Lodge Hill Road, Lower Bourne, Farnham, Surrey

Designed by one of Farnham’s most significant architects, Harold Falkner, Merlewood is an exceptional residence offering a rare combination of architectural character, generous proportions and beautifully balanced accommodation.

Falkner was instrumental in shaping much of the town’s early 20th-century appearance and in preserving its historic character. As co-founder of The Farnham Society in 1911, alongside Charles Borelli, he helped to influence architectural standards across the town, particularly in the Georgian-style shopfronts and town centre buildings reconstructed under their guidance.

The house has been restored to it’s original character and decorative style including the wood panelling by the current owners. A further extension using plans drawn up by Falkner himself have significantly increased the size of the kitchen, family room and basement to incorporate modern open plan living.

Set within mature, secluded grounds of around 3.2 acres, Merlewood presents an impressive façade with its varied rooflines, decorative timber gable and tall chimneys, giving an immediate sense of history and craftsmanship. A wealth of original Arts & Crafts features remain, including stained glass windows set in carved stone, ceramic ceilings, decorative friezes of leaves and flowers, and upstairs a spacious landing with access to an external balcony. The footprint of the house follows an angled, butterfly like shape, an intentional design by Falkner to create a natural sun trap and enhance natural light.
Approached through electric gates and a sweeping driveway that curves past landscaped lawns and established trees,

Merlewood enjoys an elevated position with far reaching woodland views that enhance its sense of privacy and calm.
Inside, the home unfolds across a wonderfully fluid ground floor, where elegant reception rooms radiate from the central entrance hall, complete with original cornicing and a feature fireplace. The main drawing room, with its large bay window, triple aspect and open fireplace, forms a grand yet inviting space—the perfect setting for both formal entertaining and relaxed family living. A cosy nook in the corner offers a delightful retreat for quiet reading or enjoying the garden views.

The heart of the home is the expansive kitchen and breakfast room, thoughtfully designed with generous preparation areas, an informal dining space and direct access to the utility room. Features include marble tiles, a breakfast bar, a pantry and integrated appliances including an AGA, induction hob, boiling water tap, filtered water tap, two dishwashers and a steamer. A glass trap door leads down to the original basement which has been converted by the current owners into a spacious wine cellar. A roof lantern and large bay window in the adjoining family room flood the space with natural light and frame beautiful views of the grounds, while French doors open onto the south westerly terrace, making this an ideal area for entertaining.

Off the kitchen, a beautifully light conservatory opens directly onto a terrace, creating an ideal spot to enjoy the morning sunshine. Thoughtfully designed, it also provides an elegant internal link between the house, the wooden framed car port and the single garage, seamlessly connecting the practical elements of the property while enhancing everyday convenience. Above the garage and carport is a versatile studio, ready wired and plumbed, ideal as an additional living or work space with an external staircase.

Adjoining the kitchen is the formal dining room, complete with an original intricate ceiling rose, stained glass window and feature fireplace. Two studies and a cloakroom complete the ground floor accommodation.

Accessed via stairs from the family room is a new basement level home cinema and gym/games room. This versatile space benefits from a shower room and bi folding doors opening onto the lower terrace.