Minstead, Lyndhurst, Hampshire

DUNBRIDGE COTTAGE

Fine & Country are delighted to present to the market this idyllic thatched cottage set in Minstead in the heart of the New Forest. This charming property dates back to the early 1700s and has been sensitively refurbished to offer all modern comforts, whilst retaining and highlighting gorgeous period features throughout. On the approach, Dunbridge Cottage looks like a page from a fairytale story with cream rendered walls, a neat thatched roof and thatched porch. A picket fence lines the front garden and a gravel path leads to a stylish and traditional arched wooden door. On entering through the porch it is immediately apparent that this home offers a unique opportunity to prospective buyers looking for a home with character, but also somewhere that is wellpresented and ready to meet the demands of a modern lifestyle.

The porch opens into a reception room with terracotta tiled floor, exposed wood beams and a lovely inglenook fireplace fitted with a wood-burning stove. A good-sized room the space is currently arranged as a family dining room. From here a wooden door opens into a kitchen that has been beautifully extended to create a bright and modern living space, with double aspect glazing offering views over a beautiful rear garden, and a vaulted orangery lantern roof flooding the room with natural light. The open-plan space has been beautifully decorated in natural neutral tones and features modern wooden flooring with underfloor heating. The kitchen also blends old and new with an oil-fired range for heating and hot water in an exposed brick recess providing an attractive focal point. Modern wooden units in a traditional style, granite worktops and branded integrated appliances blend seamlessly to offer a useful and convenient space. A separate utility room and shower room complete the extension. An additional living room leads off to the side; a cosy and welcoming space with a feature brick fireplace and exposed wooden beams. It also benefits from French doors and windows providing triple aspect views, plenty of natural light and access out into the garden. There are two bespoke wooden staircases leading to the first floor, one takes you from the dining room to the principle bedroom, the other from the living room to a central landing. In all there are three bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs, throughout there is a sense of character and charm with exposed wooden beams, eaves recesses and delightful views over the garden and surrounding countryside. The bathrooms use traditional styles each with a roll-top bath and attractive stone tiling to reflect the heritage theme.

Dunbridge Cottage with its thatched roof, picket fence and pretty garden is the quintessential English cottage. Nine years ago, the present owners, Tim and Sue, were downsizing and searching for a home that was not a compromise on style or character; and Dunbridge Cottage, dating from the early eighteenth century, had an excess of both these qualities. They could not resist this charming cottage, with its seamless blend of period features and a chic and comfortable modern interior. They say it has given them a wonderful lifestyle. Tim explains that when they bought the cottage, it had recently been renovated and extended to a very high standard. However, they replaced the original wooden windows, with wooden double-glazed exact copies, and renewed the roof ridge. The main roof was rethatched in 2005. Sue says living in the house has been a joy, and they quite simply loved every room. The well-equipped kitchen, with its oil-fired range and electric fan oven flows into the superb orangery, where the lantern ceiling floods the room with natural light and underfloor heating ensures winter comfort. Double French doors to the garden and extensive windows create an indoor-outdoor ambiance in a sociable zone which has been appreciated by family and friends. The charm continues into the sitting room, and with its inglenook fireplace, there is a timeless and calm atmosphere. For Sue, it is a pleasure to lie in bed, look at the beams, the vaulted ceiling and wall panels, and feel the privilege of being a part of the cottage’s story. The cottage also welcomes guests as the second staircase enables guests to access their own bedroom and bathroom. The cottage garden is a pleasing mix of hedging, lawn and colour. The thatched summerhouse is the perfect place to sit and savor this quiet, green oasis. Very occasionally, if you forget to close the gate, a pony wanders into the garden. Watching the ponies, pigs, and cows are an added delight of living in the New Forest. The cottage looks onto the village green opposite the village pub, and is at the heart of this communityminded and idyllic New Forest village.

Lyndhurst is approximately 3 miles away: and vibrant Southampton and Winchester are within easy reach. It is two miles to the M27 and there is an excellent train service into London from Brockenhurst Station located approximately 7 miles away. Locally the glorious New Forest provides endless footpaths and bridleways. Sue and Tim have loved being part of it all and take away many very happy memories.*

* 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.*

* 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.

Outside the cottage continues to impress with a gorgeous, private rear garden that has been cleverly landscaped to include lawns, patio areas for outdoor entertaining and relaxing, pretty planting, hedging and mature trees. There are far reaching views over adjacent fields and countryside providing a stunning rural outlook. A pretty octagonal summerhouse adds to the whimsical feel, and everywhere you look there are lovely details to discover. A gravel drive behind an electric gate provides off-road parking and there is also a detached garage with an electric car charging point and an electric door. Dunbridge Cottage would be a lovely choice for a downsize or second home in the country.

Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg No. 08974309

Registered Office: 4 Brackley Close, Bournemouth International Airport, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6SE copyright © 2023 Fine & Country Ltd.

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 03.01.2023

FINE & COUNTRY

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