Fordingbridge, Hampshire

MULBERRY COTTAGE

KEY FEATURES

Mulberry Cottage is a wonderful example of a traditional New Forest property. Built over 400 years ago the house combines character and original features with spacious rooms and surprisingly high ceilings. Restored and renovated by the current owners this wonderful home offers the best of both worlds with a ‘chocolate box’ cottage charm, sensitively updated to cater for a comfortable modern lifestyle.

Located in the sought after village of Woodgreen and rarely on the market, this home is at the heart of a vibrant local community with a village green hosting cricket and local events, a local shop and well-regarded pub. The forest is quite literally on your doorstep with the property backing onto Woodgreen Common where you’ll see plenty of wildlife including the famous New Forest ponies.

The cottage is approached by a gated driveway offering parking for several cars. There is a large detached double garage as well as two other outbuildings ideal for use as a store, shed or workshop.

The house itself consists of over 2,000 sq ft of accommodation spread over three floors. There is an entrance to the front of the property which leads into a hallway. To the left is a single storey extension with skylights bringing in plenty of natural light that provides flexible space for an office/ground floor bedroom, and to the right, a spacious utility room and cloakroom. On the opposite side of the cottage, on the south side, the main stable door entrance leads to the dining room/kitchen, with lovely family space and double aspect windows. The fully fitted kitchen with its branded integrated appliances, traditional Heritage stove and adjoining pantry, is open plan yet set apart from the dining area by a feature central fireplace. The sizeable lounge with its original beams, include an attractive feature inglenook fireplace and French doors with direct access to the garden. Beyond the lounge, a snug/reception room opens to stairs leading to the first floor and an alternative porched entrance.

SELLER INSIGHT

In excess of 400 years old, Mulberry Cottage is full of character’’ say the current owners, “with its sizeable rooms radiating with natural light and high ceilings atypical for a thatched cottage. Since moving in, we have restored it to a wonderful family home, retaining and uncovering many original features. Having completed an extensive renovation project, so many of the unique rooms are our favourites: we love the open plan bedroom/living space in the attic with its far-reaching views; the spacious lounge to which we gravitate during the winter months to enjoy the warmth from the wood burning stove, and in the summer when the French doors are open to the private garden; and the perfectly sized kitchen and its walk-in pantry. Mulberry Cottage has truly become a home, not a house.”

Outside, the garden has been transformed, too. “What was once wild and overgrown is now a delightful garden with interest all year round,” the owners say, “particularly in the spring and summer when seasonal blooms are at their best. The ancient mulberry tree which gives its name to the cottage still takes pride of place, and provides an ample crop of fruit every year. It has been suggested that the tree goes all the way back to the property’s original usage as a weaver’s cottage: the production of mulberry silk would have been encouraged at the time, though the industry did not take off in England as hoped. The garden enjoys the sun all day, from early morning until the sun sets.”

“Set within a conservation area, this is one of the oldest properties in the village,” the owners continue, “one of just a handful with direct access onto Woodgreen Common itself. The small gate opens straight onto the Common, where New Forest ponies meander every day, adorable foals arrive in the spring and cricketers play in their whites in the summer months whilst afternoon tea is served in the pavilion – all rather quintessentially British! Moving on from here, we shall miss the ease of walking our dogs directly onto the Common and into the forest for our extensive walks. Whatever the weather, it’s magical!

The village itself is lovely too, quiet and peaceful; yet with a vibrant sense of a community. There is a fantastic village shop and post office which stocks practically everything, and a very popular thriving pub. The church and village hall are worthy of note too, the latter being individually unique with murals dating back to the 1930-40s.”*

* 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.

On the first floor there are two double sized bedrooms with views over the garden and countryside beyond. The family bathroom is modern and beautifully presented. The principal bedroom suite is on the second floor and is a charming place to relax and unwind. Spacious and benefiting from gorgeous views over the surrounding countryside, this character room includes a generous ensuite shower room, wardrobe storage and dressing area, a small wood burner and enough room for additional seating as well as bedroom furniture.

Throughout the property every effort has been made to showcase the beautiful heritage of this property with exposed beams and brickwork and beautiful original fireplaces featuring throughout.

The garden is private, south facing and includes patio and lawn areas and mature trees and shrubs. A real asset for any owner, it’s perfect for al fresco dining and entertaining, ideal for children to play in, and a lovely space for peaceful relaxation listening to birdsong and the sounds of the forest.

Mulberry Cottage represents a wonderful lifestyle opportunity; whether you are looking for a stylish, comfortable downsize, a relocation to this idyllic forest location, or perhaps a bolthole for family holidays in the countryside, it really is your ideal home!

We love the private back garden, with its optimal orientation to enjoy the sun all through the day and evening.”

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.

INFORMATION

Council Tax Band: D

EPC Rating: E

Tenure: Freehold

Guide price £925,000

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 20.04.2023

FINE & COUNTRY

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