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One of the New Forest‘s most historic and well appointed
residences which combines a timeless atmosphere with contemporary
accommodation ideal for modern living in this incomparable setting.
Set in approximately 11 acres of level gardens and grounds
surrounded by open countryside with views towards the Beaulieu
River, the accommodation in the main house extends to over 6,000 sq
ft with further 2 bedroom staff guest flat. There is a heated
swimming pool, all-weather tennis court and extensive garaging,
outbuildings, workshops, stables alongside a romantic ruined 11th
Century Chapel; a constant reminder of the property‘s enduring
provenance in this exceptional location.
In St Leonards Grange one experiences the full history of The
New Forest from its origins as a Royal paradise with attendant
palaces and abbeys to the modern day National Park offering the
potential for endless outdoor adventures both on land and on the
water. Views from the house are unparalleled with its own formal
gardens and parkland blending into the expanses of the
New Forest and Beaulieu River where the current owners can see the
mast of their moored yacht amongst others which provide a constant
frame of reference to this quiet coastal landscape.
There are several well established yacht clubs. The closest, The
Royal Southampton, is a short walk down leafy Gins Lane where there
is also a pleasant small beach. Sailing on the Beaulieu River to
the Solent is catered for by the Bucklers Hard Yacht Harbour and
there are two further sailing clubs, The Royal Lymington and
Lymington Town in Lymington itself which lies just seven miles to
the west.
The New Forest National Park is a haven for wildlife and an
expanse of untouched countryside with countless walks, cycle rides
and bridle paths. Communications are excellent with Southampton
City Centre (25 miles) and the M27 within easy driving distance.
Brockenhurst is 10 miles away and offers a mainline railway station
providing two services an hour direct to London Waterloo in
approximately 1h 40m.
St Leonards Grange can trace its history back to the 1100s when
the existing building and chapel were constructed to serve the new
Cistercian Abbey in Beaulieu. Granges were in many ways
ecclesiastical farms where monks would live, work and pray. The
productive surrounding farmland and nearby ruined chapel are the
most prevalent features that bear timeless witness to the past 800
years of life at the house.
During the Dissolution of the monasteries during the 1530s the
chapel was ruined and many dressed stones from there and the house
itself were repurposed fortifying the coastal approaches,
specifically the Solent Forts which guard the straits between the
Isle of Wight and the mainland. However, subtle reminders remain in
the form of mullioned stained glass windows in the main house and
the inimitable calm serenity of the chapel itself.
The house which is Grade II Listed was entirely overhauled by
the current owners and now combines centuries of history with
modern comforts. There is underfloor heating throughout the ground
floor and a bathroom for every bedroom on the upper floors.
Accommodation throughout is warm and intimate rather than grand and
imposing and there remains the potential (subject to the necessary
consents) to extend the accommodation further.
On the ground floor is a central entrance hall flanked
by the dining room and a separate sitting room with open
fire place and views down the lavender lined drive. The drawing
room has a bay window overlooking the garden with French windows
opening onto the terrace. There is also an open fire with a stone
surround. The kitchen breakfast room occupies the entire rear wing
and as well as overlooking the garden features a vaulted ceiling
over a marble topped central island and breakfast bar. There is a
four oven Aga as well as exposed beams which run through into the
breakfast room. Positioned off the kitchen is a large utility room
with back door and separate door to a pantry. Completing the ground
floor accommodation is a generous study with adjoining secure store
room. There is also a wc on the ground floor.
On the first floor there is a master bedroom suite complete with
adjoining dressing room and bathroom featuring a free standing bath
and separate shower. . There are three further double bedrooms on
this floor, two of which are en suite, as well as four further bath
or shower rooms. The second floor is currently arranged as a games
room with a further fifth en suite bedroom. From this floor one can
directly access significant store rooms and attic space that have
the potential for conversion to further accommodation subject to
the necessary consents.
One of the finest approaches to a country house in the south. A
uniquely designed silent cattle grid leads to a pale gravel drive
flanked by exquisite lavender beds and trimmed Irish yew trees give
a sense of the Pays d‘Oc in this most quintessential of English
settings. Commanding direct views straight down the drive to the
masts of the Beaulieu River the house sits centrally with mature
formal gardens which have been beautifully planted over many
decades to provide enduring charm and the sense of effortless
elegance.
The drive is flanked by level formal lawns which give way to
parkland that provides the principal outlook from the house. This
parkland gives way to paddock land which extends to the north of
the house. The more secluded gardens lie to the south of the house
and can be accessed from the principal rooms via French windows in
the kitchen, rear hall and drawing room. Immediately adjacent to
the house is a mix of stone terrace and brick paviour pathways
surrounded by beautifully planted borders.
Ancillary to the main house is a collection of traditional
outbuildings which have been carefully designed to provide
extensive garaging, with an electric charging point, for both cars
and boats as well as storage for the necessary equipment to manage
the 11 acres of gardens and grounds.
Above the garaging is a two bedroom flat with a large sitting
room, kitchen breakfast room, utility room and bathroom.
There is also a spacious workshop supported by several store
rooms. Serving the tennis court and swimming pool is a dual aspect
Studio which is adjacent to a changing room, and wc. The remainder
of the upper floors of the outbuilding is dedicated to a 17m sail
loft with permanent staircase and this space could make an ideal
expansive home office.
Of particular note is the extremely picturesque ruined chapel,
believed to date from around the year 1200 which is one of only 13
Grade I Listed buildings in the New Forest. The space within the
chapel is exceptionally peaceful and has been enhanced by a paved
floor making it a charming and atmospheric spot for dining or
larger parties.
Opening onto fenced paddocks are three stables each measuring
approximately 13‘ x 11‘ and all with doors onto the stable
yard.
Completing the outbuildings is a traditional Granary on staddle
stones which is Grade II Listed in its own right and serves as a
charming accompaniment to the productive kitchen garden and timber
framed greenhouse.
In short, all amenities that one would expect to accompany a
fine country house are provided in spades and flow effortlessly to
create an extremely appealing home.
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