Sherlock Holmes stories have always been popular since they were written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and published from 1887 but have had a resurgence, and were likely to have been introduced to a whole new generation, thanks to the award-winning BBC Cymru Wales series Sherlock that began in 2010.
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock and Martin Freeman as Dr John H. Watson and filmed predominantly in Wales, the programme ran for four series, plus a Christmas special, and aired around the world and is still very popular.
The much-loved and enduring stories were the creation of Sir Arthur, a prolific author who also wrote science-fiction stories, plays, historical novels and poetry. He died in 1930 and spent much of his latter years at a stunning rural retreat that is now for sale.
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Bignell Wood is a charming eight-bed house that became Doyle's rural retreat from 1924 to 1930, after buying it as a birthday present for his wife Jean, according to the agent now selling the gorgeous woodland abode.
It was while researching for his book The White Company that Conan Doyle discovered the property, nestled in six acres of landscaped grounds, woodland and paddocks and also offering a cottage in the garden as a bonus building that also oozes character.
The area was a retreat for the author in his final years, found near the village of Minstead within the New Forest National Park which featured strongly in historical adventure The White Company, and is where Conan Doyle was finally interred at All Saints Church in the picturesque location.
The house he left behind full of history and character is a spacious and sprawling home that offers space and period charm, from the beams on the external facade, to the multiple statement fireplaces and ceiling beams inside.
The house is grand but in a welcoming and intimate way, with the inner hall the first cosy space to invite you to sit and relax, cuddled up next to the fancy, carved stone fireplace with views to the garden.
From this central reception hall, the drawing room at one end of the house is a space that once entered will be hard to leave. Sofas gather around the robust, limestone fireplace in the centre of the space that, when joined by the ceiling beams and honey-blonde wood floor, ensure the room is a welcoming and charming space to gather whatever the weather.
And from the comfort of your seat by the fire, watch the seasons pass-by from multiple windows that include two protruding bay areas - one square and one triangular - that reminds you of how unique this home is in design as well as in history.
There's a spacious and comfortable lounge further along the central hall, as well as a cloakroom, bedroom seven and shower room to explore, before you arrive at the kitchen diner that is two rooms in a broken-plan layout that straddle the hall via an substantial, arched opening.
The kitchen has all the convenience and appliances for modern living but is a traditional style accompanied by natural flooring that is effortlessly and seamlessly in-keeping with the timeless, comfortable and understated elegance that is at the core of the interior design of this home.
The formal dining room is a rather grand spot to socialise and eat, or there's the more relaxed breakfast bar that's integrated into the large, central kitchen island.
The house currently has a spacious media room with library that is maybe the most enticing of the social spaces as it opens directly out onto a very attractive garden terrace that is the heart of the outdoor space, via a set of French doors.
This room is made for gathering, with room for large sofas, a big screen TV, and a wall of bookshelves as a library section that surely includes Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works amongst the titles?
The ground floor also has two studies, perfect for multiple home workers or more bedrooms, plus a utility room and separate boot room.
Upstairs there are six bedrooms, with the master suite occupying one end of the house, spanning the depth of the property. This impressive master suite offers multiple views to the land, a gorgeous ornamental fireplace, and luxury ensuite that includes a large walk-in shower and a statement, stainless steel slipper bath.
The luxury, five star design continues in the family bathroom further along the landing, offering a wall panelled room with a statement slipper bath and dramatic black decor.
At the other end of the property via the other bedrooms, one of which has an ensuite, plus a family bathroom, the house has a duet of surprises. This side of the house can boast a hobby room and a music studio, both of which could become bedrooms if needed.
Outside there are a few bonus buildings to delight too - a garage and workshop outbuilding, stables for the horses and a cute and charming garden cottage for guests accessed via a wooden bridge over a stream that runs through the land, painting the perfect rural picture with the discovery of a cute waterfall.
The cottage is so enchanting it's likely you'll never manage to get rid of your guests once they unpack, with a living room, snug, kitchen and shower room on the ground floor.
Upstairs the cottage bedroom has a stunning vaulted and wood panelled ceiling with wooden support columns and a delightful arched doorway that leads to a balcony, the perfect place to relax and dive into your favourite Sherlock Holmes mystery.
Bignall Wood is for sale with a guide price of £2.95m with estate agent Spencers of the New Forest, call their Brockenhurst branch on 01590 622551 to find out more. And don't miss the best dream homes in Wales, auction properties, renovation stories, and interiors - join the Amazing Welsh Homes newsletter , sent to your inbox twice a week.
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