IMAGINE relaxing on the raised deck of a country retreat with glorious views across to the meandering River Loddon and its water meadows.

Long Copse Cottage, in Sherfield-on-Loddon, has just that to offer new owners as it markets with a price guide of £1.225million with country house agents Strutt & Parker and Knight Frank.

And the agents give the old house top billing with the description: "The property enjoys a truly rural setting that would not normally be easy to find in Hampshire."

The setting is at the end of a half-mile private track where Long Copse Cottage has an elevated position to maximise on the glorious views.

Modernised and extended, the house has been designed to face towards the river and countryside beyond.

But it started life as a Victorian farmhouse, which was then converted into two brick and flint cottages before being returned to a single dwelling.

The drawing room has two sets of French doors opening to the deck and has been given a contemporary feel with a central brick fireplace.

The new kitchen has integrated appliances and is open plan to the breakfast area and an adjoining conservatory to create the hub of the house.

Upstairs, Long Copse Cottage has five bedrooms, two with en suite shower rooms and a family bathroom.

Within the acre-and-a-half of grounds to the property is a detached outbuilding with room for several vehicles and a horse box. Above is a home office or annexe which comes with a shower room.