About this property
Historically, Orange Grove was a house of some local importance. Forming the largest of a grouping of properties which is part of the idyllic hamlet of Littleton, the origins of the house date back to the mid 19th century, although it is believed to have earlier origins. At one time it was lived in by the vicar of Wanborough but they never recorded it as a rectory. The house was also home, until 1948, to Air Vice Marshall Sir Oliver Swann, who invented the Second World War flying boat.
The current owners bought the house in 2012 and spent two years extending and renovating the property, installing new bathrooms, walnut floorboards, new sash windows with double glazing, air handling system, partial air conditioning system, new kitchen and bathrooms.
The cottage was renovated and extensive outbuildings erected together with a complete relandscaping of the gardens under the direction of Andrew Fisher Tomlin. The renovation of Orange Grove has been meticulously executed and is now a beautifully presented family home with all of the comforts for modern day living.
This fine house with six bedrooms in total is approached through electric gates over a cattle grid and up an immaculate gravel drive. Orange Grove is constructed with bargate stone and tile hung under a tiled roof. The front door leads into a wide entrance hall with an open fireplace.
The main reception rooms have wonderful walnut floorboards and ornamental fireplaces and enjoy lovely views over the gardens. To the right, is a family room with views of the rose garden and straight ahead a library and study overlooking the terrace and lawn to the south. Near the kitchen is a playroom and the kitchen itself is a wonderful architecturally designed open planned living area with high ceiling, air conditioning, underfloor heating, automatic blinds on the velux windows, central breakfast island and Calor gas professional deluxe gas oven. Three double doors lead out to a terrace and garden, ideal for barbeques and outdoor entertaining. A link leads through to a private office (once an apple store) with walnut flooring and doors outside to a courtyard.
On the first floor is the principal bedroom suite with dressing room and en suite bathroom together with three further bedrooms and two bathrooms and a wide well-lit landing.
The Coach House
The glazed link from the house leads to a self-contained coach house, with a laundry room, WC, boot room, games room/party room and on the first floor, a sitting room, bedroom and bathroom.
The Cottage
The old cottage was demolished and has been rebuilt to offer a double garage of timber and tile construction with a large gymnasium and a studio apartment above with kitchen, shower, bedroom.
Gardens and Grounds
The house is approached over a gravelled in and out drive with a further entrance onto the lane for separate access to the garaging. Ornamental beds surround the house on all sides with a pretty rose garden to the west. The gardens have been landscaped by Andrew Fisher Tomlin, winners of the RHS gold and best in show awards in 2014, 2016 and 2018. Towards the end of the driveway there is a large machinery shed with separate vehicular access. There is a generator shed near the cottage and the outhouse has planning permission to extend and convert into a wellness suite. There is also a summer house previously a tree house. Steps lead up to a level lawn with a firepit area and the main lawn is separated from a lower lawn/meadow by a ha-ha. Tucked away is an all-weather tennis court. The gardens extend in all to about 5.5 acres.
Local information
- Situated at the end of a peaceful no through lane on the edge of the Loseley Park Estate in the heart of the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there could hardly be a more idyllic setting for a country house than at Orange Grove. Enjoying unspoilt rural views on all sides, it is hard to believe the property is within close proximity to Guildford High Street, only two and a half miles to the north.
- The Surrey Hills AONB, is renowned for its breathtaking views and picturesque villages, providing country living within easy reach of London. Nearby popular villages include Shere, Shamley Green, Wonersh, Hascombe, Chiddingfold and Peaslake, all enjoying thriving communities, public houses and local shops.
- Guildford town centre provides extensive recreational and business amenities and is an easy 5-10 minute drive together with main line train services to London in 34 minutes. Local schools include Duke of Kent, Belmont, Cranmore, St Teresas, Lanesborough, Longacre, Aldro, St Catherine’s at Bramley, The Royal Grammar School in Guildford, as well as Guildford High School, St Hillary’s, Barrow Hills, Charterhouse, Priors Field and Cranleigh. Further afield are international renowned schools including Wellington College, Eton College and Bradfield. Leisure activities in the area include golf at Milford, Wisley and Beaverbrook and the area is notorious for walking, riding and cycling.
- Orange Grove is surrounded by the beautiful Loseley Park Estate, which consists of over 1,400 acres of productive farm land.
Additional information
- Planning permission has been achieved to extend the outhouse into a substantial Wellness area. Ref: 21/P/00507.
- Services – Mains drainage, three phase and mains electricity, mains water, LPG gas, integrated CCTV, commercial grade back up generator, partial underfloor heating and partial air conditioning to the house and air conditioning to the gym area in the Cottage. There is also a fresh air ventilation system and a water softener.
- EPC Rating: F
- Tenure: Freehold
- Council Tax Band: H
