Sparsholt — Sparsholt

Description Understood to date from the 1830s, The Deane House is a Grade II listed country house of classical Regency proportions. A significant, contemporary addition was completed about 12 years ago and the property is now an eclectic mix of period and contemporary design, seamlessly marrying historic elegance with 21st Century requirements. The Deane House sits in a magnificent elevated position with views over its gardens, grounds and vineyards to the woodland and landscape beyond. The front elevation, first visible as you approach the house from below, is impressive with fine Portland stone steps rising to the front door, beneath a Queen Anne style hood and fan light. Once inside, the history of The Deane House is evident with elegant reception rooms flooded with light from the deep 16 and 12 pane sash windows. The house features tall ceilings, detailed cornicing, picture and dado rails, working shutters and a number of beautifully carved marble fireplaces. During their 30 year tenure the present owners have undertaken considerable renovation works, whilst maintaining the historic integrity of the house. Twelve years ago they commissioned a magnificent extension to the southern aspect of the house with the remit, to provide flexibility of space that can be used as individual rooms or opened up allowing for entertaining at scale. The intimate winter dining room now opens to the kitchen and garden room, with its vast roof lantern and four full height glazed panels and doors, opening to the terrace. Beyond, the round room and snug, again with full height glazed panels, provide a further six doors opening to the terrace, all interconnecting with bespoke oak bifold doors, allowing complete versatility of use, depending upon requirements. Striking curved oak door connecting the round room with the snug features a stained glass panel by glass sculptor, Louise Watson RA. Vast Japanese-style oak and opaque glazed sliding doors allow the kitchen to be separated from the garden room. The kitchen features contemporary lacquered cabinetry beneath granite worktops, a large central island and a four door Aga. Just off is a generous, north facing, walk-in pantry with slate shelving. Within the original part of the house, the drawing room and library are graceful rooms, both with far reaching views, bespoke cabinetry and lovely marble fireplaces. The study features bespoke oak cabinetry showcasing exquisite marquetry. Adjacent is a generous sized playroom. From the main hall, the staircase rises to a large galleried landing. The dual aspect principal bedroom suite has stunning, far reaching views from its square bay window. A walk-through dressing area leads to the en suite bathroom, with its rose marble vanity unit and inset roll top bath. There are five further bedrooms, all with en suite bath/shower rooms and a nursery/ bedroom 7 adjacent to the principal bedroom. To the lower ground floor is a cinema room, wine cellar and plant room. Outside The beautifully landscaped gardens, designed and created by the present owner, blend seamlessly into the landscape below within the surrounding rolling countryside. A terrace wraps around both southerly and easterly aspects of the house, with multiple doors opening onto it. A tranquil rill creates a mesmeric feature with ample space to entertain, with a fireplace and barbeque to the far end. Mellow stone walls, mature yew, beech and box hedging define the different areas of the garden, creating year round interest. Ancient trees feature throughout, including copper beech, mulberry, beech and yew. An avenue of tulip trees is underplanted with myriad spring bulbs. Deep herbaceous beds and wild flower planting froth with summer colour, attracting all manner of insect life. The beautiful walled garden with roses scrambling over its walls has a central wisteria and rose walk, defining the different areas. Deep herbaceous borders, raised vegetable, fruit and cut flower beds sit adjacent to the gr