1 The Close Salisbury, Wiltshire
A truly historic Grade II* listed Georgian house with a Jacobean history in the heart of Salisbury s iconic Cathedral Close with westerly views towards Salisbury Cathedral.
The Close Salisbury, Wiltshire Mileages Salisbury Station 0.9 miles (London Waterloo from 86 minutes); Southampton Airport 24 miles; Winchester 26 miles (All times and distances approximate) Accommodation Cellar and ground floor Drawing room, dining room, kitchen/ breakfast room, sitting room, playroom, conservatory, wine cellar, selection of cellar storage rooms, utility room, cloakroom. First and second floor Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, guest bedroom with en-suite bathroom, five further bedrooms and three bathrooms, attic storage room. Outside Southerly private rear garden and westerly garden with views across to the Cathedral. Two allocated parking spaces. 1
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Description There are not many homes that justify the iconic status, but 9 The Close is such a house. Set on the corner of North Walk and Bishop s Walk in the famous Salisbury Cathedral Close, the house enjoys some of the finest views west to Salisbury Cathedral and is worthy of mention in Pevsner. This Grade II* listed house has an intriguing Jacobean history combined with Georgian styling to form a wonderful family home. The reception rooms are thought to be some of the finest in The Close both for their historical significance and the wonderful proportions, natural light and views they enjoy. They are spread across two levels, and allow options for both formal and informal living and entertaining with the three main reception rooms all accessible from the central entrance hall. The first floor sports a stunning master suite with refurbished en-suite bathroom and a range of beautiful handmade and painted wardrobes. There is a further guest suite on this floor and five further bedrooms served by three bathrooms. The second floor in particular offers an incoming purchaser the ability to make the space work for a variety of uses with its living style area off the bedroom. The rare Jacobean staircase, central to the main house leads from the cellar as one structure up to the second floor. 3
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History There has been a house on the site since the 13th Century. Only some walling in the cellar remains of the medieval home. The older property was replaced by the present house in 1671. The original Jacobean style was altered to that of the current elegant Georgian house with the addition of bolection-moulded panelling in the dining room circa 1675 and the plaster ceilings were added by Dr William Hancock in about 1770 along with the striking panelling in other rooms, the sash windows and the portico over the front door. The feature of most note is the panelling in the entrance hall. It was designed a hundred years earlier by Sir Christopher Wren and installed as a screen behind the stalls in the choir of The Cathedral. The panels have in gold painted lettering the names of the Prebends of The Cathedral. Notable inhabitants were Canon Nicholas Tyngwit, who lived in the medieval house, physician to King Edward I and T.W. Gilbert (c 1855) uncle to the playwright and frequent visitor to the house, W.S Gilbert of Gilbert & Sullivan fame. Tradition has it that the unique door knocker in the form of a Lyre was copied by W.S Gilbert for his London house. 5
Situation Situated in Salisbury s renowned Cathedral Close. 9 The Close enjoys possibly some of the best uninterrupted westerly views of Salisbury Cathedral and is less than 0.5 mile walk from the centre of Salisbury. Occupying an enviable position in this highly regarded location, the property affords easy access to the centre of Salisbury, a popular medieval city with an excellent range of cultural, leisure and shopping facilities. There are rail services into London Waterloo from Salisbury with a journey time of approximately 86 minutes. Southampton Airport (24 miles) offers daily flights to a number of national and international destinations. The property is also within a prime position to reach both Bishops & South Wilts Grammar Schools, and an array of schools in the independent sector including Salisbury Cathedral School, Chafyn Grove, Godolphin and Godolphin Preparatory School. Salisbury itself is surrounded by picturesque countryside, popular for many outdoor pursuits including golf at South Wilts, High Post & Hamptworth, and an abundance of options for fine walking and riding. 6
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Gardens and Grounds 9 The Close has two privately enclosed gardens. The principal walled garden to the rear of the house faces south with a pretty terraced area and lawns with mature planting. There is a useful secure passage leading from Bishop s Walk through to the back garden. The enclosed garden to the west elevation is accessible via a gate from Bishop s Walk and off the drawing room and sitting room via French doors. 9 The Close also has two reserved parking spaces. Directions The property is located in the north east corner of the Cathedral Close on the corner of Bishop s Walk and North Walk. Enter the Cathedral Close under the north gate arch from the High Street, proceed to the Constable s booth and turn left. 9 The Close is the first house on the right after the cathedral grounds. Tenure Freehold Local Authority Wiltshire County Council Services All mains services connected. 8
The Prime and Country House team would be delighted to show you around this property. Salisbury Sales 01722 417939 salisbury@hamptons-int.com Prime and Country House Department 020 7493 8222 prime&countryhouse@hamptons-int.com Hamptons International Head Office 7th Floor, UK House 180 Oxford Street London W1D 1NN hamptons.co.uk 9
9 The Close Approximate gross internal area. Main house = 6,000 sq ft / 557.4 sq m, Basement = 1,378 sq ft / 128 sq m, Total = 7,378 sq ft / 685.4 sq m For clarifi cation, we wish to inform prospective purchasers that we have prepared these sales particulars as a general guide. We have not carried out a detailed survey, nor tested the services, appliances and specifi c fi ttings. Room sizes are approximate and rounded: they are taken between internal wall surfaces and therefore include cupboards/shelves, etc. Accordingly, they should not be relied upon for carpets and furnishings. Formal notice is also given that all fi xtures and fi ttings, carpeting, curtains/blinds and kitchen equipment, whether fi tted or not, are deemed removable by the vendor unless specifi cally itemised within these particulars. Hamptons International is a trading name of Countrywide Estate Agents. Head Offi ce: 7th Floor, UK House, 180 Oxford Street, London W1D 1NN