HISTORY
Grade I Listed, it is believed that The Manor House is one of the oldest continuously inhabited houses in the South of England, as records of a substantial dwelling on the site can be traced back to around 850 A.D. For much of its early history, the house was used as a parsonage with five priests typically in residence. At this point the building is believed to have been rather rudimentary and more akin to a barn. In the 1300s the Great Hall was constructed alongside the adjoining chapel at the east end. Throughout this period the property was in the ownership of the Bishops of Winchester and retained a high degree of importance due to Downton's excellent position. At the time, this part of the Avon Valley was a tidal inlet and Downton was extremely important as it had a hard crossing over the river. This meant that the river could be crossed on horseback, or on foot at low tide. Given its commercial importance, The Manor was a significant prize and during the Reformation it was taken from the Church and given to Winchester College. When Elizabeth I came to the throne, The Manor came to her attention as an impressive property. She instructed the Clerk of the Privy Council to write to the Governors of Winchester College asking them if she could have the property to use as a ‘Grace and Favour' house. As this would result in the property passing out of their ownership, the Governors in their impudence, refused. Some months later Lord Leicester wrote to the Governors reminding them that refusing the Queen was a matter of High Treason and asked that they reconsider their decision. Not surprisingly, an agreement was reached and the property was let to the Crown for the sum of £84 5s. 0d. per year. At first the house was occupied by John Wilkes, the secretary to Her Majesty's Council. However, within a year he had died and the Queen allowed the house to be occupied by Sir Carew Raleigh, the brother of Sir Walter Raleigh, and his family. Although Sir Walter Raleigh did not live at the house he stayed there frequently and was instrumental in presenting the house as it is seen today.

THE PROPERTY
As one might expect from its illustrious history, the Manor House offers exceptional accommodation that is both beautifully situated and full of character. Given the special provenance of the house, the principal reception rooms reflect the age in which they were built, which has created a fascinating and eclectic blend of architectural styles, from the grand Tudor scale of the paneled Great Hall, to the Gothic study and the Regency proportions of the dining room. Laid out over three storeys, the front door opens onto the ground floor, with the dining room, kitchen and breakfast room to one side. The kitchen has a four oven Aga, central island, a fitted dresser, Bosch oven and induction hob, double dishwashers and has been fitted with bespoke joinery throughout. The laundry/utility room lies just off (with planning permission for alterations and an extension) with a playroom/bedroom six and a shower room beyond, ideal for visiting relatives or staff. The Great Hall is a magnificent space, with a remarkable fireplace taking centre stage with coats of arms carved into the oak surround and forms the heart of the house as it is today, with a library area and WC just off. Located within the former chapel steeped in history, there is a wonderful triple aspect study, whilst secondary stairs lead up to the first floor.

From the central entrance hall, stairs lead up to the first floor and down to the lower ground floor where there is a gym, storeroom, boiler room and extensive cloak/boot room area. The owners have also retrofitted an exceptional wine cellar and tasting room into an undercroft below the study. A door leads out to the driveway down to the cottage.

The first floor is accessed via a reverse newel stone staircase, leading to the landing which in itself is very special, thought to be constructed from the poop deck of a ship. There is also a former priests hole under the floor. There are five bedrooms and four bathrooms in total. The principal bedroom, which is located above the Great Hall, is particularly spectacular, having exposed beams and forming a beautiful vaulted ceiling. It has an attached dressing room and en suite bathroom. With access from the secondary stairwell, Bedroom five lies above the former chapel, and has a similar vaulted roof to the main bedroom, albeit on a more modest scale. It shares a shower room with Bedroom four, independent but interlinked with the main bedroom and ideal as a further dressing room or nursery. The main guest bedroom (two) has an en suite bathroom, whilst Bedroom three has a separate bathroom just off.

GARDENS AND GROUNDS
The Manor House is approached over a long, private gravel drive which opens to a large turning and parking area in front of the house. To the front of the house is a stone terrace with steps up to the parking area, beyond which lies a large, level lawn which is bordered by mature trees and hedges to the north and east, and by a charming stone wall which provides a boundary with the church. The drive continues past the house towards the cottage, passing a timber framed barn which was originally a party barn for the owners; in 2018 they converted it to a micro-distillery. It has since been decommissioned but the machinery could be available by negotiation. On the western and rear elevation of the house is a wide stone and gravel terrace, opening on to a large swathe of lawn. This area of garden has a tall Yew hedge, with a central opening leading through to stone steps down to a further expanse of lawn.

This is a lovely large area for play, enclosed by mature trees including Willow, Ash and a small orchard. There is a treehouse with a sundeck, former chicken run and to one side a kitchen garden with raised beds. There is space here for a swimming pool or tennis court, subject to the usual planning consents. There is a lovely terrace with pergola on the southern side of the house and just off the breakfast room, with a further walled area of garden, formerly the kitchen garden.

MANOR HOUSE COTTAGE
Lying to the north west of the Manor House is a charming Grade II listed cottage, with brick elevations under a tiled roof. It has a large hall, kitchen/dining area, sitting room, shower room with WC, three bedrooms and a spacious landing. It is an attractive building which could be used as staff or family accommodation. It could also provide a further income if let separately.

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