Believed to date to the mid-17th Century, Leicester House is an attractive home with white painted, Flemish brick elevations and a Welsh slate roof. Leading from the front door through to a welcoming entrance hall, complete with original Georgian tiles, the property retains wonderful period features throughout, which include exposed beams and original brickwork. The reception hall opens into the library/snug, which is dual aspect and features a large wood burning stove. Leading from the hall, is the sitting room which benefits from an open fireplace and original beam lintel. In the formal dining room beyond, again featuring an impressive brick fireplace, there is an original well, which is a fabulous focal feature with a glass top and up lighting. A curved bay window offers views over the pretty garden, with a corresponding aperture in the breakfast area of the kitchen. Fitted with modern, Shaker-style cabinetry, the kitchen has an oil-fired AGA, gas hob and an electric double oven at its heart and plenty of storage and shelving units, along with a walk in larder offering further storage.

The garden room, which features original parquet flooring, leads directly from the kitchen and is the perfect spot to enjoy views across the garden through the French doors which lead to the terrace area. A well-proportioned study, gym, cloakroom, utility and shower room complete the accomodation on the ground floor, along with several storage rooms. A rear staircase leads to the first floor studio where a large, double height vaulted room can be found offering ample space for a games/family/playroom or even an art or music studio. This is an wonderful area which is filled with natural light courtesy of four sky-light windows allowing elevated views. Two separate staircases rise to the first floor accommodation where there are four bedrooms, two having access to a Jack and-Jill bathroom, along with a generous family bathroom with a free-standing, roll-top tub and separate shower. One of the rooms also has a separate WC and sink.

Outside

There are terraces adjoining the rear of the property providing opportunities for outdoor dining and relaxation, with trellising, archways and shrubbery creating various areas to enjoy the tranquil setting. Curved borders frame the areas laid to lawn and are filled with an attractive selection of shrubs, perennial plants and flowering bulbs. There is also off-road parking for one car to the rear. To the front of the property, a low wall borders the street, with a pedestrian entrance and pathway to the entrance door.

Situation

Downton is a popular ancient Wiltshire village offering a wide range of facilities which include local shops, a medical centre, dentist, library, leisure/tennis club, the popular Borough Cafe, churches and public houses, as well as being home to the famous Cuckoo Fair held each May. Salisbury is within easy reach and provides a wider range of recreational and shopping facilities including the Salisbury Playhouse theatre and a multi-screen cinema.

There is a direct mainline train station in Salisbury to London Waterloo and there is also good access to the M27 linking to the M3 for onward journeys to both Southampton and London. Transport links are especially effective providing good access to Salisbury, Ringwood and the South Coast via the A338. Southampton and the motorway network are also within reach via the B3078 straight through the New Forest to the M27. Downton is ideally positioned on the edge of the New Forest National Park which provides a superb variety of leisure activities including cycling, walking and riding.

The area is renowned for its excellent schools including a primary and secondary school in the village of Downton and Burgate in Fordingbridge. There are also Grammar schools for Girls and Boys in Salisbury, along with numerous prep and private schools nearby including Forres Sandle Manor and Moyles Court.

Directions

From Salisbury follow the Salisbury Road/A338 for approximately 5.5 miles and then take the left turn onto The Borough/B3080, where the property will be found after a short distance on the right-hand side just after The Borough Cafe.