Spencers
Hidden Gems Growth & Strength
Rick Stein
Hello Welcome &
Rob Batten Founder & Managing Director
“Our success depends not only on the strength of our network, our approach and experience but also on our relationship with our community.”
to the latest edition of Spencers’ lifestyle magazine, showcasing our stunning portfolio of properties, from contemporary coastal homes to traditional Forest cottages, plus everything in between.
I am often asked my property predictions for the coming season and the past year has had me rather stumped for an answer, which is probably the first time in my 40 year career. The last few years have thrown at us a pandemic, furloughs, stamp duty holiday, emergency budgets, roaring inflation and soaring interest rates… and a general election!
Property market clairvoyant I may not be, but what I am sure of more than ever is that dogged determination, attention to detail and an unyielding eye on the road ahead always delivers positive results.
Here at Spencers Property, since our inception in 2010, we’ve always focussed on our strong foundations. Whether that’s through investment in our people – undoubtedly a more dedicated and tenacious team you’d find hard to find – investment in our methods – our marketing is innovative, comprehensive and market leading, or investment in our network – our roots are well established throughout the New Forest and this year we have expanded our Coastal division with a striking new Highcliffe office with a prime position. This investment and belief in our strengths has come through with our new office having taken on a new instruction almost every other day since opening in February and our other 4 offices having seen the strongest opening to 2024 in many years, with some extremely notable sales in the prime market (£3,000,000 and above), which clearly indicates that confidence is returning to the market.
Our success depends not only on the strength of our network, our approach and experience, but also on our relationship with our community. Something we never take for granted, both in the way we do business – always with integrity – and also with a genuine desire to have a positive effect on our local area. Every year we support local charities and organisations with events and initiatives with the aim of helping them achieve their goals. This is personal for us; the charities and events we chose often have a close relationship to someone we know, someone who works for us, someone who needs us. Last year we raised over £30,000 for the British Heart Foundation in memory of our colleague Justin from our Brockenhurst office, who we lost suddenly in 2022. We also supported Headway, the brain injury charity, at the suggestion of Jodie from our Burley office, a keen horsewoman who suffered a serious fall and was supported by Headway on her long road to recovery. Our charity initiatives and local organisation sponsorships are too many to mention here, but please do read our ‘Spencers Sponsors’ feature on P72.
Having enjoyed such strong start to 2024 across our 5 offices, we are excited about what the year will bring. We hope you enjoy the latest edition of our magazine, which we know is much enjoyed by existing Spencers friends. Should you be new to us, a huge welcome, sit back, have a read about what makes us truly unique and we hope that inspires you to get in touch and let us extend our successes to include yours.
Brockenhurst
Tel: 01590 622 551
Ringwood
Tel: 01425 462 600
Burley
Tel: 01425 404 088
London
Tel: 02078 390 888
Highcliffe
Tel: 01425 205 000
Lettings
Tel: 01590 624 814
Lymington
Tel: 01590 674 222
Land & Development
Tel: 01425 462 622
Front cover image of Lepe, Hampshire, kindly supplied by Julian Gazzard. Published by TBC Publishing Limited, Telephone: 01223 874483. ©TBC Publishing 2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction is forbidden except by express permission of the Publishers. The content of this magazine is believed to be correct but its accuracy is not guaranteed and it does not form part of any offer or contract. TBC Publishing Limited cannot accept responsibility for any omissions or errors. All property details were correct at time of submission. Photo credits pages 58 to 61: The Lamb Inn/Jim Champion; Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve/Andy Morffew; Eyeworth Pond/Gillian Thomas; Fordingbridge Town Hall/Mike Faherty; Godshill Ford/John Walton; Moyles Court School/ Tim Stickley.
St Leonards Grange, St Leonards
£6,950,000 Guide
5 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms, 5 Reception Rooms
ONE OF THE NEW FOREST’S FINEST...
