6 Bedroom Character Property, Burgate, Fordingbridge, SP6

Exceptional Thatched Home with Multi-Generational Living Options

This magnificent Grade II listed thatched farmhouse, set within approximately half an acre of mature gardens, dates back to the 15th century and offers an exceptional opportunity for truly flexible living. Rich in history and character, the property seamlessly blends period charm with a highly adaptable layout suited to modern lifestyles.

Currently arranged as a main residence with two self-contained wings, Little Thatch and Wishing Well, the property lends itself perfectly to a variety of uses. It can function as a substantial family home with independent accommodation for extended family, provide a private granny annexe, generate income through one or two holiday lets, or be reconfigured into one impressive and cohesive family residence. This rare versatility makes it equally appealing to multi-generational families, lifestyle buyers, and those seeking a home with income potential.

The farmhouse retains a wealth of original features, including visible cruck frame construction, exposed beams and structural timbers, a Tudor window frame in the principal bedroom, and a striking inglenook fireplace in the main living room—creating a home of warmth, heritage, and enduring character.

Set within beautifully established gardens, the property enjoys a sense of privacy, with a variety of outdoor spaces designed for both relaxation and entertaining. Mature planting, lawned areas, and charming terraces—such as the wisteria-covered seating area adjoining Little Thatch—create a series of distinct garden “rooms” that complement each part of the property.

A range of outbuildings further enhances the appeal, offering useful storage, workshop potential, or scope for adaptation (subject to any necessary consents). These additional spaces support both practical day-to-day living and the flexibility of a home that can evolve with its owners’ needs.

Main House

An attractive thatched porch opens into a welcoming entrance hall with useful built-in storage.

The kitchen is arranged in a practical U-shape and is well-equipped with a range of fitted units, integrated cooking appliances, and a generous breakfast bar that naturally divides the space from the dining area—ideal for both family life and entertaining.

The living room is a standout feature, showcasing an abundance of exposed timbers and centred around a magnificent inglenook fireplace with stone and brick construction, a raised hearth, and a substantial bressummer beam.

Upstairs, the principal bedroom enjoys delightful garden views, while a second bedroom offers a bright dual-aspect outlook, including a distinctive circular window.

A dressing room retains original historic elements, including the cruck frame and a former bread oven, and also provides a connecting point to the Little Thatch wing—highlighting the property’s potential for either separation or integration depending on requirements.

Little Thatch Wing (Ideal Family Annexe or Holiday Let)

With its own private entrance, Little Thatch, believed to date back to 1480,  offers comfortable and characterful single-storey accommodation—perfect as a self-contained annexe for a relative, guest suite, or income-generating holiday cottage.

The living room features a beautiful period fireplace, with historical dating to 1618, and opens via double doors onto a charming terrace beneath wisteria—creating a wonderful indoor-outdoor living space.

A well-appointed kitchen/breakfast room and a double bedroom with en-suite bathroom complete this appealing and independent wing.

Wishing Well Wing (Secondary Cottage or Extended Family Space)

The Wishing Well wing provides a larger, self-contained living space, ideal for extended family, older children seeking independence, or continued use as a successful holiday let.

The accommodation includes a well-equipped kitchen/breakfast room, a spacious dual-aspect living room with exposed beams, and three bedrooms arranged over the first floor. The original timber frame features throughout, while modern touches such as triple glazing enhance comfort.

A connecting door to the main house allows for flexibility—offering the option to maintain separation or incorporate the space into the principal residence.

Outbuildings & Leisure Space

The property is further enhanced by an excellent range of outbuildings, offering exceptional versatility for recreation, storage, or future adaptation.

A substantial games and leisure barn provides a wonderful extension of the living space, complete with a built-in skittle alley and ample room for a pool table, table tennis, and other pursuits—creating an ideal setting for entertaining family and guests of all ages. Adjoining this is a spacious barn with wide double doors opening onto both the driveway and the gardens, making it equally suited to use as garaging, workshop space, or machinery storage.

Together, these outbuildings present exciting potential for reconfiguration—whether combined into a larger leisure complex, divided into smaller functional areas, or, subject to the necessary consents, converted into additional accommodation to further enhance multi-generational living or income opportunities.

An oversized double garage offers further practicality, incorporating a dedicated workshop area with fitted benches alongside generous storage space. Adjacent to this, a useful laundry and store room with a separate WC provides additional convenience, particularly for those utilising the gardens and outbuildings extensively.

Gardens & Grounds

The beautifully maintained gardens are a particular feature of the property, providing a series of thoughtfully arranged outdoor spaces that complement its flexible layout and lifestyle appeal.

Predominantly laid to lawn, the grounds are interspersed with established planting and well-designed borders that have been created for ease of maintenance while ensuring year-round interest, with seasonal bulbs and a variety of low-growing perennials and herbaceous plants.

A charming focal point is the re-thatched ornamental wishing well (now a flower bed feature), which lends character and a sense of heritage to the landscape. The gardens also offer a number of distinct areas for relaxation and recreation, including a secluded corner with a timber summerhouse—ideal as a quiet retreat or garden office—and a separate, hedge-enclosed section perfectly suited as a safe and private children’s play area.

To the rear, a gated courtyard provides a further sheltered and tranquil setting, ideal for outdoor dining or quiet enjoyment, while also serving the practical needs of the house and adjoining wings.

Location

This desirable residence is situated just north of Fordingbridge, within a few miles of the New Forest National Park. Fordingbridge is a pretty market town which has a post office, a variety of other shops, a supermarket as well as medical facilities. Larger shopping centres and a wider range of amenities are available a short drive away in Ringwood, the cathedral city of Salisbury to the north and Bournemouth to the south.

Ringwood, just 6 miles south, is on the A31, main south coast route which leads to the West Country, and East via the M27 to Southampton, Southampton Parkway Station (for Waterloo) and the international airport.

The New Forest National Park offers 140,000 acres of unspoilt open heath, moors and stunning woodlands for riding, cycling and walking. There are numerous equestrian facilities, and an abundance of country pubs and pretty villages to explore!