House tour: Jane Austen's birthplace for sale in Hampshire
Jane Austen's birthplace has just entered the property market in Basingstoke, Hampshire.
The famous author lived at Steventon House from 1775 until 1801, when her father retired and moved the family to Bath. Steeped in history, the Hampshire home is where Jane wrote three of her six major novels, including Pride and Prejudice, Northanger Abbey, and Sense and Sensibility.
While the original building was demolished by Jane's older brother, Edward, in 1826, he built the current Steventon House, where he lived until selling it to the second Duke of Wellington in 1855.
Every room is gloriously grand. Extensively renovated with great attention to detail, the accommodation boasts six bedrooms, four bathrooms, and four elegant reception rooms featuring an array of fine period details. Our favourites include the fireplaces with decorative stone and carved wood surroundings, high ceilings with delicate cornices and sash windows, and working shutters.
Elsewhere, there is also a sprawling swimming pool (complete with a changing room), tennis court, and mature grounds filled with cherry trees, a wisteria walk, and walled garden. In fact, according to Savills, Jane's time at the property has been described as the 'most tranquil period of her life' — and we can see why.
"Many homes across the country can lay claim to having ties to some of Britain’s most historical figures, however only Steventon House was the birthplace of iconic author Jane Austen, where she wrote some of her most significant works," Ed Sugden, director of Savills country department, says.
"While the original house no longer stands, what is there today is the glorious Georgian vision of her older brother Edward, which is very befitting of the world that Jane wrote about. Featuring beautiful restored period details, grand yet comfortable entertaining spaces and the very best modern amenities, Steventon House is the rarest of opportunities to live in one of Hampshire's, if not the UK's most significant country houses."
The property remained as a clergy house until 1930 when the local parishes of North Waltham and Steventon amalgamated. Within a mile of the house sits the 13th century parish church of St. Nicholas' – which remains largely unchanged since Jane used to attend.
Steventon House is currently on the market for £8,500,000 with Savills.
Take a look around the property...
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