Property description
An impressive and unique single storey residence enjoying the most secluded of settings occupying an elevated position with breathtaking views across picturesque open countryside in the popular village of Shawford.
Owners Comments
\"When we bought this house 13 years ago it didn't look anything like it does now, but it had an amazing view and felt like a lovely place to start a young family. Our children have grown up seeing woodpeckers and kestrels in the garden, buzzards overhead and crowds of glow-worms in summer evenings.
We never buy mistletoe at Christmas, it grows in great balls in the trees along the river and in Shawford Down woods: you just have to climb up to get it.
From this house you can appreciate how the sunrise changes during the year: glinting through the trees to the south-east during the winter, tracking north-east nearly as far as Cheesefoot Head in the summer.
We are proud of how we have turned a small, cozy cottage in a great location into something just a little grander.
Delivery drivers who haven't been up here before will get out of their van, fluster around with their paperwork and packages, then stop and pause for a moment. They look around. And then, with complete predictability, say \"Gosh, it's really nice up here, isn't it? Never knew this place existed.\"
Introduction
The Malms Farmhouse offers substantial and characteristic accommodation approaching 2700sqft, having been the subject of an exceptional vaulted extension with exposed oak beams creating a delightful kitchen breakfast room with full width windows to enjoy the spectacular view. There is generous family living space, centred around the sizeable yet cosy sitting room enjoying a feature brick fireplace and inset woodburning stove. In addition to the four bedrooms there is also an extensive play room offering much versatility in its usage. Supplementing the main property is a wonderful office area with shower room ideal for those running a business from home or could easily lend itself to an exquisite self contained annex, subject to planning permission. However it is the position of The Malms Farmhouse which is truly stunning. Such is the seclusion of the setting that even locals are unsure of its situation. Located upon a private road within delightful countryside, yet just a quarter of a mile from the Shawford train station, this property enjoys a rural idyllic setting yet is in the heart of a thriving village and offers the perfect commuter access via road and rail.
Coupled with its well proportioned accommodation and energy efficient features including central heating via an air source heat pump, the property also boasts delightful gardens extending to approximately 1/4 acre.
Description
An oak door opens into the entrance hall featuring an oak framed entrance to the striking vaulted kitchen breakfast room which offers wonderful views from its full width windows to extensive open countryside beyond. The exposed oak timbers to the vaulted ceiling and oak framed windows add much character to this impressive and spacious room. The kitchen features walnut eye and base level units with granite worktops and include tray drawers, corner cupboards and larder drawers along with a fitted computer desk space. Integrated appliances include a Neff induction hob with glass extractor, instant hot water tap, dishwasher and Neff combination microwave and separate oven. There is ample space for a sizeable dining table and chairs. The beamed sitting room is gorgeous, centred upon a brick open fireplace with inset woodburning stove. A bow window offers further views to the garden. The playroom is a sizeable reception room offering much versatility in its usage, potentially a bedroom as it accesses the downstairs cloakroom. It could easily be subdivided if required. The inner hallway leads to the four bedrooms and a good sized utility room hosting plumbing for appliances, cupboard space and a door to the rear. The master bedroom enjoys an impressive contemporary ensuite bathroom comprising large Jacuzzi style bath, double shower cubicle, modern wash hand basin and low level WC. The guest bedroom also offers an ensuite shower room and fitted wardrobes whilst the two remaining bedrooms are served by the modern family bathroom.
Office/Potential Annex
A hallway with access to a stylish shower room offers a staircase to the elegant office on the first floor which is vaulted with exposed rafters and enjoys the most spectacular views. The office is 485sqft benefitting from extensive recessed storage and could easily be utilised as a playroom or possible annex, subject to planning permission.
Outside
The property is approached from the private lane via a five bar gate and long tree-lined gravel driveway to a turning area, car port and garage with adjacent workshop. The gardens are predominantly lawned and enclosed by a pretty picket fence with flower borders. Adjacent to the house is a patio area which is an ideal entertainment or relaxation venue to enjoy the spectacular views. There is a children's play area and kitchen garden with courtyard area between the main property and office.
Location
Occupying a superb elevated position with stunning views, Malms Farmhouse is located upon a private country lane approximately 0.2 mile from the mainline station with services into London Waterloo and journey times on the fast service from just over one hour. Shawford village has a pleasant public house, The Bridge Inn, and further local facilities including local store, coffee shop/bistro, doctor's surgery and the church can be found in Twyford within one mile. There is an excellent range of state and private schooling for all ages in the area, including Compton Primary, Twyford Prep, Kings' Secondary, Winchester College and St Swithun's. There are many fine acres of countryside close at hand and picturesque walks along the Itchen water meadows, as well as Shawford Down. The M3 provides excellent access to the national road network and the cathedral city of Winchester which is within 3 miles.
Agents Notes
Originally part of The Malms Farmhouse the property has been significantly extended and upgraded in 2009. It is now served by an energy efficient air source heat pump to its radiators and private drainage.
Property Features :
- Unique and substantial farmhouse in a tranquil setting
- Spectacular views across open countryside
- Delightful vaulted kitchen breakfast room
- Quiet country lane just 0.2 miles from Shawford train station
- Impressive office with potential for self contained annex