Cathedral View House
Edwardian detached 5 bedroomed house over 3 floors , built 1905, located a 5 minute stroll to the centre of Winchester. The two upstairs rear bedrooms have great views of the Cathedral, the city and the medieval church of St.John the Baptist as do the two patios/wooden decking areas which face west so can have some lovely sunsets.
Comfortable, homely accommodation, not luxurious. Large kitchen/diner with electric woodburner , table and chairs, dishwasher, fridge/freezer with access to a small patio with table and chairs and steps down to the garden. Large sitting-room, with gas woodburner and TV. Conservatory with large dining table for 8-12 people with access to a patio area with large table and chairs and access down stone steps to the garden.
Private parking for 2 cars secured by an electric gate.
About the location
Winchester is a small but vibrant Cathedral city which has played a central role in the history of England. There are several historic sites and lovely walks around the water meadows, an area which features chalk streams. Under Roman occupation Winchester was known as Venta Belgarum. Only a small piece of roman wall can now be seen but the museum has mosaics taken from roman houses now buried under modern construction and the street layout is largely unchanged. Winchester was a seat of Saxon power. King Alfred was crowned King of Wessex in 871 in the city and Winchester became the capital before it moved to London. William the Conqueror, made Winchester his base following the Norman invasion in 1066 and arranged the build of the Cathedral which at the time was one of the largest in Northern Europe. The remains of St. Swithun and King Canute, the last Viking king, are also in the Cathedral which also features an Antony Gormley statue in its cellar.
The city has notable literary connections. Jane Austen moved from her family home in Chawton (a 25 minute drive away and opened to the public) to her last dwelling house in College Street before she passed away. She is buried and commemorated in the Cathedral. John Keats was inspired to write Ode to Autumn whilst living in Winchester.
The museums in the City record the history of Winchester both civil and military. The Great Hall of the former castle displays the round table of Arthurian legend. Winchester College, one of England`s top public schools, is based here and offers tours. Tours of the city take place most days via the tourist board in the Broadway.
Opposite the house is St Giles Hill which in medieval times was the site of a renowned fair that attracted merchants from across Europe.
There is a theatre, cinema and library. A large sports centre with an olympic size pool is a short walk away. There are regular markets and at the end of each year a large Christmas Market.
There is an extensive range of restaurants, pubs and cafes all within close walking distance.
London is just 55-60 minutes by train. The railway station is approx a 20 minute walk away as is the national coach stop with coaches to London and elsewhere.
The start of the South Downs Way is at the National Trust City Mill by St Swithun`s Bridge which is 2 minutes walk away. The South Downs national park can be accessed from the water meadows area, approximately a 15 minute walk away. The New Forest national park is a 35 minute drive away. Salisbury and its Cathedral is a 30 minute drive away. Portsmouth with its ferry across to France, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands is a 30 minute drive away. The seaside resort of Bournemouth is a 45 minute drive away.
Type of swap
- Home Exchange
Conditions of exchange
- Non smokers only
- No pets allowed
- No small children
Winchester (HE42793)
Hampshire, England
- 3 bed (sleeps 6) 4 bath
Preferred destinations
- Australia
- Sydney
- Italy
- Canada
- Vancouver
- England
- Ireland
- Open to offers