Sandy Down, Stockbridge SO20

Overview
Taking its name from a neighbouring Iron Age hillfort, Woolbury is a bold example of contemporary country house design, built in 2004 and combining architectural flair with relaxed family living. The main house provides close to 6,100 square feet of bright, versatile accommodation spread over three floors, while an additional 3,450 square feet of outbuildings houses a self-contained studio flat and stabling for up to six horses.

Grounds and Outbuildings
The property sits amid professionally landscaped grounds and fenced paddocks, offering a true blend of indoor and outdoor living. A gravel driveway leads to ample parking and a detached double garage, topped by an independent studio suited to guests, live-in staff, or home working. The gardens are arranged over two lawned tiers, framed by established hedging and generous planting, while a raised water feature and a two-level terrace — already wired for lighting and audio — provide separate areas for entertaining and quiet relaxation. From the garden, the outlook extends over the 1,400-acre Heath Estate in the Test Valley, with direct footpath access onto Stockbridge Downs.

Equestrian Facilities
Separate from the house, the equestrian facilities include an American barn-style building with six Loddon loose boxes, a tack room, and an enclosed area for grooming and tacking up, together with a floodlit, all-weather menage and 4 paddocks bordered by post-and-rail fencing.
A further outbuilding provides a kitchenette, WC, and storage space, which also houses a full-size backup generator with automatic changeover to maintain power during outages. An open-fronted barn adds further flexibility for private use, livery, or potential future commercial ventures.

Accommodation
Inside, an oval-shaped entrance hall sets an impressive tone, rising up through the house beneath a staircase built from timber treads, glass panelling, and a stainless steel rail. The ground floor includes a study fitted with high-speed internet wiring and French doors to the front garden, a cloakroom for visitors, a dining room ideally suited to entertaining guests, and a triple-aspect games room with its own corner fireplace.

Formwork Architects designed the kitchen and breakfast area, built around a substantial island and curved breakfast bar, complemented by an AGA, integrated appliances, and a walk-in pantry. This space opens into an eye-catching conservatory topped by a mono-pitch glass roof, featuring an internal balcony on the first floor and French doors leading to the terrace. Completing the ground floor are a laundry room, boot room, cloakroom and separate rear entrance, with underfloor heating extending throughout the entire property.

The first floor centres on a spacious landing that opens into a triple-aspect sitting room with far-reaching Test Valley views and a corner fireplace of its own. The principal bedroom suite includes a private balcony overlooking the stables, a fitted dressing room, and an en suite bathroom with both a walk-in shower and separate spa bath. Two additional bedrooms — one featuring a private balcony, the other offering substantial wardrobe storage — share access to a well-fitted family bathroom with a separate shower.

A stone spiral staircase rises to the top floor, where the roof line creates a dramatic vaulted ceiling. Here, two further double bedrooms with fitted storage sit near a family shower room and a light-filled gallery space — ideal as a home gym or reading room — positioned above the sitting room below. A glass-enclosed walkway in a stainless steel frame connects these spaces, serving as a striking design feature that draws natural light throughout the upper level.

Location and Amenities
Positioned in the heart of the Test Valley and adjoining the expansive 1,400-acre Heath Estate, Woolbury combines peaceful rural surroundings with strong transport links. Stockbridge Down lies close by, and the cities of Winchester and Salisbury — along with road, rail, and air connections to London and further afield — are all within easy reach.

The nearby town of Stockbridge is renowned as a hub for trout fishing on the world-famous River Test, and today features an appealing collection of independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and pubs, plus a respected butcher and local inn. Local schooling is strong, spanning Stockbridge Primary and Danebury Secondary School (previously Test Valley Secondary), as well as several independent options including Farleigh, Embley, Godolphin, Pilgrims', St Swithun's, and Winchester College.
Commuters benefit from quick access to the A303 and M3 via the A30, and direct trains from Winchester or Micheldever reach London Waterloo in as little as 57 minutes. Beyond the property, the surrounding countryside offers excellent walking, riding, and cycling routes, along with some of the finest trout fishing to be found on the River Test.

Agents Note:

1. There is planning permission dated 21st January 2025 for the installation of a domestic 42 panel solar array in the corner of the paddock behind the house. Details on request.
2. There is scope to create a swimming pool on the upper lawn subject to all the necessary consents.

Location:
Stockbridge - 2.2 miles
Winchester - 7.8 miles
Micheldever Station - 10 miles
Andover - 11 miles
Salisbury - 20.3 miles
Southampton Airport - 18.9 miles
M3 J11 - 10 miles

Prep Schools:
Pilgrims, Winchester
Farleigh School, Andover

Public Schools:
Winchester College
St Swithun's, Winchester
Godolphin, Salisbury
Embley, Romsey
King Edward VI, Southampton

Primary Schools:
Stockbridge Primary School

Secondary Schools:
Danebury Secondary School Stockbridge