Hampshire Property News

Landlords have just 18 months before their properties must meet a strict environmental target, making eco-friendly home improvements a must for many.

The Green Deal – which is no longer funded by the government, but is available through a number of private companies – has already helped thousands of property owners to enhance the energy efficiency of their buildings.

A government ruling states that, from April 2018, tenanted properties must achieve at least an E rating in their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). If they do not, landlords will be unable to grant a new tenancy to new or existing tenants.

It means there are now just 18 months left for those landlords who still wish to invest in a new boiler, add insulation to a building, draught-proof a home or carry out any other eco-friendly work using a Green Deal loan prior to the deadline.

Allison Thompson, managing director at property specialist Leaders, says: “Despite the withdrawal of government funding in 2015, the Green Deal continues to give landlords across the UK a chance to bring their properties up to speed with the latest eco-friendly requirements on favourable terms.

“Repayments on Green Deal loans are typically no more than the savings made on energy bills as a result of the improvements, so it makes great sense for people to utilise the scheme.

“With winter just around the corner, this is the perfect time for landlords to think about whether they could be doing more in terms of energy efficiency. And if they invest in a programme of improvements, the rewards of doing so should be immediately apparent at this time of year.”

Many older properties – such as those dating back to the Edwardian and Victorian eras – currently achieve only F and G ratings, making green improvements a must……

Although we have been enjoying lovely weather and it feels more like the tail end of summer rather than autumn, we can be sure that winter is just a few weather fronts away and as the nights draw in, we will be turning our attention to the crescendo which brings us eventually to Christmas festivities.

Another focus for some is securing a home in the area by the end of the year and one that is becoming available in December is a beautiful period cottage in Twyford. This would be an amazing home to move into to enjoy the winter months with a wood burning stove in the sitting room and another large feature fireplace in the dining room. The cottage has plenty of character with exposed timbers in several rooms and the Shaker style kitchen links with the dining room and the lovely conservatory which overlooks the garden. There is also a ground floor study.

The cottage was originally two dwellings, evidenced by the two staircases which rise to the first floor, giving access to four double bedrooms, a bathroom and separate shower room.

To the rear of the property is a large, well maintained garden with patio area and lawn. 

Winkworth in Winchester says an early viewing of this property is recommended to appreciate both the accommodation on offer and the location within Twyford village.  Becoming available in early December on an unfurnished basis the tenant may be allowed to bring a well behaved pet.

Winkworth quotes a monthly rent of £2,200 and welcomes enquiries on 01962 866777.…

Coopers Farmhouse is a real catch

Anyone fishing around for a wonderful village home could hardly do better than cast their eye over a spectacular family property in Houghton.

Set in the heart of the Test Valley, home to a world-famous chalk stream renowned among fly fishermen, Coopers Farmhouse is a pleasing double-fronted property set back from the village road among wonderful gardens.

And for those who fancy a real touch of the good life, a couple of fields complete with chickens are available if required.

The house features a long central hallway, flanked by a large sitting room on the right and a study to the left. Behind the study is a lobby with double doors to the side and beyond this there’s a snug but the real heart to the home for many will be the fantastic kitchen at the rear of the house that has a dining area with French windows to the garden and a wide opening with bi-fold doors onto the sun-trap terrace.

The first floor has five bedrooms, the master suite with a large dressing room with copious wardrobe storage and a luxurious en-suite with both a bath and shower. French windows revealing a Juliet balcony take advantage of the wonderful outlook. The second bedroom is also en-suite while a spacious family bathroom serves the other three bedrooms.

An attractive feature is the annexe above the garage block and workshop. Accessed via a turning wooden staircase that arrives at a balcony, there are French windows into a sitting room with an arch to the bedroom, where a door opens to the en-suite shower room.

“Coopers Farmhouse is the perfect antidote to a hectic lifestyle and a superb family home, perfectly placed for access to Winchester, Salisbury, Romsey, and a wide area served……

Open plan living at city home

Fairfield Road is a super location for those who need to be close to Winchester’s wide range of amenities including the train station, the commercial centre, a host of shops, restaurants and bars, and cultural facilities backed by the wonderful historical atmosphere of the city.

Here, at a classic mid-terrace Victorian house, much of the ground floor living space can be opened up to create a light and spacious area with relaxing and dining areas but which can also be closed off by way of folding doors between the two reception rooms, which both have fireplaces. A wooden floor runs throughout and gives way to tiling in the kitchen/breakfast room which is in the process of being re-fitted and will have smart cabinets and a full range of appliances.

Upstairs the master bedroom stretches across the front of the house and there are two further bedrooms and a refurbished family bathroom, with an additional cloakroom downstairs.

Access to the garden is via a glazed door in the breakfast end of the kitchen and there are French doors in the dining room to the side return.

The garden at the rear is an oasis in this city location and adds to the charm of this home. Residents’ parking is available in Fairfield Road.

Goadsby asks a monthly rent of £1,695 on an unfurnished basis and enquiries should be directed to the Winchester office on 01962 620444.…

A new cottage in a village setting

One of just three new cottages at Greyhound Mews, this lovely home lies within the pretty village of Broughton. Nestling within the Test Valley this is a great location for those who want to enjoy country pursuits and the more relaxed pace of village life. Stockbridge is nearby for a full range of day to day shops and amenities.

This exceptional home offers light and spacious accommodation, finished to a particularly high standard, with benefits like an air source heat pump providing conventional under floor heating to the ground floor and radiators to the first floor, keeping things cosy in the winter and fuel bills to a minimum.

The well fitted kitchen/dining room has integrated appliances to include an induction hob, electric fan assisted oven, fridge freezer and dishwasher together with a utility room with fitted wine cooler. The sitting room has French doors providing a view over and access to the rear garden.   

On the first floor there are three bedrooms, all of which will take a double bed. The master bedroom benefits from fitted wardrobes and an adjacent shower room with double shower cubicle and a heated towel rail. The family bathroom is well fitted with neutral tones and includes a large bath with shower attachment.   

At the front of the cottage a block paved driveway provides off road parking and leads to the large single garage which has an electrically powered door.   

The private rear garden has been attractively landscaped with a paved patio and steps up to a lawned area with pedestrian gate to the side providing access to the front of the cottage.

Branch Manager of Goadsby in Winchester, Chris Pickard, says: “The quality of the finish on these well designed homes is the best I……

Located in the desirable village of Colden Common, this beautifully presented and extended four bedroom detached house is well positioned for those who need access to local amenities, in Twyford for example, together with a good road network for a wider range available in Winchester, Southampton and Eastleigh. Colden Common nestles within attractive countryside and there are nature trails waiting to be explored.

This fine looking detached house is great for a family with an extension at the side providing an additional relaxing space and with a door to the garden. The original layout provides a sitting room and separate dining room with the very smart kitchen in cool tones of cream and grey. Both the kitchen and the dining room have French doors to the garden.

Upstairs the four bedrooms all have fitted double wardrobes, which is a real bonus, and the master bedroom has its own shower room and there is a smart family bathroom and a ground floor cloakroom.

In addition to the attached garage there is off road parking and the gardens are neatly maintained with a paved patio leading onto the lawn at the rear.

A guide price of £450,000 for this beautifully presented family house is quoted by Fox & Sons and enquiries should be directed to the Winchester branch on 01962 862121.…