ASKETT LODGE

The exterior elevations of contrasting brick and flint under slate tiles along with painted sash windows are prevalent throughout.

The characterful house offers accommodation extending to almost 3,300 sq. ft. including garaging and outbuildings. The property is ideal for those looking for a life in the country yet only about a mile from the station with trains into London.

Askett Lodge exudes period features throughout, of particular note are the proportions and the lovely flow of rooms that meander from the drawing room to the dining room, through to the snug and kitchen and out to the gardens.

The accommodation flows effortlessly across two floors and is well laid out for formal entertaining and family living. The handsome entrance opens into the vaulted reception hall, with American oak flooring extending to the original staircase with mahogany handrail. The kitchen/breakfast room opens into the sitting/dining room forming the heart of the home.

The kitchen is a charming, characterful room, overlooking the outside courtyard with handmade wooden cabinetry, worktops and a full size gas Aga. The dining room enjoys French doors to the garden to one side whilst leading to the sitting room and cosy snug. The sitting room is an elegant sociable space benefiting from a dual aspect windows overlooking the gardens and a fireplace with an original Victorian surround housing an open fire.

Beyond the dining room is a TV room/snug with a fireplace as a central feature and a warm cosy feel. A further reception room to the front, ideal as a family room lies off the hall, with lovely views of the drive and the wildflower meadow. Just off this room is a quietly positioned study, once the dispensary to the doctors surgery. In addition is a good sized cellar perfect for storage and a guest cloakroom, with space for laundry appliances.

On the first floor are five characterful bedrooms all with wood flooring underfoot and enjoying garden views. The principal bedroom benefits from a beautiful dual aspect and spacious ensuite bathroom. In addition on this floor is a family bathroom and four further bedrooms all of which are a good size and benefit from views across the gardens beyond. The two front bedrooms house Victorian fireplaces, currently closed off they could be reinstated. All of the bedrooms are double rooms of good proportions, one of the rear bedrooms is currently used as a study.

Askett Lodge enjoys a picturesque setting, with attractive, private gardens framing the property. The long driveway approach is flanked on one side by a wild flower meadow and a small orchard. Expansive areas of lawn flank a grass tennis court, and are interspersed with a variety of mature trees. The garden is a delight, featuring wide herbaceous borders.

The kitchen garden with raised beds and fruit cages together with an orchard producing a variety of fruit including apple, plum and pear. A Victorian greenhouse sits to one side of the kitchen garden, complete with the original heating ducts and ironmongery. A long box hedge divides the kitchen garden into areas in the old English Parterre style with espaliered trees and further hedges.

There are several outdoor seating areas around the property and the terrace to the East of the property is a lovely suntrap and is home to the original well. To the rear of the house is the original coach house with two stables and attached store, offering flexibility with potential for a multitude of uses. In addition to the main entrance is a pedestrian gate and two vehicular gated entrances from the road. About 1.36 acres in all.