A picture perfect small estate approached over a lavender flanked drive. The beautifully presented house is steeped in history perfectly in keeping with its unrivalled timeless setting.
One of the New Forest’s most historic houses, with its origins dating back to the 13th Century when the land was founded as a Grange to Beaulieu Abbey. The chapel in the grounds dates from this period and an original single storey was built to house the monks working on the vast Tithe Barn adjacent to the property which, now a ruin, is a further reminder of the area’s distant agrarian past. A second storey was added to the house in the 1400s. The past remains present throughout the house with window tracery from this period remaining in the master bedroom.
The latest stage in the property’s evolution has been conducted by the current owners for whom it has been a cherished home for 20 years. They have sensitively updated and enhanced both the living accommodation and outbuildings adding under-floor heating and updating all services as well as a complete update of the interior decoration.
“A house of rare beauty and history which combines the character of the centuries with immense practicality and style catering to a modern lifestyle.”
St Leonards Grange combines a timeless atmosphere with contemporary accommodation ideal for modern living in this incomparable setting. Set in approximately 11 acres of level gardens and grounds surrounded by open countryside with views towards the Beaulieu River, the accommodation in the main house extends to over 6,000 sq ft with further 2 bedroom staff / guest flat. There is a heated swimming pool, all-weather tennis court and extensive garaging, outbuildings, workshops, stables alongside a romantic ruined 11th Century Chapel; a constant reminder of the property’s enduring provenance in this exceptional location.
Please contact the Lymington Office on 01590 674 222
Boldre Grange, Boldre
£8,000,000 OIEO
10 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms, 6 Reception Rooms
An outstanding Grade II* Listed Victorian country house, considered one of the most important houses in the New Forest, occupying a quiet and private position with commanding views over its own land extending to 22 acres. There is extensive accommodation with beautifully proportioned rooms that are sensibly arranged for modern living and also offering a separate but adjoining cottage and garaging.
Please contact the Lymington Office on 01590 674 222
Black Knoll House, Brockenhurst
£4,950,000 Guide
9 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms, 5 Reception Rooms
One of the finest Victorian properties in Brockenhurst, a magnificent country house set in delightful grounds extending to 10.2 acres including paddocks, woodland and stream. Accommodation extends to approximately 6900 sq ft set across three floors with elegant proportions and a four berth garage with extensive parking. The property is conveniently set in walking distance of the village amenities, mainline train station within 90 minutes of London Waterloo and whilst enjoying direct forest access to the rear.
Please contact the Brockenhurst Office on 01590 622 551
Southfield House, Burley
£3,500,000 Guide
7 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 4 Reception Rooms
This magnificent character home, dating back to 1902, spans just under three acres, encompassing paddocks and manicured gardens, affording breathtaking views. Situated in an idyllic and serene location along a secluded country lane within the esteemed Burley village, this charming seven-bedroom family residence boasts over 5,400sqft of living space, complemented by convenient equestrian amenities.
Please contact the Burley Office on 01425 404 088
The Merrie Thought, Stuckton
£4,300,000 Guide 9 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 4 Reception Rooms
A handsome period home with views across the Avon Valley towards Cranborne Chase. This Arts and Crafts style house has undergone significant modernisation yet retains many of its original elegant features. The house and the adjacent detached cottage offers 9,000 square feet of accommodation with ceiling heights of 10 feet to both ground and first floors. The cottage has its own private garden and there are extensive outbuildings, including garaging for at least five cars, garden buildings and workshops. The grounds extend to around 18 acres.
Please contact the Ringwood Office on 01425 462 600
Manor Farm Cottage, Burley
£3,300,000 Guide
5 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms, 3 Reception Rooms
An exceptional country home which has recently been re-built and extended to an extremely high specification. Manor Farm Cottage features interiors designed for luxurious 21st century living, generous accommodation spanning three floors and beautiful grounds extending to approximately 3.82 acres. The property is ideally located within the highly sought after village of Burley and sits within a secluded plot which benefits from elevated views of the surrounding countryside and direct forest access.
