A beautifully presented Victorian country house in a desirable location in the middle of a peaceful hamlet just to the south of Guildford.
Historically, Orange Grove was a house of some local importance. Forming the largest of a grouping of properties which is part of the idyllic hamlet of Littleton, the origins of the house date back to the mid 19th century, although it is believed to have earlier origins. At one time it was lived in by the vicar of Wanborough but they never recorded it as a rectory. The house was also home, until 1948, to Air Vice Marshall Sir Oliver Swann, who invented the Second World War flying boat.
The current owners bought the house in 2012 and spent two years extending and renovating the property, installing new bathrooms, walnut floorboards, new sash windows with double glazing, air handling system, partial air conditioning system, new kitchen and bathrooms.
The cottage was renovated and extensive outbuildings erected together with a complete relandscaping of the gardens under the direction of Andrew Fisher Tomlin. The renovation of Orange Grove has been meticulously executed and is now a beautifully presented family home with all of the comforts for modern day living.
This fine house with six bedrooms in total is approached through electric gates over a cattle grid and up an immaculate gravel drive. Orange Grove is constructed with bargate stone and tile hung under a tiled roof. The front door leads into a wide entrance hall with an open fireplace.
The main reception rooms have wonderful walnut floorboards and ornamental fireplaces and enjoy lovely views over the gardens. To the right, is a family room with views of the rose garden and straight ahead a library and study overlooking the terrace and lawn to the south. Near the kitchen is a playroom and the kitchen itself is a wonderful architecturally designed open planned living area with high ceiling, air conditioning, underfloor heating, automatic blinds on the velux windows, central breakfast island and Calor gas professional deluxe gas oven. Three double doors lead out to a terrace and garden, ideal for barbeques and outdoor entertaining. A link leads through to a private office (once an apple store) with walnut flooring and doors outside to a courtyard.
On the first floor is the principal bedroom suite with dressing room and en suite bathroom together with three further bedrooms and two bathrooms and a wide well-lit landing.
The Coach House
The glazed link from the house leads to a self-contained coach house, with a laundry room, WC, boot room, games room/party room and on the first floor, a sitting room, bedroom and bathroom.
The Cottage
The old cottage was demolished and has been rebuilt to offer a double garage of timber and tile construction with a large gymnasium and a studio apartment above with kitchen, shower, bedroom.
Gardens and Grounds
The house is approached over a gravelled in and out drive with a further entrance onto the lane for separate access to the garaging. Ornamental beds surround the house on all sides with a pretty rose garden to the west. The gardens have been landscaped by Andrew Fisher Tomlin, winners of the RHS gold and best in show awards in 2014, 2016 and 2018. Towards the end of the driveway there is a large machinery shed with separate vehicular access. There is a generator shed near the cottage and the outhouse has planning permission to extend and convert into a wellness suite. There is also a summer house previously a tree house. Steps lead up to a level lawn with a firepit area and the main lawn is separated from a lower lawn/meadow by a ha-ha. Tucked away is an all-weather tennis court. The gardens extend in all to about 5.5 acres.
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Rarely does a house in such a prime and sought after position come available providing a versatile arrangement of living space. I love the peace and quiet too from this wonderful home.
Alastair MercerProperty agent