With stunning Solent views and substantial gardens, this magnificent family home offers a unique opportunity to extend or further develop the large house and grounds.

Constructed in approximately the 1920's, Fakenham Cottage occupies an elevated plot extending to just under 1/2 an acre with glorious sea views and of surrounding countryside and downland. The property has recently undergone some fundamental restorations to include cosmetics, such as sanded parquet flooring, kitchens and decoration as well as safety certification on the electrics and gas heating. The property is extensive with six bedrooms and three bathrooms arranged over two floors currently incorporating a self-contained two bedroom annexe at the rear, with its own newly fitted kitchen and entrance with beautiful garden outlook and balcony. With gardens wrapping around the property there is also a concrete hard standing the rear, where there is planning approval for a double garage with accommodation over. Furthermore historic planning with material commencement has also been achieved for conversion of the current loft space which achieves stunning views from its existing balcony as well as an extension to the side with viewing terrace. The house exudes period character including high ceilings, ornate fireplaces, parquet flooring, picture rails and original timber internal doors. There is an excellent and feel with plenty of scope for reconfiguration to suit. The gardens have been fully cleared, turfed and presented ready to be planted with and fencing is erected to the front and rear with iron gates accessing a large gravelled driveway. The property is in a good state of repair having been thoroughly looked over in the past 12 months and benefits from particularly characterful pebble render elevations and the benefit of a structural engineers report describing it's structural integrity.

Ideally situated in the picturesque village and only a short walk down to the harbour quay and the causeway leading to the sand dunes of the Duver and family friendly beach. The small but vibrant village of St Helens has a village shop, two restaurants and a pub, together with an antiquarian bookshop and excellent access to nearby Bembridge Harbour, with extensive mooring facilities and sailing clubs at Bembridge and Brading Haven. There is easy access to a range of more extensive facilities and mainland transport links at Ryde (approximately 3 miles away) as well as several good beaches, including Bembridge and around Priory Bay.

Accommodation -

Ground Floor -

Entrance - Large veranda style tiled roof porch covers a timber front door with windows to each side and letterbox integrated within the masonry.

Hallway - A substantial hallway with herringbone pattern parquet flooring running throughout. Under stairs cupboard with further floor and cloakroom storage.

Dining Room - A room of generous proportions with deep skirting, picture rails and a fireplace with window overlooking the front and out to sea.

Sitting Room - With deep bay window including a window seat for enjoying sea views, this is a light room with ornate fireplace and dual aspect windows and a door accessing the gardens.

Study/Family Room - Another room of generous proportions overlooking the garden to the side, fireplace and annexe access.

Kitchen - With fitted kitchen and wood flooring makes for a well-appointed space incorporating a scarlet red Rayburn oven with full range of shaker style under counter and tall larder style kitchen cupboards. There is a mid level Neff microwave and grill and oven, integrated Bosch dishwasher as well as a 1.5 bowl stainless steel sink with mixer tap over. A pantry with shelving and space and plumbing for a fridge freezer is found through a doorway in the kitchen.

Utility Room - With a further range of undercounter and wall-mounted storage with pine worktops over. Butler sink inset with mixer tap over. Plenty of space for hanging coats and integrated hand carved cupboards.

W.C. - With metro tiles to mid-height, vanity unit wash basin and W.C.

First Floor - Stairs rise to a substantial galleried landing which could provide a study or reading area with wonderful views over fields and the eastern Solent.

The first floor comprises four double bedrooms all of particularly good proportions and with feature fireplaces, two of which achieve sea views to the front. A Jack and Jill ensuite shower room sits between bedroom 1 and 2, while the larger family bathroom benefits from a recent refurbishment incorporating tiled floors and walls, a roll top bath with ball and claw feet, vintage pedestal wash basin and W.C. enclosed shower and towel radiator. Bedroom 3 has a walk-in wardrobe space to the rear.

The Top Floor - A substantial loft space which has been partially converted and insulated to provide insulated accommodation, plenty of head height and stunning panoramic views to The Solent achieved from the balcony. This space would ideally be converted to a principal suite where there are plans drawn up with local planning authority permission achieved (2004) for a balcony to the side, which would achieve glorious downland views across the island.

Annexe - A self contained annexe is found at the rear of the property incorporating a fitted kitchen, open plan sitting room and two bedrooms and Jack and Jill shower room. This excellent space has been recently decorated throughout, as well as a balcony with new deck and railings enjoying the Solent views.

Outside - Fakenham Cottage has gardens extending to approximately a third of an acre wrapping around the house with a sunny southerly aspect providing plenty of natural light throughout the day. There is an abundance of space for landscaping or creating the perfect garden and backdrop to the house. Fakenham Cottage is accessed beyond a post and rail fence through wrought iron gates onto a large gravelled driveway. Vehicle access runs to the rear where there is a hardstanding with water and power prepared for the construction of a double garage with accommodation over. The property is particularly private to the rear where mature hedging runs along the northern boundary and new fencing has been erected at the rear.

Planning Permission - Planning permission was achieved in circa 2004 with a material commencement of the works to provide the following three potential areas of development:

. Double garage with accommodation over.

. Loft conversion with additional balcony to the side.

. Extension off the southern elevation to provide kitchen and balcony at first floor level.

Plans are available from the agent upon request and provide an ideal opportunity for any buyer to take the property and further develop to their own needs.

Services - Mains electricity, water and drainage. Heating is provided by mains gas fired boiler and delivered via radiators with an unvented Megaflow cylinder situated in the loft.

Tenure - The property is offered freehold

Epc Rating - D

Council Tax - E

Postcode - PO33 1XS

Viewings - Strictly by prior arrangement with the sole selling agents Spence Willard

Important Notice - 1. Particulars: These particulars are not an offer or contract, nor part of one. You should not rely on statements by Spence Willard in the particulars or by word of mouth or in writing ("information") as being factually accurate about the property, its condition or its value. Neither Spence Willard nor any joint agent has any authority to make any representations about the property, and accordingly any information given is entirely without responsibility on the part of the agents, seller(s) or lessor(s). 2. Photos etc: The photographs show only certain parts of the property as they appeared at the time they were taken. Areas, measurements and distances given are approximate only. 3. Regulations etc: Any reference to alterations to, or use of, any part of the property does not mean that any necessary planning, building regulations or other consent has been obtained. A buyer or lessee must find out by inspection or in other ways that these matters have been properly dealt with and that all information is correct. 4. VAT: The VAT position relating to the property may change without notice.