When you have a home designed by Thomas Ellis Owen, known as the “Father of Southsea”, and named after one of his grandchildren you have what might truly be described as a very important property.
But that doesn’t mean, despite its listed status and obvious importance to the heritage of the area in which it’s located, that you can’t move it forward to the 21st Century.
The home in question, Annesley House in Queen’s Crescent, Southsea, is now becoming two homes. In the past it has served as a school such is its size but modern families, those in the “Downton Abbey” stratosphere apart, do not function with myriad servants and domestic help so such a grand property becomes unnecessary and potentially unwieldy.
Annesley House is now becoming two homes, with the owners of the original property moving to the part which will have a new name and new address off Sussex Terrace, a narrow, twisting lane of a type that was a regular feature in Owen’s vision for Southsea.
The new owners of Annesley House will still have a home on a grand scale offered on the market through Fine and Country Southern Hampshire at a guide price that reflects both its eminent status and the scope for the owners to put their own finishing touches to the kitchen and bathrooms.
“This is a fantastic project, sensitively executed right down to the finest detail,” explains Colin Shairp, of Fine and Country Southern Hampshire.
“Annesley House will retain an impressive garden, sheltered by mature trees to give a great degree of privacy – almost a country house feel with its sloping lawns.
“The entrance is through a grand, L-shaped hallway with two sets of double doors into a superb kitchen / family room beyond which is a large utility with corner cloakroom.
“The first floor has an superb drawing room, complete with elegant double entry doors from the landing and a door to a home office / gym / fifth bedroom with en-suite shower room.
“On the second floor there are three further bedrooms, one with an en-suite and dressing room, plus a family bathroom while on the top floor is a magnificent master bedroom with spacious en-suite.
“The house encapsulates modern needs while paying perfect homage to its importance in the history of Southsea. It’s a magnificent opportunity to add to its heritage.”
Guide price is £800,000. For more information, contact Fine and Country Southern Hampshire on 023 93 277 277 or email drayton@fineandcountry.com
Fine & Country Drayton 