April Cottage, at Alum Bay, has stunning views over The Needles and Headon Warren. Picture by Jennifer Burton.
HOMEFILE
Location...Alum Bay
Bedrooms...Three in main property, one in annexe
Price...£595,000
Agent...The Wright Estate Agency
Tel...01983 754455
HIGHDOWN'S dramatic white cliffs and the chalk pinnacles of The Needles stretching out into the Western Solent are an iconic Island image that is also a stunning backdrop to life at an Alum Bay home.
Along with this beautiful outlook, changing minute by minute with the shifting light, April Cottage looks out to Tennyson’s Monument, across to Dorset’s white cliffs and eastwards to Bournemouth and Christchurch.
Located in a spectacular area of outstanding natural beauty, just below Headon Warren, the property offers a rare three-in-one ideal if you fancy breathtaking views as part of your lifestyle and some of the Island’s finest walks on the doorstep.
It comprises the charming former stone and brick lodge to Headon Hall dating back to 1868, the separate former coach house, a pitch and putt course with outstanding views and a summer house-style kiosk selling ice creams and drinks.
A pretty, sun-trap front garden complete with a Monet-style bridge over a fishpond, extensive lawned back garden backing onto farmland and National Trust areas and the nine-green pitch and putt course amount to more than three acres.
The twice-extended main cottage combines charm with modern amenities — among them underfloor heating and top quality double glazed windows from America — and has flexible, smartly-redecorated three-bedroom space.
Additional one-bedroom accommodation on the top floor of the 45ft-long former coach house can be used for a number of purposes.
Downstairs is a deep garage with double front doors, a workshop area in the former stables retaining the attractive wooden surrounds and cast iron mangers to three stalls and two store areas with clay brick flooring, one with a disused fireplace.
The well-kept pitch and putt course has its own smartly-paved parking area with a driveway continuing to the property’s own huge gravelled parking area.
Stone steps lead up to attractive April Cottage with a stone frontage enhanced by decorative brickwork and bargeboards.
Original patterned floor tiles feature in the entrance lobby leading to the 20ft-long living room looking out to the downs and Tennyson Monument.
A study is positioned off and from an inner lobby is access to the dining room with downland views, the delightful bathroom with seaside-style look and the smart, well-planned kitchen with solid oak-fronted units, a built-in halogen and induction hob and double oven.
Bespoke cupboards made by local craftsmen are fitted in the three upstairs bedrooms.
From bedroom one and a balcony off its adjoining office are glorious Solent and Needles views while bedroom two has front downland views and a rear sea glimpse.
Bedroom three has a smart en-suite bathroom.
The large annexe living area, with attractive beams, is open to a fitted kitchen and dining area and a bedroom off with en-suite shower room has chalk cliff views.
There are more lovely sea, Needles and downland views to enjoy in the gardens.
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