With the other rooms in the house all having clearly defined uses, the new occupiers of The Old Forge in Church Street at Ropley need imagination and a vision to put the former smithy part of the house to good purpose. A stunning vaulted room with exposed timbers and brickwork, the original brick fire pits, hearth, chimney breast and anvil all set the scene. The room could be put to good use as a party room, extravagant sitting room, studio or even a playroom.

The room forms part of a beautiful Grade II village house with a wide frontage in the heart of this thriving community. Alresford in less than four miles away and Alton and Winchester are easily reached.

Warmth and character lie at every turn in this historic home and there are lovely views at the rear across a neighbouring field and countryside beyond.

The accommodation is accessed via a superb hallway with wide, polished oak floorboards and the dining room, sitting room, with French doors to the westerly garden, and study lead off. The kitchen has doors to the front and southerly rear aspect and offers opportunities to create a great space to enjoy baking. It has been suggested that the adjacent storeroom could perhaps be incorporated to make a larger room. Stairs from the hall descend to a substantial brick floored cellar with a staircase rising to the first floor landing illuminated by a large stained glass window.

The master suite enjoys the best of the rural views to the rear and has a bank of wardrobes and its own bathroom with a view over the side courtyard. Leaded windows feature in three additional bedrooms and there is also a family bathroom.

Brick pathways through cottage style planting set the scene in the rear garden and the lawns are accented with shrubs and specimen trees. The rear boundary is marked by low hedges and brick and flint walls and the side courtyard flanking the forge creates a secluded terrace. There is also a double garage and private parking.

Charters seeks a price of £1,150,000 and welcomes enquiries to the Alresford branch on 01962 734633.