The White House

An elevated position above the sea wall provides mesmerising views of the water, with the Isle of Wight visible in the distance

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This three-bedroom home forms part of The White House, a Grade II-listed building in Milford on Sea, Hampshire. Originally built as a private residence, it has also served as a hospital, a school, and for military purposes. Each of its three bedrooms opens onto a canopied sun terrace with views toward Dorset. Brockenhurst rail station is a 20-minute drive away and provides services to London Waterloo in just over an hour and a half.

Setting the Scene

The White House was originally built in 1902 by acclaimed Victorian architect W.H. Romaine-Walker, known for his work on Chatsworth House, the Tate Gallery, Wimborne Minster, and Rhinefield House in Brockenhurst. The house was originally built as a coastal residence for the Walker-Munro family, colliery millionaires who also owned nearby Rhinefield House.

The building was designed to emulate the bridge of an ocean liner, and retains many of its original features, including porthole windows and a lighthouse-style tower. Described as a “modest seaside summer residence”, it had his-and-hers changing pavilions at the seaward end of the colonnades, and was said to be occupied for one month per year by the Walker-Munros and their 45 servants.

In subsequent years, The White House was used as a hospital, until it was requisitioned for military use at the start of World War Two. In 1994, it was immortalised on canvas by the renowned marine and artist Montague Dawson. After the war, it was once again used as a hospital and then a school, until it was later restored and divided into private homes.

The Grand Tour

Gates provide access to the grounds of The White House. This home sits at the end of one of the wings of the building, adjacent to the coastal path. It has a sky-blue front door, which opens to a bright hallway. In the sitting room, tall casement windows on three sides frame spectacular elevated views of the sea just beyond. The Isle of Wight and its iconic Needles chalk stacks are visible in the distance.

On one side of the sitting room, a glazed door with timber shutters opens onto a paved outdoor area. Neat cornicing traces the ceiling overhead, while window seats provide opportunities for sea gazing.

In the kitchen, midnight-blue cabinetry is topped with quartz work surfaces. There is a dual oven and a gas hob, as well as ample storage space. Two sets of casement windows look across the grounds and over the sea toward Dorset.

The hallway is filled with light from skylights, as well as two porthole windows that capture mesmerising sea views.

Three bright bedrooms each have glazed doors that unfold onto a wonderful sun terrace. The principal bedroom has fitted wardrobes and a smart en suite bathroom, illuminated by a large skylight.

A shared bathroom has a bathtub and a separate shower, with Moroccan-style tiling underfoot.

The Great Outdoors

A canopied sun terrace is positioned outside the three bedrooms; the perfect spot for curling up with a good book.

Residents also have access to well-maintained communal grounds, including paved and lawned areas and plenty of seated areas from which to take in the views.

There is direct access to the coast path, as well as unallocated residents' parking and a garage en bloc.

Out and About

Milford on Sea is a picturesque village on the Hampshire coast with a wealth of historic charm. The English Heritage-owned Hurst Castle was built by Henry VIII as a fortress against potential invaders; today, it runs a year-round roster of activities.

There are also vast stretches of coastline to explore, with plenty of water-based activities from kayaking to kite surfing. In the village, there is an array of independent shops and restaurants, including The Lighthouse for brunch, or The Paddle on the Green for coffee and pastries.

Nearby Brockenhurst is around a 20-minute drive away, and is well-known for its picturesque high street. It is home to a branch of Robin Hutson’s The Pig and, a little further north, another of the hotelier's refined endeavours, Lime Wood Hotel. Brockenhurst also has an 18-hole golf course.

The Georgian coastal village of Lymington is a 12-minute drive away. Popular with the Solent sailing community, it is home to the Royal Lymington Yacht Club. It also has numerous restaurants and shops, including a handy branch of Waitrose. Ferries run frequently from Lymington Pier to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight.

There are plenty of independent and state schooling options nearby. Ballard School, Lymington Infant School, Lymington Junior School, and Walhampton School are some notable local primary and prep schools. Brockenhurst College and Highcliffe School are also excellent nearby secondary school options.

New Milton rail station is a 10-minute drive from the house, with regular train services running to London Waterloo in around an hour and 45 minutes. The M27 is also close by for connections to the national motorway network.

Council Tax Band: G

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. Inigo has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.