House of scandals; smugglers to arrests
Church Hill House is a beautifully elegant Queen Anne property close to the centre of Haslemere where it overlooks the Church Green and is just a few minutes walk from the station (London Waterloo 49 mins).
Fresh to the market with our Haslemere office, the house requires some updating but the character features which have attracted its Grade II* listing are present throughout, from the high ceilings, generous proportions (the drawing room is over 32ft by 16ft) and impressive fireplaces, to wall panelling, shutters and period cornices.
“Church Hill House is undeniably one of the most attractive homes I’ve come across, added to which there is an intriguing history,” reveals James Grillo.
“In the 1930s a certain Mrs Biddie lived at Church Hill House until she was arrested at the house in 1940 because of her opposition to WWII. She was apparently an active supporter of Sir Oswald Mosley and ran a Black Shirt Reading Room at the house which was visited at least once by Mosley.
“Once part of the Fielding estate in the 1800s, rumour has it that the house may have been linked to the church by a secret passage of the type used by smugglers, as unusually, James Fielding had a family vault created long before it was required for any deceased relatives. As Fielding was the local Justice and Minister, it may be unlikely in his case either for smuggling or keeping out of the rain on his way to church, as he didn’t have far to walk even if it was pouring.”
Church Hill House has three large reception rooms, four bedrooms to the first floor and an additional three bedrooms on the second floor. Practicality is provided by a boiler room, utility room, personal lift and a cellar. In total the floor area amounts to some 4,200 sq ft. Outside is a pretty walled garden, garaging for three cars, and a sizeable brick built shed.
In all, this is an outstanding family house with history.
For more information click here, call James Grillo and his team on 01428 644002 or email him at james.grillo@henryadams.co.uk.
