Join us for a look around this Victorian character property with aristocratic and royal connections

Combining enviably rich heritage with period good looks and a desirable, pastoral location in Ascot, South Haining is a wonderful opportunity to own not only a very special home, but also a piece of history.
The property constitutes a substantial four-bedroom attached wing of a grand Victorian house, cosily sequestered on a leafy private road.
South Haining is exceptional in every way, combining its solid Victorian foundations and cherished period features, such as high ceilings, decorative cornicing and original fireplaces with spacious, light-filled rooms over two floors.
Originally named ‘Ravensbury’ before later being redubbed ‘Haining’, the building was constructed in the mid 1860’s, first appearing on the 1871 census. South Haining is one of 4 properties occupying the original Haining building.
Initially home to Lady Julia Lockwood and around eight servants. Lady Julia Lockwood (nee Gore’s) father was the 2nd Earl or Arran, a title that remains in the family to this day.
Lady Julia’s great, great nephew, the 8th Earl of Arran, is known for leading the effort in the House of Lords to decriminalise male homosexuality in 1967, following the suicide of his brother, who was the 7th Earl of Arran for just 9 days following the death of his father.
Other renowned relatives include her nephew, Spencer William Gore, who was the winner of the first ever Wimbledon in 1877. On her Father’s side, two of Lady Julia’s ancestors (Sir John Gore and Sir William Gore) took the office of Lord Mayor of London in the 17th and 18th centuries respectively.
Lady Julia’s sister, Cecilia Gore, became the Duchess of Inverness following her marriage to Prince Augustus Fredrick (Duke of Sussex and 6th son of King George III). With Augustus having been married previously and failing to seek sovereign approval, their union was in contravention of the Royal Marriages Act 1772 and as such was considered legally void. Consequently, Cecelia could not be styled either as the Duchess of Sussex nor a Princess. She was created Duchess of Inverness, in her own right, by Queen Victoria, on 10 April 1840. Cecelia’s first husband (Sir George Buggin) passed away some 6 years prior to her marriage to the Duke of Sussex. Following her marriage to Prince Augustus, she became Queen Victoria’s aunt and was often referred to in an unofficial capacity as ‘Aunt Buggin’.
Lady Julia was well-known for her collection of curiosities, one of which can be seen in the British museum today; a pendant containing a lock of Marie Antoinette’s hair (before it turned white overnight following her abortive flight to Varennes in 1791). Lady Julia was gifted this by her sister Lady Abercorn, who was married to John Hamilton of Hamilton Palace in Lanarkshire. Many collectibles passed through this family and Lady Julia was fortunate enough to become the custodian of this one in particular. Of special significance, this lock was taken before Marie Antoinette’s hair famously turned white overnight due to sadness prior to her execution in 1793; or as she put it 'Blanchis par la douleur’ - whitened by sorrow.
To arrange a viewing or find out more, please get in touch with Stowhill Estates Berkshire.
Beautiful decorative Victorian architecture
2653 square feet of characterful space
4 spacious double bedrooms including a master suite with ensuite and decorative fireplace
3 reception rooms including drawing room and formal dining room
Landscaped private rear gardens
4 minutes / 1 mile from Ascot station with regular trains to London Waterloo
Highly rated local schools for all ages
Driveway parking for 2 cars with space for more