Balchins Lane, Westcott, Dorking

Stowe Maries is a fine Grade II listed house that dates from the 16th century with further 20th century additions. It was once the home of renowned actor and director Leslie Howard. There is more than 6,000 sq. ft of accommodation, with exposed timber beams, grand original fireplaces and exposed wooden flooring among other splendid features and
fittings.

The impressive and welcoming reception hall has a brick-built fireplace and turned staircase leading to the galleried landing above. The main reception is the 29ft drawing room with its panoramic leaded windows overlooking the garden and imposing fireplace with ornate carved wooden surround. Further reception rooms include the dual aspect family room and the formal dining room, as well as the useful home study. The study sits within a private area of the ground floor, which could be used as an annexe if required, with its own kitchen, shower room and bedroom. Meanwhile, the main kitchen offer plenty of storage in fitted units, a central island and an Aga.

Two staircases lead to the first-floor accommodation, where there are five bedrooms and a large office. The generous principal bedroom includes a dressing room and a large en suite bathroom, while one additional bedroom benefits from a dressing room and access to extensive further storage. The first floor also has two family bathrooms.

The house is set in delightful gardens and far-reaching grounds, including open field and meadows. At the front, gates open onto the paved driveway with ample parking space, and lead to the double garage with its bi-fold doors. Further outbuildings include the greenhouse, the tractor shed and the pool house, which is a splendid space in which to entertain, with its bar area. The garden includes patio areas for al fresco dining, rolling lawns, various mature trees and border beds with plenty of established shrubs. The heated swimming pool has its own sun terrace, as well as access to the pool house.

Across the lane is further land extending to over 15 acres and is made up of paddocks and beautiful ancient woodland known as 'Hurst Copse'.

The property is in a highly desirable position in the village of Westcott, within easy reach of popular Dorking and surrounded by the rolling countryside of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Westcott has various everyday amenities including local shops, pubs, a village hall and a primary school, while Dorking has a good selection of shops, restaurants, pubs and cafés, plus a range of leisure facilities and a choice of supermarkets.

There is a fine choice of schools in the area, including the outstanding-rated St Paul's CofE Primary School in Dorking, as well as the independent Box Hill and Belmont schools.

The area is well connected, with the A24 nearby providing easy access to the M25 (junction 9), while Dorking’s mainline station provides fast and regular services to London Waterloo