are many advantages to moving into a new home,” says Viv Denyer, New Homes Manager at Connells.  “Not only are they more energy efficient and cost effective, but they also come with a 10-year warrantee as standard and often offer the opportunity to choose the specification for certain elements of the house.  The purchase of a new home can also be much less stressful; buyers can move in immediately as they come chain-free and, as the property comes in pristine condition, they needn’t worry about maintenance or decorating.”

Following the Government’s introduction of pro-homeownership incentives over the past few years, new build homes are also a fantastic option for first time buyers hoping to take their first step onto the property ladder. 

“There are some fantastic initiatives out there to help aspiring homeowners with the purchase of a new build home,” continues Viv Denyer.  “The Help to Buy scheme in particular can help buyers to get onto the property ladder with a deposit of as little as 5%, and with the Help to Buy ISA the Government will even contribute an extra 25% towards money saved for buying a new home.”

Connells is currently marketing a number of new build developments, appealing to a variety of buyers, budgets and tastes.  These include: A Kier Living development- Mapmakers, Romsey Road,……

Revival of prominent classical building

Set right in the heart of Winchester’s historical city centre, yet tucked away off the High Street, Walcote Chambers has been beautifully restored and converted to three highly indulgent homes.

All the attractions of the city can be easily enjoyed by residents including numerous coffee shops, bars and restaurants, superb cinema, theatres, art galleries, high street shops and individual boutiques, choice of gyms and fast access on foot into the surrounding countryside and riverside walks.

Each of the three individual homes, accessed via a grand communal entrance hall, boasts chic elegance and restored period features. The ground floor apartment comes with a highly valued allocated city parking space and private courtyard garden with further parking available for the first floor apartment. Both these homes are extremely spacious and offer the ultimate in luxury for city dwellers.

Walcote Chambers is within easy reach of the main line railway station, offering services to London Waterloo in less than an hour. Road connections are also excellent with the A34, M3 and M27 within easy reach.

Prices for these unique homes are from £525,000. 

For further information or an appointment to view call Charters on 01962 830880.…