The cradle of cricket

As well as the cradle of cricket – it’s long believed the game was invented on the pitch opposite the Bat and Ball pub on the downs close by – it has played a leading part in the revival of the English wine industry.

It takes a very special climate to have claimed both these notable achievements but then with a Roman villa, Saxon church, and significant buildings from the Norman and medieval periods, humans have long appreciated what this area offers.

Hambledon stands deep inside the South Downs National Park, surrounded by downland and splendid woods. Set beside West Street is Vernon House, an elegant village house with a decorative porch above the central front door with 12-pane sash windows either side and three nine-pane sash windows gracing the first floor.

‘The house is really striking and as soon as you step through the front door you are transfixed by the view directly through the hall, wide enough for seating to the side, to the rear garden,’ says Colin Shairp, of Fine and Country Southern Hampshire.

‘On either side of the entrance hall are the drawing room, with a bay window overlooking the drive, and a sitting room / snug with a deeply shelved alcove beside the fireplace – it just invites you to linger and enjoy a book. Across the rear is a wonderful living space formed by connecting the open plan kitchen/breakfast room with the dining room through the addition of a conservatory with bi-fold doors forming its southerly wall.

‘Tucked away inside the house is the hallway with a turning staircase, a wonderful hidden feature. There are five bedrooms served by a bathroom and separate shower room.

‘Directly to the rear is a large patio area with steps up to a flint-walled garden which is principally lawn and herbaceous beds.

‘A range of bulbs, mature shrubs, perennials, grasses, and fruit trees, (including apple, pear and plum), fill the garden with a riot of colour from early spring to late autumn.

‘A second patio and seating area captures the last of the setting sun.’

For more details and an appointment to view, please call Fine and Country Southern Hampshire on (023) 9327 7277 today.