4 bed detached house for sale

Stronwen, East Wellow, Hampshire SO51

Set in over two and a half acres of private gardens and native woodland, in a quiet Hampshire hamlet at the edge of the New Forest, this wonderful four-bedroom home takes an exacting and sustainable approach to design and construction. Extending to over 2,800 sq ft across a single storey, straw bale, lime render and clay plaster form the primary materials. Floor-to-ceiling glazing and skylights bring an exceptional quality of natural light across the lateral layout, retaining consistent visual connection between the interior and sublime woodland setting.

Environmental Performance

Excellent eco-credentials formed an integral part of the design of Stronwen, with walls of straw and timber construction, and materials free of VOCs. The result is a series of interior spaces retaining a healthy indoor air climate, with any excess humidity naturally wicked away through hygroscopic walls; no machinery installation or servicing required. Walls, floor, and ceiling are well insulated resulting in low energy bills, and there is also a solar thermal hot water system. Externally clad and lime rendered, the house feels wholly embedded within the landscape.

The Tour

Set back from the road by a private driveway, the striking architectural profile is barely visible on the approach. Internal accommodation measures just over 2,800 sq ft, arranged in a lateral layout across a single storey. Step-free and wheelchair accessible throughout, the division of space has been cleverly conceived, with great flexibility and ease of mobility in mind.

Entrance is via an enclosed porch and a wide cloakroom for boots and bags, leading through to a spacious hallway with bespoke book shelving and cabinetry running its length, providing plenty of space for storage and display.

Progressing through the house, the double-height living area dramatically unfolds; an impressive room set centrally, it is configured around the spectacular woodland setting. Large picture windows and ribbons of clerestory frame views of the treetops from every aspect, with shards of light dancing across the interior through the course of the day.

This is a dynamic space forming the heart of the house, with areas for cooking, dining, and relaxing loosely apportioned. Elegant, timber-framed pitched ceilings bring a sense of volume, and thick oak pillars feel perfectly in-keeping with the surroundings. Solid timber flooring runs underfoot, a log burner is set in a deep fireplace to one side, and soft sage green walls echo the leafy backdrop.

From the kitchen lies the utility room, and from here there is also side access outside. The four main sleeping areas and two wet rooms run the length of the northerly aspect. Each of the double bedrooms is well-proportioned, with an excellent provision of storage and in-built wardrobe space. Full-height glazing follows the pitch of the ceiling in the main bedroom, with a glazed door opening directly to the terrace. To the front of the house lies an office or gym, which would easily convert to a fifth bedroom.

Outside Space

The outside space at Stronwen forms an integral part of the overall experience and, quite uniquely, offers a private pocket of native forestry in addition to the immediate gardens. Various areas of interest both on sloped and flat ground are delineated by paths lined by mature shrubs and trees lending a dappled light. Terraces lead directly from the main living space; the perfect spot to eat outside in warmer months, while the dense woodland beyond offers privacy and a peaceful backdrop, attracting an incredible array of native wildlife and birdlife, flora, and fauna.

The Area

Stronwen is situated in a quiet but spectacular location bordering the New Forest, one of the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed pasture land, heathland, and forest in Southern England, covering southwest Hampshire and southeast Wiltshire. Farm shops, cafés, and rural pubs are all within striking distance, and it is possible to walk, cycle or horse ride in all directions, on many miles of peaceful traffic-free trails and tracks, crossing open heath and forested enclosures.

The area is well renowned for not only for the beauty of the surrounding countryside, but proximity to the south coast and the location is equally well-positioned for easy access to the urban, cultural centres of Salisbury, Winchester, Southampton and Bournemouth. For everyday amenities, Romsey is easily reached in around ten minutes by car, with a theatre and schools for all ages both state and private.

Access to the motorway network at junction two and three can be reached within around a five-minute drive. Winchester mainline railway station can also be reached within about 20 minutes, for fast train journey times of around 60 minutes direct to London Waterloo. Southampton airport is a 15-minute drive away, providing regular flights to Scotland, Ireland and seasonal European destinations.

Council Tax Band: G