The Hidden Delight in Hampshire's Hamlet: The Old Rectory at Tunworth
Venerable Past Meets Eco-Friendly Present: Sustainable Landscaping at a Historic Grade II-Listed Residence in Hampshire
Nestled in the heart of Hampshire, a stone's throw from Basingstoke, lies an enchanting gem known as the Old Rectory at Tunworth. Hidden away amongst 27 Arcadian acres, this Grade II-listed beauty sits nestled amidst the Herriard estate, enveloped by the area's farms, woodland, and quaint downland hamlets. With the nearby M3 motorway offering quick access to London, Heathrow, and Gatwick, you'll find this secluded haven tucked away from the hustle and bustle, yet conveniently connected.
Steeped in history, the core of the main house dates back to the Middle Ages, undergoing significant alterations in the early 18th century and again in Victorian times. The church once owned this architectural marvel until it was sold in 1917, and a Yorkshire landowner breathed new life into the dwelling, bringing along four splendid Adam fireplaces to grace its reception rooms. The Old Rectory then changed hands in 1952, landing with Col the Hon Julian Berry, renowned for owning The Daily Telegraph and nearby Hackwood Park.
Savor the old-world allure of the 10,300sq ft home, boasting 3 floors of accommodation. The Middle Ages imbue the core of the main house, which encompasses a former dining room and sitting room now part of the kitchen/diner, while the rest exudes Queen Anne charm, housing the drawing room, study, family room, various utilities, a wine store, cellar, 7 bedrooms, and 5 bathrooms. Following her husband's demise in 1988, Mrs. Berry extended the property, building a porch and the orangery, offering exquisite views of the rear gardens and the Herriard estate beyond. Additional accommodations are available in the Garden Cottage and the converted Little Barn.
Hampshire's famous gardens grace the countryside, boasting illustrious names like the Rothschild's New Forest estate at Exbury and Upton Grey Manor. The Old Rectory itself boasts a celebrated garden heritage, cherished by Col Berry's daughter and heir, Caroline Wagg, whose passion for horticulture was inherited from her great-aunt Eliza Wagg, co-founder of the National Garden Scheme. The present owners, who took ownership from Mrs. Wagg in 2012, have endeavored to preserve this green legacy, refurbishing and modernizing the home while converting the gardens to organic practices, eschewing chemicals entirely.
Furthermore, the owners have improved the property's interior, creating a central, open-plan living space, enhancing the air quality and energy efficiency, and installing the latest technology. Planning consent has also been granted for a swimming lake, adding to the property's allure.
If you're captivated by this secluded gem, the Old Rectory at Tunworth is currently for sale, with both Savills and Knight Frank handling the sale at a guide price of £10 million.
James Fisher is the Deputy Digital Editor of our platform, chronicling property, travel, motoring, and the things that irk him. Residing in London, he is never far from the pulse of life.
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- Experience an idyllic lifestyle in the Old Rectory at Tunworth, with formal gardens offering a charming blend of history and horticulture, making it a perfect fit for home-and-garden enthusiasts who appreciate the finer things in life.
- Engage in a rewarding gardening endeavor within the grounds of the Old Rectory at Tunworth, where your green thumb can flourish amidst Organic practices, maintaining the esteemed garden heritage cherished by its previous owners.
