Property description
SUMMARY A Grade II Listed Character Thatched Cottage within the New Forest on the outskirts of the historic market town of Ringwood occupying a plot of approximately 0.3 acre and set within a woodland setting with fabulously maintained and landscaped gardens. In contrast to most country cottages this spacious semi-detached family home offers spacious accommodation with four First Floor Bedrooms and a large Sitting /Dining Room with Inglenook Fireplace, Kitchen Breakfast Room and Downstairs Cloakroom. In addition to this there is a double garage and several outside storage sheds. The property having been carefully updated over the years retains many character features including leaded light windows, latch style doors and beamed ceilings and plasterwork from old ship timbers, synonymous with this style of property. We understand from the Sellers that the property was re-thatched for the most part in 2012. The original cottage before extension and restoration is believed to have dated back to the 1500s and through a comprehensive renovation project which we understand included the property's electrics and plumbing revealed some secrets from the distant past, including an Inglenook Bread Oven and a Stove Pot that had been built into the fabric of the fireplace which is displayed within the fabulous Inglenook recess.
SITUATION Situated within the famous New Forest National Park and Conservation Area this delightful cottage home enjoys being on the doorstep to hectares of forest and heathland, a haven of wildlife yet just over one mile from the historic market town of Ringwood. Commuter routes are close at hand with the A31 being within easy reach and then onto the M27 to London and further afield. The International Airport of Bournemouth is approximately eight miles away and the Train Station is around twelve. From Ringwood coaches are available direct to London as are local buses services to all connecting towns. Excellent local state and private schools and the comprehensive shopping and leisure facilities of Ringwood are all within a short driving distance.
APPROACH A country style road offers access to the cottage via a paddock style gate within mature well manicured hedging and picket style fencing forming the front boundary. The property sits well set back on its plot and within the woodland setting beyond. A gravel driveway gives the access onto the rear of the property.
ACCOMMODATION The enclosed entrance porch to the side of the property glazed with leaded lights offers an access into the entrance hall via a solid wood door with viewing pane and knocker. The entrance hall contains the alarm system control box and benefits from access to the Downstairs Cloakroom which houses the Gas Fired Boiler. A multi-pane door opens onto the large Sitting/Dining Room, which retains many of the original features of the cottage with old ship beamed ceilings and plasterwork, a fabulous Inglenook Fireplace fitted with a gas Wood Burning Stove and coal effect flame, original Bread Oven and decorative Stove Pot. The fireplace has been restored and its fabric contains a wooden beam mantel and flag stone hearth and surround. The traditional entrance door opens into the Sitting Room but like many cottage front doors is unused. There are dual aspect multi-pane style windows to front and rear aspect with a multi-pane style door to the rear courtyard garden. The large Kitchen/Breakfast Room is located at the rear of the property and has a feature floor to ceiling 'Oriel style' leaded light window with views towards the main garden and double doors to the rear Sun Terrace/Patio. The walls match the kitchen units with attractive half height oak panelling to the breakfast area and the floor is tiled. The kitchen is well equipped and offers a range of base and eye level units with roll top work surfaces and adjoining wall tiles. A built in oven and combined grill, four ring gas hob with an overhead extractor fan, space and plumbing for washing machine and space for upright fridge freezer. A concealed staircase from the Sitting Room turns onto the first floor. There are four first floor bedrooms with a main bathroom and the rooms offer versatility with the option of two potential master bedrooms and the option of adding an en-suite if desired at the cost of the smallest fourth bedroom. The first floor rooms do not compromise the character of this home continuing the theme with beamed and sloping ceilings, latch style doors and attractive dormer windows. One of the double bedrooms benefits from a full range of built in wardrobes which complement the décor.
THE GARDENS AND GROUNDS The gardens are a particular feature of this country cottage and do more than enhance the character of this wonderful home. To the front of the property there is a well tended and manicured lawn with a centre flower bed and well stocked flower borders. The main garden is located to the eastern boundary and is unhindered by any shadowing of the property but offers dappled shade partly by the woodland behind. The garden is extremely level and enjoys a wonderful expansive lawned area. A gravel driveway offers vehicle access for cars, boat or caravan to access to the rear parking and in turn gives access to the DETACHED DOUBLE GARAGE and sheds. There are two wooden sheds and a large covered storage area. A small rear garden tiers down through a Pergola to the Sun Terrace/Patio and Rear Courtyard Garden. There is an old established Well in the rear courtyard that has been back filled and adapted to accommodate a fresh water fish pond which offers an attractive feature for the door leading from the Sitting/Dining Room.
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