Steventon is a rural village of about 250 people, 7 miles to the south-west of Basingstoke, between the villages of Overton, Oakley and North Waltham. It is surrounded by farms and woodland and is most famous for being the birthplace of Jane Austen in 1775. It is here that she wrote Pride & Prejudice, Northanger Abbey and Sense & Sensibility. Jane’s father was rector to the 13th Century church, St Nicholas, for 44 years.
The countryside around can be appreciated not just from the windows of Hazeldown and its nearby roads but also from the numerous footpaths and bridleways that link Steventon with its neighbouring village. The long-distance footpath, the Wayfarers Walk, passes through the north of the village.
A little further away (14 miles) is the bustling cathedral city of Winchester, set on the edge of the beautiful South Downs National Park. Winchester has a number of good restaurants, shops and iconic landmarks whilst the South Downs has some incredible paths ideal for walking, riding or cycling.
The South coast is approximately 30 miles to the south with some delightful beaches, ports, coastal walks and access to the sea.
To the north west lies the market town of Newbury and access to the Paddington train line.
There are a number of excellent state and independent schools in the area and road communications are fantastic with nearby connections to the M3, A34 and M4 accessing London, the North, the M5 and the west.
Just 2 miles away is Overton, a thriving and attractive village set on the famous River Test, with a station and access to the Waterloo Line. Interestingly it has a large mill that for many years produced banknote paper for the Bank of England and nearby Bombay Sapphire gin is produced. Overton also has a GP surgery, a Post Office, a Norman church, St Mary’s, four pubs and several restaurants.
Basingstoke lies 6 miles away; an old market town that was extended in the 1960’s and is the largest town in Hampshire. It has a number of pavement cafes and bistros, two cinema complexes and one of the south’s best shopping centres, Festival Place.