There are many houses that enjoy a view of the great outdoors – but how much better if you can get out and enjoy it while staying within your own space.

 

That’s exactly the offer provided by a spectacular family home on Hayling Island, often regarded as the playground of the South Coast. If that is the case, then this house, The Willows in St Peters Road, must be a playground within a playground.

 

With more than 4,000 square feet of living space, just the house might be enough to win the argument for most people. But the extras it brings will surely clinch the decision to buy.

 

In the terrace behind the house there’s a swimming pool with a maximum depth of 10 feet but with entry steps in a shallow end. The garden opens out beyond the pool terrace to reveal a full-size all-weather tennis court. The garden has three stables, two with self-watering systems, all within an area contained by post and rail fencing and with its own wildlife pond.

 

“The Willows is a fantastic home for families who love an outdoor lifestyle, whether that’s al fresco dining and a quick dip in the pool to much higher levels of sporting action,” says Anne-Marie Green of Fine and Country Southern Hampshire in Emsworth.

 

“The house looks out across its own garden and open fields to the Emsworth Channel in Chichester Harbour, sheltered by Thorney Island but still with a long distance perspective.

 

“For indoor sport as evenings cool there’s a games room with a bar at one end and the building is set back behind three raised beds.

 

“The Willows has four reception rooms or areas in addition to a 27 ft kitchen / breakfast / family room with fantastic fittings that include a wine cooler that complements the main wine cellar, utility room and cloakroom on the ground floor. There are five bedrooms - the master having an en-suite dressing room and bathroom and bedroom two having an en-suite bathroom - and a family bathroom on the first floor.

 

“Life can’t be all play for all of the time, so the location in Northney village places the house well for access to the mainland and its road and rail networks. But for much of the time, Hayling Island has all that everyone needs so it is like living in an enclave much further away from Blighty than it feels. On the other hand, it’s such an appealing place to be that I can see the home office getting far more use than any means of commuting when work has to be done.”

 

Guide price is £1.395 million (EPC Band C). For more information, contact Fine and Country Emsworth on 01243 487969 or email emsworth@fineandcountry.com