Please contact the Burley Office on 01425 404 088
£3,500,000 Guide
5 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms, 5 Reception Rooms
An
Trewendoc, Bramshaw
£1,050,000 Guide
4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 2 Reception Rooms
This picturesque country cottage is situated in the heart of the New Forest, boasting period features throughout along with an extensive outbuilding. There are fields on three sides and a square mile of open heathland, at the front of the property, which is part of a New Forest Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Newtown Farm House, Minstead
£1,295,000 Guide
3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 4 Reception Rooms
Situated in a quiet and secluded area of the New Forest National Park, lies this beautiful forest cottage offering both charm and flexible accommodation. This three/four-bedroom property occupies an elevated plot surrounded by a charming cottage garden and the added benefit of a paddock measuring just over an acre. Newtown Farm House is the ideal country home which is currently utilised as a successful holiday let.
Please contact the Burley Office on 01425 404 088
Please contact the Brockenhurst Office on 01590 622 551
Hinton Wood Avenue, Highcliffe
£1,675,000 Guide
4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 5 Reception Rooms
Approached via electric gates, Cedar Peaks is a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom statement home spanning 3498 sq. ft, recently rebuilt and set within private gardens. It’s situated in a highly sought-after road near Highcliffe beach, town centre, and mainline train station. The property features high-quality fixtures and fittings, with a vaulted entrance and a 25ft kitchen/family room serving as the heart of the home. Additionally, it includes a heated pool and ample parking space.
Please contact the Highcliffe Office on 01425 205 000
Performance Amplified
The new McLaren Artura Spider: next-generation supercar exhilaration.
McLaren reveals the new Artura Spider, its first-ever convertible with a high-performance hybrid powertrain and the second Artura model.The new Spider is introduced with significant upgrades to power, performance and driver engagement, which combine with the sensory pleasures of open-top driving to add a remarkable new dimension to the Artura.
Further elevating the Artura’s next-generation supercar performance, the enhancements engineered for the Spider have also been incorporated into the Artura coupe, with a new model introduced simultaneously. Both new Spider and new coupe deliver the highest levels of dynamic performance – up to and including outstanding circuit ability – as well as meeting the requirements of regular driving and offering the near-silent electric-drive so beneficial in urban environments.
The new Artura Spider was designed and developed to ambitious targets across the board, with particular focus on driver engagement, performance, agility, refinement, efficiency and quality. The additional attraction of a retractable hard-top that operates electrically in just 11 seconds to provide a full convertible experience, ensures intoxicating supercar exhilaration.
The new Artura Spider and new Artura coupe – which are both designated 2025 model year (‘MY25’) – are available to order now, with first deliveries from mid-year depending on region.
McLaren’s relentless focus on its superlightweight engineering philosophy is key to delivering the advantages that enable delivery of the exceptional dynamic characteristics and performance – with driver engagement to match – demanded of any its cars.
The new Artura Spider has a dry lightest weight of just 1,457kg, with kerbweight (DIN) of only 1,560kg - just 62kg more than the Artura coupe. These figures position the new Spider as easily the lightest among convertible competition, enjoying an advantage of up to 83kg.
More importantly, in combination with the 700PS of the high-performance hybrid powertrain, this gives a power-to-weight ratio of 480PS/tonne at lightest dry weight, which perfectly positions the Artura Spider to optimise every aspect of supercar highperformance, including exploiting its midmounted engine, rear-wheel drive chassis layout to the full.
McLaren’s high-performance hybrid powertrain has been recalibrated, with an additional 20PS from the V6 combustion engine on the MY25
Artura, increasing overall power to 700PS. The additional power is focused from 4,000rpm to the redline at 8,500rpm, providing a marked ‘crescendo’ in performance. Peak torque value remains at a muscular 720Nm, its delivery optimised by minor changes to electronic mapping. This engine recalibration will also be made available free-of-charge to existing Artura owners via their McLaren Retailer.
