Church Lane, Havant, Hampshire, PO9

The property lies in un-spoilt rural surroundings close to the shores of Langstone Harbour and surrounded by just under 4 acres of gardens and grounds. Despite its idyllic rural setting, Warblington Castle is nevertheless within close proximity of Portsmouth and good rail links to London, not to mention the facilities of the pretty harbour-side town of Emsworth and the excellent sailing opportunities offered by this part of the south coast.

The property includes the ruins of the original fortified Tudor courtyard house, built for Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, in the first half of the 16th century, although records of a manor on this site date back to the 1300's and perhaps earlier. In addition to the building itself what remains of the moat can still be seen in the surrounding grounds.

The house has enormous character with beautiful exposed stonework, stone flagged floors and exposed beams. Generous hallways and landings lead to light and spacious reception rooms. In addition to the generous reception rooms there is a large kitchen/family room complete with open fireplace and large bay window looking out over the surrounding grounds. The practicalities of living in the country are well-catered for with a large boot room and utility room, whilst beneath the house there are extensive wine cellars. The bedroom accommodation is excellent and arranged over first and second floors, totalling some seven bedrooms, two shower rooms and bathroom. The second floor with its vaulted ceilings and particularly large rooms could lend itself to creating an apartment for guests or extended family members if required.

A long driveway approaches the house from the west. At the foot of the tower are situated two stone-built garages providing secure parking and storage. A gravelled approach and parking area lies immediately to the west and south of the house itself. The gardens to the west of the house lie around the footprint of the tower. A central lawn has well-stocked herbaceous borders planted around the remains of the original castle layout where evidence of the drawbridge and castle apartments can be found. To the south of the driveway lies a productive orchard of pear and apple trees. To the east a terrace enclosed by an ornamental balustrade has steps leading down to the lawn and the nearby swimming pool with its adjacent stone-built pool house. This provides an ideal space for entertaining with a south-facing sitting room and pergola covered terrace. Behind the pool house lie several stone outbuildings including tractor and garden stores. Beyond the pool can be seen an impressive traditional Sussex granary set on staddle stones. To the east of this lies further lawned garden and a productive vegetable garden with soft fruits and further fruit trees including damsons, greengages, apples and pears.

This small historic hamlet lies in open farmland on the northern shores of Emsworth Channel. The immediate area is predominantly rural with its farm, parish church and Warblington Castle being the principal landmarks. Nevertheless the shopping centres of both Havant and the pretty harbour-side towns of Emsworth are nearby with the former providing a convenient rail link to London Waterloo and other towns across the south coast. The area is particularly popular with sailors with access from Emsworth and Langstone harbours to the waters of The Solent. There are further sailing clubs available in Emsworth and Bosham. Whilst sailing is the predominant pastime in the area, there are golf courses at Hayling Island and Rowland's Castle and the rich countryside of the South Downs National Park to the north provides many opportunities for walking and riding. Goodwood near Chichester is internationally known for its horse racing, the annual Festival of Speed and the September Revival meeting at its historic motor circuit.