THE OLD RECTORY

The Old Rectory is approached through a large set of electric oak gates. A gravel drive featuring a fountain and an attractive planted turning circle leads to the front of the house. The drive continues past the house and leads to the coach house and garaging.

The design is the very height of Victorian Gothic style and combines Tudor patterned chimneys with the unusual use of square knapped flints and Bath stone dressings. These square flints are thought to be the discarded remains of old flint stones cut, in an earlier age, for use in flint lock rifles. Fortunately, this handsome house retains many original features including generous rooms with high ceilings, oak doors, a wine cellar and numerous fireplaces with irreplaceable ceramic tiles. An interesting feature of The Old Rectory is that on the exterior of the front façade, the principal room uses are all indicated by carved stone plaques, for example the reception hall is represented by a pair of shaking hands and the study by a Bishops Mitre.

Internally, The Old Rectory certainly doesn’t disappoint. The house was designed by William Donthorne who was one of the founders of what became the Royal Institute of Architects and the drawings of the ground floor and front elevation are housed in the V&A in London. The current owners have constantly maintained the property to a high standard and it is presented in superb order. Whilst there is an array of fine reception rooms there are one or two which are of particular note and are worth mentioning. The drawing room, formerly a music room, as indicated by a harp stone plaque outside, has a superb high ceiling and an open fireplace with a white Italian marble surround. An exceptional feature worth noting is the large bay window overlooking the gardens, which in turn allows in lots of natural light – unusual for Victorian Gothic properties. The library which was formally a billiard room comes with an array of oak panelling and ornate book shelving making it a perfect space to reflect or enjoy a fine book. The kitchen has recently been refitted with a bespoke range appliances along with a range of floor and wall mounted units including cupboard and drawer sections with work surfaces over, a large central island with breakfast bar in the centre of the room is a real focal point and the aga completes the picture.

A door leads through to a breakfast/family room which makes for a flexible set up. Beyond here there is access to a magnificent indoor swimming pool complex with a its own gym. Undeniably, this is a spectacular addition and the blend between old and new is not only seamless, but greatly enhances the property. The new knapped flint used in the construction was sourced at great length from Dorset and the new window dressings and lead work match those of the original house. Inside, the swimming pool with jacuzzi area is fantastic what with its cathedral like ceilings, one wall is almost made entirely of glass which allows excellent light and an exceptional view and adds to the open feeling of the pool.

From the reception hall an impressive oak staircase leads up to first floor where there is an extensive principal bedroom wing comprising a large bedroom, dressing room and generous sized ensuite bathroom. There are a further four bedrooms and three bathrooms, of which two are en suite. The arrangement of the accommodation is shown in further detail by the floor plan enclosed within this brochure.

COACH HOUSE AND OUTBUILDINGS
In 1998 the Coach House was renovated and converted into a separate self-contained cottage. The accommodation in 2023 has undergone a significant recent update resulting in a fabulous living environment. The accommodation now consists of a spacious kitchen breakfast room which comes with a comprehensive range of floor and wall mounted units with work surfaces over and integrated appliances. There is a large central island with further worksurface and preparation area. A sitting room provides a good reception space and there is a downstairs cloakroom. At first floor level there is a generous double bedroom and a separate bathroom. This secondary accommodation makes for a great guest cottage, it would equally be perfect accommodation for a relative or for use by staff. Adjoining the Coach House is a single garage. Opposite the Coach House is a barn with a large hayloft above.

OUTSIDE
The gardens at The Old Rectory follow on from the excellence of the main house. They were completely remodelled by Sarah Eberle (winner of Chelsea Best in Show 2007) and are mainly laid to lawn with some attractive herbaceous borders. There is a two piece parterre, which is planted with tulips rosebushes, box and lavender and yews. There are an array of mature trees in the gardens including Beech, Copper Beech, Yew, Hornbeam, Lime, Ash and Sycamore. An archway through a neatly clipped hedge leads to a delightful croquet lawn. A woodland walk leads through a small copse, which provides access to the Church.