The 3.0-litre M630 dry-sump aluminium petrol engine, which now achieves in excess of 200PS per litre, is extremely compact and lightweight – at just 160kg it weighs 50kg less than a McLaren V8 and is significantly shorter, enhancing packaging efficiency. The dimensions are made possible by a 120-degree V angle design that also aids a low centre of gravity. The engine design reduces pressure losses through the exhaust system as well as allowing for a stiffer crankshaft and in turn a rev limit of 8,500rpm. The free-revving nature of the V6 engine is supported by the twin-turbochargers being located within the ‘hot vee’, positioning that enables them to spin more rapidly, improving throttle response.
The visual design and architecture of the new Spider make it immediately recognisable as an Artura, despite the integration of the Retractable Hard Top (RHT) and the changes this brings. The ‘shrinkwrapped’, sculpted bodywork; signature ‘hammerhead’ nose; integrated front fender louvres; and headlight air intakes are all familiar yet still striking – as too are the dihedral doors that open close to the body to allow easy access and egress in tight parking spaces.
“The new Artura is absolutely the complete next-generation supercar, whichever model you choose. We have upgraded the powertrain and the chassis systems to deliver more power, more dynamic performance and even higher levels of connection with the driver – without any compromise in everyday driving. And now alongside the new Artura coupe we have the Artura Spider, a new convertible that has all of these improvements and brings another dimension of open-air McLaren supercar exhilaration to our range.”
Mwel Leiters, CEO, McLaren Automotive
But as a convertible, the new Spider is unquestionably a supercar with a visual identity all of its own, and the requirements of the RHT system are central to this. All-new buttresses – which incorporate the rollover structure – include a glazed section to aid rear visibility that also doubles as a channel for airflow into the engine bay area. A heated rear screen, which raises or lowers at the touch of a button either to optimise comfort with the roof lowered or to allow exhaust sound into the cabin for additional driver engagement when it is raised, is located between the buttresses.
The cabin of the new Artura Spider – trimmed in performance or luxury materials according to the driver’s preference – retains the purposeful, driverfocused design of the coupe. The ‘clean’ steering wheel is free of buttons and controls, aside from the sculpted gearshift paddles which move with the wheel for optimal driver ergonomics. The driver display binnacle, which moves with the column when adjusted for reach or rake to ensure all driving
information is always within the driver’s eyeline, also houses the controls to select Handling and Powertrain modes, allowing changes – including an easy switch between electric and hybrid drive – without taking hands off the steering wheel. The screen display of the binnacle focuses on key information to minimise driver distraction, and further has a stealth mode that hides non-essential content, reducing distractions and promoting full concentration on the road ahead.
The Artura Spider is priced in its home UK market from £221,500 for the standard specification. There are three further interior specifications, each available for an additional £5,050: Performance, which has a more sporting aesthetic; TechLux, where the focus is on the technical luxury that the name suggests; and Vision, which displays a more avantgarde and adventurous look and feel.
An extended palette of exterior paints, some of which are available on the Artura for the first time, is
introduced for the new Spider; twenty Elite colours are offered in addition to the standard five colours, with a further eighteen MSO colours also available.
Every new Artura comes as standard with a fiveyear, unlimited mileage vehicle warranty; a six-year, 75,000km/45,000mile battery warranty and a ten-year anti-perforation body warranty. These warranties can be extended. A three-year service plan is also included, as is a five-year roadside assistance package.
McLaren New Forest B3079, Bramshaw, Lyndhurst SO43 7JF Tel: 02381 890707 www.harwoods.co.uk
Gosfield Cottage, Winkton
£1,750,000 Guide
5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 4 Reception Rooms
A majestic and unique, Grade II listed, five bedroom detached character home occupying an elevated position in a riverside location with far reaching views across the Avon Valley and St Catherine’s Hill. The property occupies a plot of almost one acre and enjoys access and fishing rights to the river. The current owners have undertaken a substantial programme of renovation over recent years to create this wonderful family home.
