Kingsdown House

Kingsdown House is a substantial house at the heart of Upper Lambourn in a fine position in the Lambourn Downs. Built in the 1930’s in the style familiar to the admirers of Edwin Lutchyns this elegant and refined soft red brick house was once the centre of the late Earl of Sefton’s training empire. Now it is the neighbour to a highly successful and immaculately maintained training yard.

No doubt a racing enthusiast would particular relish being in this part of the world but this no longer defines the house and those who find pleasure in beautiful gardens and surrounding countryside will be amply rewarded.

Approached through private and imposing gates and a tree lined sweeping gravel driveway the visitor is brought to a large parking area discretely but conveniently placed by near to the front door. (A second drive leads to the service area to the rear of the house) 

A generous hallway leads to all the principal reception rooms including a well-proportioned drawing room, panelled library and dining room and all of which overlook the gardens. 

A family sitting room, kitchen with an oil-fired Aga and the informal dining area along with laundry room are to one end of the house and at the other is a substantial indoor swimming pool. 

On the first floor are six main bedrooms, four bathrooms and a study. The master bedroom, with views to the south and west, has a dressing room and large ensuite bathroom. The second floor has two further bedrooms and a bathroom; as well as a two-bedroom, one bathroom, staff flat with its own sitting room, kitchen, back staircase and access.

The cellar, with stairs from the hall, has 4 rooms, including the boiler room and the air-conditioned wine cellar.

By the back door is a double garage, car port, 4 stores and a WC. This service yard and stables are accessed by the back drive.

Gardens

The south facing gardens have been beautifully landscaped and are a fitting backdrop to the house. Meticulously maintained, they include a large fishpond and seating area. There are a number of stylishly planted borders with hedged compartments, emphasising the seclusion and privacy. Beyond the gardens is a pitch and putt golf course with tees and greens. The tennis court, protected by a high yew hedge, has a superb clay surface with irrigation facilities. Near the front gate is a vegetable garden with greenhouse.

Paddocks and Parkland

To the north are three fenced paddocks totalling 12.21 acres (4.94 ha). These are well railed, with a field shelter and hardstanding at the southwestern corner. Beyond is a mature shelter belt of deciduous trees, protecting the paddocks from the north wind.

To the west of the gardens are 12.8 acres (5.21 ha) acres of pasture.

The House Yard

Near the house, is the house stable yard of 11 boxes and a tack room. This is an attractive U-shaped yard of brick under a tiled roof with a central lawned area. These stables are currently let with the paddocks and pasture to the owner of the adjacent training yard under a short term agreement. Details are available from the agents.

Method of sale: Kingsdown House is being offered for sale by private treaty. 

Tenure and possession: Kingsdown House, is held freehold, and is available with vacant possession upon completion, with the paddocks, schooling ground and stables in the House Yard available on the expiry of the relevant notices. 

VAT: There is an option to tax over part of the land.  Purchasers may wish to purchase these areas through a VAT registered entity to enable a reclaim of the VAT which needs to be charged on the affected property. Details are available from the agents.