Grade II Charm Without The Grade II Red Tape. Rarely does a property combine period character with modern practicality like this. Delisted, rewired and reconfigured – with a gorgeous kitchen-diner, five bedrooms and permission to dream a little bigger.

Located on a leafy lane in Upper Farringdon - a picture postcard Hampshire village with a charming pub and pretty church - this home looks like a classic Grade II listed cottage. But it isn’t. A previous owner went through the process of having it delisted - so you get all the period charm, without the restrictions and red tape that usually comes with it.

Parts of the house date back to the 1600s, with exposed beams and a real sense of history in every room. But it’s what’s been done recently that really sets it apart.

From new electrics and windows to a stunning kitchen-diner with chef’s range cooker and spotlights on dimmers - this home feels fresh, flexible and full of potential. Unlike most picture-perfect cottages, there’s nothing holding you back here.

You’ll see the difference straight away when you step into the stylish kitchen-diner. Light-filled, spacious and properly sociable, it’s perfect for lazy breakfasts, big Sunday roasts or just catching up over a glass of wine.

The layout flows beautifully for family life. There are two spacious reception rooms, a handy utility and separate laundry room, a downstairs WC and even a cellar for wine, storage - or both.

Upstairs, you’ll find five bedrooms, including a standout main suite with two dressing rooms and its own ensuite. The smallest bedroom is currently used as a study, and there’s a separate, recently upgraded shower room with underfloor heating.

If you'd prefer a bigger family bathroom, there's scope to knock through from the ensuite into the study - plumbing is already there, so it’s an easy switch if the layout suits.

Need more space? There’s a properly useful loft - already plumbed, with power, lighting and two Velux windows, so conversion is well within reach (of course, you’ll still need the usual sign-off from building control).

Outside, there’s a new set of patio doors from the playroom opening onto a private and mature garden back garden with the whole plot measuring 0.25 acre. The garage and shared drive offer space and practicality.

The nearby school options are excellent - both state and private - with Alton, Selborne and Chawton all close by. Alton itself offers four major supermarkets - Waitrose, M&S, Aldi and Sainsbury’s - along with a cinema, sports centre and plenty of restaurants, giving you everything you need day to day.

Alton station is just a 10 minute drive away, with direct trains to Waterloo every 30 minutes, and the A31 links quickly to the M3 and beyond.

This is a home that gives you all the beauty and history of a Grade II listed cottage but with all the important modern updates having already been taken care of - from the electrics to the heating, windows and beyond.

What gets done next is entirely up to you - although with the home in such superb condition, you may not feel the need to change a thing.

Detached House in Alton