6 Bedroom Character Property, Burgate, Fordingbridge, SP6

This magnificent thatched farmhouse, set within half an acre of mature gardens, dates back to the 15th century. It is currently arranged as the owner's accommodation along with two holiday letting wings, Little Thatch and Wishing Well.

The property comprises a substantial, Grade II listed thatched farmhouse, rich in historical character. The original cruck frame construction is visible in the rear wall of the building, while period features are present throughout, including exposed beams and structural timbers, a Tudor window frame in the master bedroom, and a large inglenook fireplace in the main living room.

Currently configured as three separate living areas, each offering charming accommodation, the property could be easily integrated into one large family home, adapted to include a granny annexe, or maintained as a lucrative holiday let. The current owners have successfully let Wishing Well and Little Thatch as holiday cottages.

This remarkable property presents a rare opportunity to own a historically significant home with exceptional versatility - whether as a grand family residence, a multi-generational home, or a thriving holiday let business

Main house:

An impressive thatched porch leads into the entrance hall, which features an understairs cupboard and a built-in double cupboard housing a hot water immersion tank.

The U-shaped kitchen is well-equipped with a range of built-in wall and base units, a hob with an extractor fan above, and an oven beneath the worktop. A wide breakfast bar separates the kitchen from the dining area. The room benefits from a double-glazed window.

The living room showcases a wealth of exposed structural timbers. The superb inglenook fireplace is constructed from a combination of stone and brick, with a raised brick hearth, a canopy, and a supporting bressummer beam. Double-glazed windows enhance this beautiful room.

A timber door leads to the staircase which ascends to the first-floor landing, where there is a cloakroom with handbasin. The master bedroom enjoys stunning garden views through the Tudor-framed double glazed window and also benefits from a north-facing double glazed window.

The dressing room retains its original cruck frame and features a built-in cupboard housing a hot water immersion tank. A historical bread oven is built into the chimney from the fireplace below. A closed-off staircase leads down into the Little Thatch holiday wing.

The second bedroom is bright and airy, with a beautiful circular south-facing window and an additional double-glazed west-facing window.

The family bathroom includes a bath with an overhead shower and glass shower screen, a WC, and a handbasin, with a tiled floor completing the space.

Little Thatch Wing

A thatched porch leads into the entrance hall of Little Thatch, which includes a cloakroom.

The living room boasts a magnificent fireplace with a bressummer beam, above which a plaque dates this section of the house to 1618. Double doors open onto a beautiful terrace beneath a wisteria, overlooking the front gardens.

The well-appointed kitchen/breakfast room features modern units, pelmet lighting under the wall cupboards, fully tiled walls, an oven, an electric hob with an extractor fan above, a breakfast bar, and a large broom cupboard. A door leads from the kitchen to another thatched porch, providing access to the rear courtyard.

The double bedroom overlooks the front garden and includes a large wardrobe. The modern, fully tiled en-suite bathroom offers a bath with an electric shower above, a handbasin, and a heated towel rail.

Wishing Well Wing

A thatched porch leads into the modern kitchen/breakfast room, complete with pelmet lighting beneath the wall cupboards, a tiled floor, extensive worktops, a breakfast bar, and a hob and oven with an extractor fan above. To one side, there is a cloakroom.

The dual-aspect (east and west) living room features built-in cupboards, exposed structural beams, and abundant character. The east-facing window is triple glazed.

Upstairs, the landing leads to the bathroom, which includes a bath with an overhead shower and a washbasin. Adjacent is a separate WC. At the end of the corridor, a fire door separates Wishing Well from the main house.

Bedroom 1 is an impressively spacious room, retaining its original structural beams and fireplace with a bressumer beam. Triple-glazed windows ensure a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

Bedrooms 2 and 3 each benefit from triple-glazed windows to the side. Bedroom 2 also provides access to a large storage cupboard/wardrobe.

Outbuildings

The extensive games room includes a built-in skittle alley and ample space for additional recreational activities such as a pool table, table tennis, and darts. Alongside is a spacious barn, ideal for machinery storage or as additional garage space, featuring double doors to the drive and another set of double doors leading to the garden. These two areas could easily be combined, divided into smaller units, or converted into additional letting accommodations, subject to council approval.

An oversized double garage includes workshop space and benches one one side, and plenty of space for storage. Adjacent is a laundry and store room with a separate WC with handbasin.

Gardens

The gardens primarily consist of well-maintained lawns, one of which features an outstanding re-thatched wishing well. The flower beds flanking the driveway have been designed for low maintenance while ensuring year-round colour, with spring bulbs and a variety of low-growing perennials and herbaceous plants.

Additional lawned areas provide charming outdoor spaces, including a secluded corner with a timber-built summerhouse. One section of the garden is separated by a hedge, creating a dedicated children’s play area.

At the rear of the house, a gated courtyard provides a further tranquil area in which to relax.

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!