A wealth of beautiful original features and a sauna in the former jail cells identifies Court House not only as a lovely period home but also the old local police station and courtroom. This substantial house is packed with luxury and individuality. Dating back to 1858 and sitting in the heart of the village of Droxford within the beautiful Meon Valley, the detached property was sold into private ownership in the early 1990s. Part of this interesting home was previously run as a small private health club but the wonderful spa facilities are now part of the family home including a sauna, steam room, hot tub and gym.

The graceful hallway and stairs recall the Victorian origins of the home and from the main hallway there is a drawing room with an open fire, dining room, and kitchen with an Aga, flagstone floor and walk-in pantry. There is also a study with a separate door to the front garden, two original police cells which have been used as a sauna and a steam room, a further spa room with a Jacuzzi, shower room and cloakroom.  The original court room has been used as a gym and has a high ceiling with windows.  There is also a family room with its own access to the front of the property, further shower rooms, cloakroom and utility room.

Two staircases rise to the first floor from either end of the house leading to four double bedrooms, one with its own cloakroom, and a fifth, single room. There is a large family bathroom, additional cloakroom and a laundry room.

Adrian Geary at Chewton Rose in Winchester says the building has barely changed in 150 years: “Most of the features from 1858 are still clearly in evidence, including the cell doors which add a quirkiness to the house. Also the spa is perfect for relaxing, especially in the summer with the door open to the courtyard.”

The garden offers a great deal of flexibility, with a flat, grassy area fringed by mature shrubs and a substantial walled courtyard that is currently a hard standing  area but could be converted to lawn to soften the exterior and this is fully walled and very private. A large garden at the front has a variety of mature shrubs and trees.

The grounds include a detached Victorian coach house which offers further exciting possibilities to convert to an annexe perhaps. However, this is currently mostly in its original state, still fitted with a manger and water trough for horses and a hayloft above.

The scenic surroundings of the Meon Valley are delightful and Droxford lies within the South Downs National Park with the River Meon meandering along the eastern flank together with the extensive Wayfarers Walk. Good local amenities are provided within the village and the nearby towns of Wickham and Bishop’s Waltham adding to the appeal of the lifestyle.

A guide price of £695,000 is quoted by Chewton Rose and further information is available by calling Adrian at the Winchester office on 01962 826050.