About this property
Description
Understood to date from the 1830s, The Deane House is a Grade II listed country house of classical Regency proportions. A significant, contemporary addition was completed about 12 years ago and the property is now an eclectic mix of period and contemporary design, seamlessly marrying historic elegance with 21st Century requirements.
The Deane House sits in a magnificent elevated position with views over its gardens, grounds and vineyards to the woodland and landscape beyond. The front elevation, first visible as you approach the house from below, is impressive with fine Portland stone steps rising to the front door, beneath a Queen Anne style hood and fan light.
Once inside, the history of The Deane House is evident with elegant reception rooms flooded with light from the deep 16 and 12 pane sash windows. The house features tall ceilings, detailed cornicing, picture and dado rails, working shutters and a number of beautifully carved marble fireplaces.
During their 30 year tenure the present owners have undertaken considerable renovation works, whilst maintaining the historic integrity of the house. Twelve years ago they commissioned a magnificent extension to the southern aspect of the house with the remit, to provide flexibility of space that can be used as individual rooms or opened up allowing for entertaining at scale.
The intimate winter dining room now opens to the kitchen and garden room, with its vast roof lantern and four full height glazed panels and doors, opening to the terrace.
Beyond, the round room and snug, again with full height glazed panels, provide a further six doors opening to the terrace, all interconnecting with bespoke oak bifold doors, allowing complete versatility of use, depending upon requirements.
Striking curved oak door connecting the round room with the snug features a stained glass panel by glass sculptor, Louise Watson RA.
Vast Japanese-style oak and opaque glazed sliding doors allow the kitchen to be separated from the garden room.
The kitchen features contemporary lacquered cabinetry beneath granite worktops, a large central island and a four door Aga. Just off is a generous, north facing, walk-in pantry with slate shelving.
Within the original part of the house, the drawing room and library are graceful rooms, both with far reaching views, bespoke cabinetry and lovely marble fireplaces. The study features bespoke oak cabinetry showcasing exquisite marquetry. Adjacent is a generous sized playroom.
From the main hall, the staircase rises to a large galleried landing. The dual aspect principal bedroom suite has stunning, far reaching views from its square bay window. A walk-through dressing area leads to the en suite bathroom, with its rose marble vanity unit and inset roll top bath.
There are five further bedrooms, all with en suite bath/shower rooms and a nursery/ bedroom 7 adjacent to the principal bedroom.
To the lower ground floor is a cinema room, wine cellar and plant room.
Outside
The beautifully landscaped gardens, designed and created by the present owner, blend seamlessly into the landscape below within the surrounding rolling countryside.
A terrace wraps around both southerly and easterly aspects of the house, with multiple doors opening onto it. A tranquil rill creates a mesmeric feature with ample space to entertain, with a fireplace and barbeque to the far end.
Mellow stone walls, mature yew, beech and box hedging define the different areas of the garden, creating year round interest. Ancient trees feature throughout, including copper beech, mulberry, beech and yew.
An avenue of tulip trees is underplanted with myriad spring bulbs. Deep herbaceous beds and wild flower planting froth with summer colour, attracting all manner of insect life.
The beautiful walled garden with roses scrambling over its walls has a central wisteria and rose walk, defining the different areas. Deep herbaceous borders, raised vegetable, fruit and cut flower beds sit adjacent to the greenhouse, with grass and paved terraces to sit and enjoy the peace and tranquillity.
The stained glass and sculpture walk features a sculpture by Simon Percival, and stained glass windows by Louise Watson RA.
From the front of the house, grass terraces slope gently down to a cherry orchard, adjacent to the vineyard. Based on the Japanese practice of ‘Hanami’ (celebrating spring by sharing food and drink beneath the cherry blossom), an ideal spot for visitors to the vineyard to enjoy.
Catering for all the family needs, the gardens also feature a children’s play garden, putting green and sports pitch.
Local information
Situation
- The Deane House is set within the rolling Hampshire countryside, just to the north-west of the Cathedral City of Winchester. It is an ideal location for easy access to the National road and rail network via the M3, A34, A303 and Winchester Railway Station.
- The charming village of Sparsholt is just 1 mile away and has a popular pub, The Plough Inn, shop, Post Office, primary school and church.
- Historic Winchester, only 3 miles away, offers a wealth of cultural activities and sports facilities, as well as pubs, restaurants, cafés and independent shops. Everyday shopping requirements are well served with its weekly markets, and large supermarkets.
- The pretty and charming town of Stockbridge is 7 miles to the north-west and with its wide Georgian High Street, offers an abundance of independent shops, deli’s, pubs, restaurants and cafés.
Sporting Opportunities
- Golf at the Royal Winchester Golf Club and The Hampshire Golf Club, amongst others.
- Fishing available on the Rivers Test and Itchen, two of the country’s most renowned chalk streams.
- Sailing on the Hamble and the Solent.
A myriad footpaths and bridleways to explore from the village throughout the Test Valley and nearby South Downs National Park.
Schooling
There are highly regarded schools nearby, both independent and state, including Winchester College, St. Swithun’s School for Girls, Bedales and Marlborough College. Prep schools in the area include Twyford, Pilgrim’s, Farleigh School and Princes Mead. The village primary school, The Osborne and Westgate schools and Peter Symonds Sixth Form College in Winchester were all rated Outstanding in their most recent Ofsted reports.
Outbuildings
- Stable cottage annexe
- This two-bedroom, self-contained first floor flat is wheelchair friendly, with the main kitchen and living room looking out over the beautiful walled garden.
- Studio, garaging and stabling
- With its own separate access, a huge dual aspect artist’s studio has a vaulted beamed ceiling and roof lights, providing ample natural light. This space could also be used as a magnificent games room or home office if this was required.
- Below is a double garage, workshop, feedstore, flower room and two stables.
- Deane House Cottage
- Deane House Cottage was purchased by the current owners in recent years and provides a substantial secondary property, ideal for guests, relatives or as rental property.
- It has been beautifully renovated throughout and provides two reception room, a large kitchen/breakfast/family room, study, utility room and shower room on the ground floor.
- On the first floor, a magnificent principal bedroom suite is accessed via one staircase with three further bedrooms and a bathroom from the other.
The cottage sits in its own beautiful garden and has a double garage. It is currently let on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy.
Vineyard
- A combined wish to move away from intensive farming sowed the seed to plant a vineyard, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
- The ‘terroir’, with its south facing aspect of sloping chalk fields, lends itself to the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris grape varieties.
- In May 2022 15,000 vines were planted over 2.9 hectares of land, just below the renowned gardens of The Deane House.
- The first harvest, due this year, is forecast to produce between 12 – 18,000 bottles of English sparkling wine and rosé a year once the vines have reached full maturity.
- As well as the cherry blossom orchard for visitors to the vineyard to enjoy, there is also a plan to build a tasting room.
- The Deane House, its renowned gardens, grounds and vineyard are a rare and peaceful rural retreat, in an idyllic location, with the space inside and out for friends and family to gather and enjoy. The gardens are open to visitors through the National Garden Scheme.
