Runfold Manor, Seale, Farnham
Runfold Manor, a notable early 20th century country house on the edge of Farnham, has come to the market through Savills. Situated at the end of a private driveway, the property was built in 1925 by renowned local architect Harold Falkner for Lady Diana Courtauld, in the attractive William and Mary style. Falkner concentrated his work in and around Farnham and built many characterful and well-crafted houses in the Queen Anne, William and Mary, and Arts & Crafts style.
In recent years, the original house has been carefully extended and refurbished, including an extension to create further living accommodation and a leisure complex attached to the house. The addition has been sympathetically created to enable wonderful symmetry to the front and rear facades. The house extends to more than 9,500 sq ft, with exceptional space, proportions and light.
Having been refurbished by the current owners, the property is well presented throughout, in keeping with the William and Mary Style. There are many character features including high ceilings, cornicing, fireplaces, limestone and wood floors, all in beautiful condition, as well as sash windows allowing for an abundance of natural light.
The grand front door is framed by a moulded stone surround and cornice supported by scrolled consoles. It opens into the entrance hall with barrel vault ceiling, magnificently setting the scene for the rest of the property.
The principal reception rooms are in a south facing position and include an impressive triple aspect drawing room with marble fireplace and stunning decorative cornicing, as well as a family room with oak panelling, parquet floor and a beautifully carved wood and black marble fire surround. An elegant orangery provides an excellent entertainment / party room with access directly out to the south-facing terrace. There is also a cinema room with star light ceiling and a study with half panelled rosewood walls, handsome fireplace and built-in bookshelves with cupboards below.
The family kitchen is fitted with bespoke contemporary styled cabinetry with granite work tops, an island with breakfast bar seating, built in appliances and a gas AGA. There is also an area for informal everyday dining. This wonderfully bright room has two lantern roof lights and two sets of French doors giving access to the rear terrace. In addition, there is a utility room, boot room, storeroom and cloakroom.
Further on, double doors lead through to a gym, complete with hot tub, sauna, heated enclosed pool and changing facilities.
A grand staircase leads up to a galleried landing. The principal suite sits above the drawing room and offers the same proportions with triple aspect elevated views out to the surrounding gardens. There is an adjoining dressing room and luxury bathroom with walk in shower, double sink and free-standing bath. There are two further generous double bedrooms, both with en suite bath/shower rooms, on this floor, as well as a study and an integral one-bedroom annexe. The second floor offers a further en suite bedroom and two double bedrooms served by a shower room and separate WC.
The gardens and grounds are a special feature of the property, surrounding the house on all sides. All are beautifully laid out with established planting and a stunning selection of mature trees including magnificent Lebanon Cedar trees. The rear garden is in a south facing position and has a generous terrace and formal lawn, providing a private space for the family to enjoy or for alfresco entertaining. Beyond this, there is a walled garden with formal buxus knot garden and a central sun terrace and gazebo. There is also a tennis court in the grounds. In total, the grounds measure about 3.5 acres.
Runfold Manor is approached along a private, secluded driveway and accessed via an impressive set of electric wrought iron gates leading to a turning circle. There is an integrated double garage and a separate detached garage which provides parking for three cars.
