INTRODUCTION
This remarkable character property, built in 1729 and serving as the Droxford Village Post Office for many years, seamlessly blends traditional elements with contemporary comforts for modern family living. The detached home offers four double bedrooms, three reception rooms and is complemented by an exquisite garden. This residence also boasts a magnificent kitchen dining extension featuring bi-folding doors with dual aspect views of the garden. Furthermore, this property benefits from a conveniently located driveway equipped with an electric vehicle charging point, a practical utility room, an en-suite bedroom as well as a ground floor WC and first floor family bathroom suite.
LOCATION
The property is situated within the pretty village of Droxford and is only a two minute stroll from the beautiful chalk stream and the River Meon. The village is also surrounded by wonderful countryside, many lovely walks and has a network of bridleways. Droxford also boasts a range of amenities including a post office, two garages, its own junior school, two pubs, a village store and village hall. The pretty market towns of Bishops Waltham and Wickham are also close by, with the Cathedral City of Winchester and Southampton Airport also benefitting from being just under half an hour away, with all main motorway access routes also being within easy reach for direct access to Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, Chichester, Guildford and London.
INSIDE
Access to the property is gained via a private driveway set off Mill Lane, as you approach the property you will find parking for two vehicles, equipped with an electric vehicle charging point with a convenient range of storage sheds to the left hand side. Enclosed via a retaining brick wall and in part of a range of mature hedges, a garden gate provides pedestrian access to the property. A curved garden path winds through the landscaped garden, mature apple tree and immaculate lawn leads to the front door set at the side of the property. The door opens into the reception hall which is open to both the study area, laid to parquet flooring and impressive kitchen dining room. The kitchen extension, created in around 1990 forms a wonderful open plan space for entertaining and day to day family life, comprising a range of fitted oak work surfaces with matching wall and base units, the kitchen has an inset sink, electric hob and oven as well as an Aga oven (currently disconnected) and provides space and plumbing for a dishwasher. The dining area boasts dual aspect aluminium powder coated bi-fold doors (installed in 2022) that provide a beautiful outlook across the garden. Complete with exposed beams, spot lighting and tiled terracotta flooring this area is sure to be the hub of this incredible home.
An inner hall provides access to the rest of the principal accommodation and stairs lead to the first floor landing. The formal lounge is a splendid room that is presented in meticulous condition, boasting double glazed country cottage style windows from Jack Brunsdon complete with original wooden shutters and elegant glass panelled door. This lounge is part of a historical renovation undertaken in approximately 1860, and its captivating centrepiece is undoubtedly the log burning fire, showcasing an exposed brick chimney breast, an original oak mantle above, and exposed beams within the chimney recesses. There are two further reception rooms set at what was the originally the front of the house and both offer exposed chimney breasts and masonry work which date back to the original construction of the house in 1729. The remaining ground floor area comprises a utility room and a separate cloakroom. The utility room features a variety of wall and base level units with fitted work surfaces and an inset ceramic sink. It also offers ample space and plumbing connections for a washing machine and tumble dryer. Additionally, the utility room houses the Worcester Bosch oil fired boiler. The tastefully designed cloakroom boasts a stable door on one side, a skylight, a surface mounted wash hand basin, a WC and a heated towel rail. Both rooms exhibit original exposed beams, adding to their charm and character.
The first floor landing features a stained glass window on one side and provides access to all rooms. The master bedroom is a dual aspect room with double glazed sash windows, double fitted wardrobes, and an original feature fireplace. Adjacent to the master bedroom is bedroom four, a spacious double room with the added convenience of an en-suite shower room. The second and third bedrooms are also generously proportioned double rooms, with bedroom two boasting exposed beams and an excellent range of fitted wardrobes, while bedroom three offers a large storage cupboard. The family bathroom, from CP Hart, complete with underfloor heating includes a roll top freestanding bath with a rain fall shower head above, "his and hers" inset sinks, a high flush WC, and fitted storage housing a hot water tank. (In addition there is an immersion tank within the loft space which feeds the kitchen water supply)
History Of The Old Post House *
The property was built during 1729 and 1730 and was the Droxford Village Post Office from at least 1834 until 1924 when the Post Mistress Martha Westbrook retired having taken over from her Father, Isaac Westbrook in 1860, it was in 1870 the first telegraph was installed on the premises. Following the passing of Martha Westbrook in 1937 the property was sold on in 1938. In 1962 the owner of The Old Post House was admiral CF Dampier CMG who had a distinguished military career which included being Second-In-Command of a Battle Squadron during the early parts of the First World War and was in 1919 he was appointed a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George in the 1919 New Years Honour List.
*White & Guard would like to extend their thanks to Stuart Attrill and the Droxford History Group for providing the historical information.
Services
Oil Fired Central heating system (No Gas)
Soakaway Drainage System (not on mains)
OUTSIDE
The current owners have meticulously landscaped the gardens in 2022, resulting in a stunning and ample outdoor space for enjoyment. A patio seating area in York stone gracefully surrounds the dining area, leading to beautifully maintained lawns to the side and rear. The garden is enclosed by a variety of mature shrubs and brick walls. Additionally, there is a dedicated allotment area that accommodates an oil tank, which was installed in 2023 and relocated in line with the latest regulations. The oil tank also boasts a 10-year warranty for added peace of mind.
