Ringwood, Hampshire

Donkey Cottage

Mill Lane | Burley | Ringwood | Hampshire | BH24 4HR

DONKEY COTTAGE

Set in the sought-after New Forest village of Burley, this delightful home offers spacious, comfortable accommodation and is set in just over an acre of beautiful grounds and garden.

Dating from the 1800s with attractive cottage-style architecture, this property has plenty of charm and character.

Inside the rooms are generously proportioned with high ceilings and are filled with natural light. The current owners have undertaken a complete refurbishment that successfully combines traditional character features with modern convenience and contemporary finishes creating an elegant and comfortable home.

One enters the house into a welcoming entrance hall/snug where an inglenook fireplace and woodburning stove create a cosy atmosphere. A home office leads off to the left, whilst to the right you find the formal lounge; a spacious room that again benefits from a beautiful feature fireplace as well as a charming bay window and window seat that overlooks the garden.

The kitchen/dining room is gorgeous; fully fitted with a bespoke Mark Wilkinson kitchen. The kitchen features an Aga and integrated Miele appliances including a hob, microwave/oven, plate warming draw and dishwasher. The owners have approval under permitted development for a single storey extension on the eastern elevation of the kitchen/dining room which would add approximately 172 sqft (4m x 4m). Application no.22/00402..

A large island unit provides an extra worktop and storage and there is ample space for a large family dining table. French doors lead out into the garden creating a lovely opportunity for alfresco dining and entertaining. There is also a convenient separate utility room/boot room with access out to the driveway.

Seller Insight

Set in the heart of the New Forest, Burley is a historic village much of which has remained untouched by time, and here in this unique forest location along a quiet lane is the setting for this beautiful, traditional, forest cottage. It has been the subject of a significant enlargement and enhancement since its present owners came to live here sixteen years ago.

After living in another part of the forest for several years, the owners were moving. Donkey Cottage, built around two hundred years ago, was in quite a sad state when they came to view, but its setting was quite magical; it was early spring, the sky was blue, the snowdrops in full bloom and the birds were singing. The owners knew that, despite the challenges ahead, this was to be their future home.

It was, indeed, a labour of love and, at one time the owners were forced to move out whilst the roof was replaced. Old derelict buildings were demolished, whilst a two storey extension added, providing the perfect, practical, living space. Now very much a home which embraces its unique surroundings and internally, a comfortable, welcoming and luxurious home which respects its unique past where old and new blend seamlessly together. There is so much to love about this brilliant home with its direct forest access, and being a traditional New Forest cottage, it comes with ancient rights such as pannage and pasture.

The garden reflects the care and attention given to it by the owners, as with the house, it reflects its surrounds. It gives joy throughout the year and its patio provides a quiet place for casual dining, or as a place to savour the surrounding sights and sounds.

Burley is a thriving village containing individual shops and delightful eating places. Both Bournemouth and Southampton are close. The Georgian harbour town of Lymington is within easy access for quality supermarkets and its bustling Saturday market is a popular venue. From here it is also possible to journey over to the Isle of Wight. It is a superb location offering not only the fabulous New Forest, but beaches, coastal marshes, alongside many interesting towns and villages.

It will be heart wrenching for the owners when they say goodbye to this brilliant home in such a location, but they have such happy memories of life here to take with them.”*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

Upstairs there are four double bedrooms, two with ensuite bathrooms. The main bedroom is particularly impressive and benefits from integrated wardrobes and a delightful outlook over the garden. An additional family bathroom completes the layout. Everywhere there are reminders of the building’s heritage with statement exposed brick and wooden beams becoming stylish accents to the fresh, modern decor. This upper floor also enjoys beautiful rural views over the local countryside.

There is so much to love about this brilliant home, not least of which is its fascinating history and, being a traditional New Forest cottage, it comes with ancient rights such as pannage and pasture.”

Outside the property is set in just over an acre of land with a spacious gated driveway to one side of the house providing plenty of parking, a detached double garage with storage area and an EV charging point. Planning was granted in October 2022 for an extension to the garage on the north elevation measuring 4.3 metres x 2.8 metres. (planning ref- 22/00550).

There is a garden to the other side of the house with a patio area from the French door access to the kitchen/diner. There is also a large lawned area and a lovely vegetable garden.

This charming house would make a wonderful family home and is ideally placed for those seeking an idyllic rural lifestyle.

Services

All Mains Services

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 16.03.2023

Council Tax Band: G

Tenure: Freehold

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