You’ll be like a dog with two tails at this house

The name of a house for sale at North Boarhunt, near Fareham, perhaps odd at first, perfectly sums up what a family home is all about, somewhere to feel totally relaxed.

The Dog Watch, at Southwick Road, North Boarhunt, reflects a naval term originally describing the night watch when, on land, all but the dog would be asleep. In the relaxed atmosphere of a family home that’s what everyone wants, a good night’s sleep which naturally leads to a refreshed start for the following, possibly vigorous, day.

Set close to the Forest of Bere, southern gateway to the beautiful Meon Valley, The Dog Watch is perfect for those who love to walk the dog, ride a bike or horse, or just take to Shanks’s Pony to wander the myriad paths or savour the long distance track on the old Meon Valley Railway Line heading north for more than 20 miles to Alton. Of course, the house has its own excellent facilities for those preferring to relax without passing the garden gate.

“The Dog Watch is a real gem – the perfect home for those who love the countryside but need to be close to the amenities of the city and want the most exclusive of pleasures by taking advantage of the property’s outdoor swimming pool, pool house / entertainments room, sauna, and spa bath,” explains Colin Shairp, of Fine and Country Southern Hampshire.

“The house is set well back from the road, with a remote controlled gated entrance and 100 ft of primary parking and driveway in its 0.45 acres of grounds.

“With its triple bay windows, gabled projecting porch, and row of four dormers across the deep tiled roof there’s a real cottage style to the house. But with almost 3,400 sq ft of living space there’s never the possibility of feeling cramped, as can happen with some cottages that look appealing but are actually quite squeezed inside.”

Two of those ba y windows front the sitting room, which has a rear door to the covered terrace with hot tub. Behind the other bay is the study while the central hallway extends back to meet the fantastic kitchen / dining / family room, passing a utility on the left and large storage cupboards on the right.

Bi-fold doors merge the rear garden and the living space, creating a perfect place for entertaining where the hosts can be busy in the well-fitted kitchen while still mingling with family and guests – there is table space for up to a dozen plus a sitting area.

The first floor has four bedrooms, two served by the family bathroom, with a guest suite with shower room at the front and a master suite with shower and dressing rooms together with bi-fold doors onto a balcony overlooking the garden.

In the pool house there are changing and sauna rooms plus a large games room with bar. The Dog Watch also has a single garage.

Guide price is £875,000 (EPC Band tbc). For more information, contact Fine and Country Southern Hampshire on 023 93 277 277 or email drayton@fineandcountry.com

End