Spectacular country house with handsome period features and glorious uninterrupted southerly views.

Description

St Austins is thought to be on the site of a friary, the name St Austins derived from St Augustine, and Frensham was under the aegis of Waverley Abbey, Englands’ first Cistercian Abbey founded in 1125 and disbanded in 1536. An ancient Yew to the side of the house, and the bricked-up tunnel running under the house and garden both predate the current house. An 1837 survey lists the house as a ‘Regency Mansion with the ‘feel’ of a medieval hall, possibly on the site of a stone Norman Manor’.

The house is built around the core of a much older dwelling and was remodelled as a single house in the late 18th Century, and then redesigned in the 19th century. With its deliberately stylised layout and details, and the formal lawn opening on to terraces dropping down to the river with beautiful southerly views framed by trees over the open countryside, St Austins carries all the hallmarks of a 19th century picturesque cottage orne. The site was chosen carefully to enjoy the idyllic country view over the River Wey and the 15th century church of St Mary’s beyond.

The current owners have in recent years undertaken an extensive programme of modernisation and refurbishment and the house is beautifully presented throughout.

The accommodation is arranged over two floors as shown on the attached floor plan with most principal rooms enjoying spectacular views.

Outside, St Austins is set in extensive gardens and grounds, with idyllic views across the valley and the village. At the front of the house, the cobbled driveway provides plenty of parking and access to the coach house and garaging.

The south-facing rear garden has an area of paved terracing and an immaculate lawn, bordered by established shrubs, colourful plants and hedgerow.

Beyond the lawn, the grounds are terraced and slope away towards meadows and woodland, to the peaceful banks of the meandering River Wey, with fishing rights.

This is an idyllic setting. A paddock of circa 0.5 acres is situated on the other side of the lane.

Location

St Austins is situated in the picturesque village of Frensham, which benefits from a community village shop, Holly Bush pub, village hall and recreation ground with cricket, tennis and bowling clubs.

The surrounding countryside is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Nearby Frensham Common is owned by the National Trust and provides the opportunity for miles of walking and cycling.
The Georgian town of Farnham offers an excellent choice of pubs, coffee shops and restaurants including Côte, Zizzi and The Giggling Squid, along with an extensive range of shopping and recreational facilities.

There are several highly regarded local state and private schools within the area including St Mary’s Infant School, Frensham Heights and Edgeborough.

Communications are excellent with the mainline station, with services to London Waterloo within four miles, and the A3/M25 providing access to London, Heathrow, Gatwick and the South Coast.

Square Footage: 5,064 sq ft


Acreage: 2.5 Acres