If you venture half an hour from Swindon, you will find a multi-million-pound house with a big history, and an even bigger pool.
Kingsdown House, in Upper Lambourn was built in the 1930s by a horse racing fanatic Earl. It retains many horse training facilities, as well as facilities for their humans too.
This “elegant and refined soft red brick house” was once the centre of an “empire” and is on sale for £4.5m pounds by Blue Book agents.
It says: “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.”
Hugh Molyneux, seventh and last Earl of Sefton, built the house and was chairman of the British Jockey Club.
There remain three fenced paddocks totalling 12.21 acres (4.94 ha) to the north of the house, and apparently “the sight in the distance of thoroughbreds working in the mornings is a delight”.
A delight for most other non-Earls would be the large indoor swimming pool. This is contained in an extension with windows letting in a lot of light.
The house even has its own golf course, as well as “beautiful gardens”. Indeed, the agent says: “No doubt a racing enthusiast would particular relish being in this part of the world but this no longer defines the house.
“Those who find pleasure in beautiful gardens and surrounding countryside will be amply rewarded.
“The south facing gardens have been beautifully landscaped. Meticulously maintained, they include a large fishpond and seating area.
“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.”
The house is approached through private and “imposing” gates and a tree-lined gravel driveway, giving way to a hallway and drawing room.
Within, there is a panelled library and a family sitting room and kitchen with an oil-fired Aga stove.
Below you is the cellar accessed from stairs in the hall. It has 4 rooms, including the boiler room and an air-conditioned wine cellar.
Nearby is Lambourn, “a charming village with a rich history, beautiful scenery, and a strong connection to horse racing”.
The agent notes plenty of places to ride your horse, play golf and to shoot pheasant and patridge, although maybe not all at the same time.
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