New Way, Godalming, GU7 2JH

Overton House; a brief history. Formerly know as The Little Fort, it is a Grade II listed building designed around a fortified tower understood to have been constructed in the 1740's, with substantial 19th and 20th century additions. The fortified tower was built for Anne Oglethorpe and Eleanor Marquise de Mezieres, who were sisters of James Oglethorpe, who owned Westbrook, and where Anne lived whilst James Oglethorpe was away in America, founding the state of Georgia. Eleanor was a frequent visitor, and the two were staunch Jacobite supporters. The tower was one of two forts which the Oglethorpes built along a pre-existing vineyard wall, apparently to prepare Westbrook as a Jacobite stronghold in the event of attack.

The house was extended in the 19th and 20th century to create a unique and very comfortable family home. The original tower is incorporated within the main accommodation and features a fabulous roof terrace from where there are panoramic views out over Godalming town. The terrace is accessed directly from the large sitting room. The vaulted kitchen/dining room is also a large and wonderfully bright space with direct access out to the gardens. There is a separate utility room and guest cloakroom/wc. The principal bedroom is in the original tower and has a separate dressing room and ensuite bathroom. Upstairs, there are 3 further bedrooms and a roomy family bath and shower room. To the south, lies a detached ancillary studio with an open-plan bedroom/study and a shower room. This space gives great scope for those who work from home, or as added guest bedroom space when the need arises.

Outside

To the front, there is a large parking area in front of a substantial double carport. The extensive and very private terraced gardens lie to the south and east of the main house. Retaining walls shelter lawns and herbaceous borders, flower beds, and many specimen and fruit trees. There is also a band of ancient woodland within the boundary. From the garden, a flight of Bargate stone steps lead down through the woodland to a private gate onto New Way. The rear pedestrian entrance to the station is only a short walk a little further down the hill.

Situation

The property is situated centrally within Godalming, a thriving town with a pretty High Street and a wide range of independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. There is access onto the A3 at Hurtmore and Milford, linking London and the south coast as well as Heathrow and Gatwick airports via the M25. There is an excellent range of highly regarded state and independent schools nearby, for all age groups, from nurseries to Godalming Sixth Form College and including Charterhouse, Priorsfield, and St Hilary's in Godalming, Aldro in Shackleford, St Catharine’s in Bramley, Tormead and The Royal Grammar School and The High School in Guildford. Godalming town centre and mainline station are very close by. The train station is moments from the house with a regular service to Waterloo taking from just 47 minutes. As well as the historic High Street and Church Street, there are large branches of both Sainsbury's and Waitrose. The property is also particularly well located for easy access into the County Town of Guildford. Golf can be enjoyed at West Surrey, Hurtmore and Milford, and there are plenty of fitness centres, sports and leisure clubs. The immediate surrounding area offers miles of open countryside, much of which lies within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with and is ideal for walking, riding and cycling. Property Ref Number: HAM-51667

Additional Information

Services: Mains water, electricity and gas. Gas-fired central heating, private drainage. Local Authority: Waverley Borough Council Council Tax: Band G