Sopley, Christchurch

This executive detached residence has formed part of the Sopley Estate since 1868 when it was bought by the Kemp Welch family. The present house was built and occupied by Mr Hubert Kemp Welch at the beginning of the last century and was inherited by his nephew, Sir Simon Benton Jones in 1963. The house has been the subject of a sympathetic and comprehensive restoration programme in recent years. This has involved re-roofing the property, re-wiring, re-plumbing, the installation of a large conservatory, beautifully fitted kitchen, well appointed bathrooms with complete redecoration throughout. Great attention has been paid to the detail and to retaining the integrity of this lovely Edwardian family home. There is cornicing throughout, a staircase which would have originally used by the Servants of the house, 10 fireplaces as well as oil fired central heating with original cast iron radiators. The expansive accommodation of the property in brief comprises of large reception hall with grand central staircase, morning room, drawing room with feature log burner, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room with a range of appliance, large recently built conservatory, downstairs cloakroom, flower room, utility room and stairs to a cellar to the ground floor. To the first floor from a light and airy landing there are three bedrooms with the master affording a beautiful en-suite bathroom, dressing room and balcony overlooking the grounds of the property. There is also a large en-suite bathroom to bedroom two and a further family bathroom. Upon reaching the second floor there are three further bedrooms, an attractive en-suite bathroom with exposed brickwork to bedroom four a further family bathroom and an attic room. The property is approached via a graveled driveway lined by an attractive laurel hedge. This continues round a grass turning circle with a fine cedar tree and then branches off to the double garage. There are also further brick built outbuildings, a paddock, a small stable and a concealed tripe size oil storage tank which is concealed out of view. The garden is laid mainly to lawn with a number of mature trees. The western boundary is formed by the River Avon providing a wonderful setting and from the grounds are far reaching views over the river and across the water meadows towards St Catherines Hill. Beyond the southern boundary is the historic church of St Michael and All Angels which can be seen from parts of the house and garden. There is the highly attractive benefit of a heated outdoor swimming pool which is easy to maintain having a motorised pool cover and boiler room which is house separately adjoined to a large summerhouse in the grounds. Steps down to the river bank allow access to a unique decked area which offers a beautiful river backdrop for entertaining, The garden enjoys complete privacy and seclusion and extend in total to approximately 3 acres.

Morden House enjoys a delightfully secluded setting with grounds running down to the River Avon within the sought after village of Sopley. The village is a designated conservation area which lies in the Avon Valley between the towns of Christchurch to the south and the market town of Ringwood to the north. The village itself offers some useful local amenities including the Woolpack Public House, a post office and stores, a church and Sopley Mill Restaurant. There are an excellent range of facilities available at Christchurch (3 miles) and Borunemouth (6 miles) including regular train services to London Waterloo (2 hours approximately.) There are excellent sporting and leisure facilities within the area including horse riding and walking in the New Forest; golf at Burley, Ferndown and Broadstone; sailing from Lymington, Christchurch and Poole Harbour. From Poole there are Ferry services to the Channel Islands, France and Spain and Bournemouth International Airport is within easy driving distance.

Local Authority is New Forest District Council. Tax Band H.

We understand that mains electric, water and drainage are connected. There is a larger than average oil storage tank to provide oil for the central heating system.

From our office in Christchurch proceed to the top of the High Street and turn right along the dual carriageway. At the next roundabout turn left onto Stony Lane, continue through Burton and follow the road to the left after Winkton. Follow the road and upon reaching the Woolpack public house straight ahead, turn left and almost immediately left again where it is signposted to the church and Sopley Mill Restaurant. The property can be found on the right hand side a short way down the lane.

Grand Entrance Hall


Morning Room/Study


Drawing Room


Dining Room


Kitchen/Breakfast Room


Large Conservatory


Laundry Room


Cloakroom


Flower Room


Boiler Room


Stairs Leading to Cellar


First Floor Landing Via Wide Main Staircase or Original Servants Staircase


First Floor Landing


Master Bedroom with Balcony Overlooking Grounds


Dressing Room


Master En-Suite Bathroom with Separate Shower


Bedroom 2


En-Suite Bathroom with Separate Shower


Bedroom 3


Family Bathroom


Second Floor Landing


Bedroom 4


En-Suite Bathroom


Bedroom 5


Bedroom 6


Attic Room


Bathroom


Double Garage


Grounds of Approximately 3 Acres


Paddock & Stable


Further Outbuildings


Heated Swimming Pool