6 bedroom detached house

Moot Lodge is a handsome brick double-fronted gated residence within walking distance of Downton village. The property was built in 1998 in a period style to cleverly complement the neighbouring Moot House. The house offers plenty of flexible and very generous living accommodation arranged over three floors.

A light and spacious entrance hall leads through to a well-proportioned and slightly sunken double reception room - used as both a drawing room and a dining area with a large gas burner. At the far end are double doors opening out onto the westerly facing terrace and garden. Steps lead up to the snug or family room with an elegant bay window overlooking the garden.

The kitchen is tiled throughout with a separate, alcoved breakfast area for more casual dining. The granite work surfaces, Miele hob and oven offer the keen cook plenty of space with an array of fitted base and wall units. A window seat at the end of the kitchen overlooks the garden. The conservatory leads directly from the kitchen and makes an excellent extended entertaining space with doors straight out onto the terrace and garden. French doors lead to an open study, games room or gym ideal for teenagers. There is a utility room/boot room leading from the integral garage.

The first floor leads to a stylish and extremely light split-level master bedroom with fitted floor to ceiling wardrobes and a private balcony overlooking the garden. The en-suite bathroom is tiled and comprises a large walk-in shower and double-ended bath. There is a self-contained main guest bedroom suite, with double aspect views over the garden, fitted wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom. There are two further bedrooms on this floor and a family bathroom.

On the second floor there is additional flexible accommodation. This area comprises a large, open plan family-sized bedroom with a single bedroom which interconnects to a larger double bedroom with two Velux windows. It has its own well-appointed en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower. A further study or games room provides a sixth bedroom if needed.

Moot Lodge is situated on a quiet lane within a few minutes’ walk from Downton village and is approached through wrought iron gates. The village itself is lively and well-resourced with a chemist, library, pubs, surgery and Co-op shop. There is also a primary and secondary school in Downton, a cafe and butcher and a range of small independent retailers. Downton is very well positioned for the New Forest with plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling.

The Moot is a defining feature and focus of the neighbourhood as it is now owned by the village itself. Direct access from the garden is an added advantage of this property. The Moot, originally an old Norman fort, has now become an oasis of public gardens made up of avenues of leafy walks, a grass amphitheatre which leads down to the pond and the river beyond.

The garden faces south-west and benefits from sunshine throughout the day. It is mainly laid to lawn with a part brick and wooden fence separating it from The Moot with climbing roses. A pretty alcove gateway leads directly to the Moot and evergreen Oaks border the lawn offering complete privacy. There is a paved terrace with a generous space for alfresco dining along with easy access from the conservatory and from the drawing room. At the side of the house is a pretty paved walkway lined with mature and established beds which leads to the front of the property.