LOCATION: Gatcombe
BEDROOMS: Six
PRICE: £1,250,000
AGENT: Hose Rhodes Dickson (Country Homes)
TEL: 01983 538090

If you are looking for a substantial Georgian-style farmhouse with plenty of outdoor space and outbuildings, plus a whole host of historical features, then look no further.

Hill Farm, in rural Rectory Lane, Gatcombe, is just a short walk from one of the Island’s oldest churches, the charming St Olave’s.
The farmhouse was originally part of the Gatcombe estate and was first advertised for sale in 1836. After falling into disrepair, it was rebuilt in 1873 with the original stone and gault brick for just £600. Since then, it has been well maintained and, as an added bonus, a contract dating back to 1907 ensures the property is provided with free water.
Nestled into approximately 17.5 acres in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Hill Farm boasts an array of substantial stone outbuildings, including six stables and tack room with hay store above, a double-height tractor barn, a granary and an impressive former threshing barn — currently used as a forge. Adjacent to the granary is an original stone pig-sty. In the grounds beyond are a large pole barn and a sand school, additional hillside paddocks and mature woodland.
There is also a traditional mixed fruit orchard plus deciduous trees planted to some boundaries. There is plenty of off-road parking.
The beautiful wisteria to the front of the farmhouse draws your attention to this lovely property. The arched porch leads into the main body of the property and opens into a light hallway with wonderful high ceilings. Every room is of a good size, providing ample space for the whole family.
On the ground floor there is a sitting room, snug and dining room — all boasting original fireplaces; kitchen, utility room (leading to the cellar), shower room and workshop.
In the ground floor of the west wing (this area could be an independent annexe) are an additional sitting room with beamed ceiling and original bread oven, kitchen and separate dining area benefitting from bi-folding doors.
This second kitchen, formerly the dairy, features the original slate worktops and original dairy shelves.
The master kitchen features flagstone flooring with a twin butler sink, granite surfaces and an oil-fired Aga for cooking as well as providing hot water to most of the main property. There is an additional electric oven and hob as well as an integrated fridge-freezer and dishwasher.
The four double bedrooms on the first floor all benefit from spectacular countryside views.
The master bedroom features a tasteful ensuite and a traditional fireplace.
There is also a WC on this floor as well as a master bathroom and two further bedrooms to the west wing.
Formerly a hay loft, the large bedroom of the west wing has been tastefully converted and now benefits from an ensuite shower room.
Light, space and charm are definitely not in short supply at Hill Farm, that’s for sure.