PLANS to replace a mill house at Amport with a property costing over £1 million have reached the market.

Sarson Mill went on the market two weeks ago and according Philip Blanchard of agents Strutt & Parker in Winchester the response has been 'phenomenal' with most people keen to follow the option of demolition and rebuild with what has been des-cribed as an exceptional new house, occupying over 5,000 square feet, including staff accommodation.

The grounds are divided by a chalk stream with sluice gates channelling the flow beneath the central part of the house.

The design for the new property includes a glass floor looking down into the mill race below.

Philip Blanchard said the water was easily managed by the use of the sluice gates, despite the exceptionally heavy rain the area has been experiencing over the last several months. "The only thing that is fair to say, is that in the last couple of months you would not be disappearing off on holiday, or if you did you would find someone to manage the sluice while you were away.

"Properties with water have a magical quality, are extremely sought-after and to have detailed planning consent for a substantial house and cottage makes this a rare opportunity indeed." Offers for the existing mill house are in the region of £750,000. If the house is built the asking price is £1.5 million.