Please contact the Highcliffe Office on 01425 205 000
Park View, Lyndhurst
£1,950,000 Guide
5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 4 Reception Rooms
Built circa 1920’s, Park View offers an elegant, light and spacious family home with accommodation set across three floors in excess of 4500 sq ft. Tastefully renovated with the benefit of a recently replaced roof and heating system and presented in excellent order throughout. The property has been used previously as a location shoot requiring a backdrop of an English Country Home. The property benefits from an attractive outbuilding and has scope to provide self contained annexed accommodation or working from home and is set within close proximity of the village amenities and open forest off Pikes Hill.
Please contact the Brockenhurst Office on 01590 622 551
Eugenie Cottage, Minstead
£1,675,000 Guide
4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 4 Reception Rooms
A beautifully presented four-bedroom, three bathroom family home with equestrian facilities which is ideally nestled in the idyllic and highly sought-after village of Minstead. The property is offered to the market with gardens and paddock land approaching two acres and offers direct forest access.
Please contact the Burley Office on 01425 404 088
Living the Coastal Life at Spencers Highcliffe
With Coastal Living ever increasing in popularity, Spencers’ Coastal division has expanded due to unprecedented demand. This January saw the opening of our stunning Highcliffe Office, situated in the centre of the bustling High Street, in a prime position minutes from Highcliffe’s popular sandy beaches.
The Spencers Highcliffe team bring their experience and expertise to the selling and letting of coastal property in the popular hot spots of Highcliffe, New Milton, Barton on Sea, Friar’s Cliff, Mudeford, Christchurch and along the coast to Sandbanks. The Spencers Highcliffe team work closely with the Spencers Lymington team to find the very best coastal buyers looking to move along this stretch of coast.
Our Highcliffe Office commands attention with its floor to ceiling glass on its contemporary double frontage. Inside is a breezy, open plan layout with coastal styling throughout. An ample seating area allows space and time for discussing with clients how to best market their coastal home or a chance to connect and reflect with those moving into the area with questions on how best to initiate their dream coastal lifestyle. Those wandering down Highcliffe high street during the day or after hours will see our enormous, striking, high-definition display screens showcasing professional video tours and drone footage of properties currently on the market with us. These certainly stop people in their tracks and provide fantastic exposure for our properties.
Highcliffe and its surrounding areas provide a multitude of leisure activities. Sandy beaches, water sports, golf clubs, leisure centres, boutique shopping and renowned fine dining and relaxed family friendly restaurants, pubs and cafés. With easy transport links and a choice of excellent schools in the area it is no surprise that property is in high demand.
“Over recent years our Coastal department has gone from strength to strength, even in a trickier market. Now was definitely the right time to capitalise on our success and grow the company by having a permanent office in central Highcliffe.”
Founder and Managing Director, Rob Batten
The Highcliffe team have had the pleasure of successfully selling a number of stunning properties throughout the area in recent months, such as The Royals in Mudeford.
This is a breath-taking coastal home epitomising the very best of living by the sea. Spencers were entrusted with the first sale of this house since it was built in 1997. The property is beautifully presented and enjoys direct frontage onto Avon Beach as well as uninterrupted sea views from both seating areas in the garden and the main reception room and bedroom. Combining privacy with expansive views direct to The Needles, there are few homes that are more suited to life by the water. Offering four double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a large sitting room with conservatory overlooking the water and a kitchen/dining room as well as a top floor belvedere with 180 degree panoramic views. The guide price was £2,795,000.
For details of the wide range of properties currently being marketed by our Highcliffe Office, pop in and chat to our friendly coastal team or visit our website.
Spencers Highcliffe: 368-370 Lymington Road | Highcliffe | Christchurch | Dorset | BH23 5EZ
Tel: 01425 205 000
Priestfield House, Bowling Green
£1,000,000 Guide
4 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, 3 Reception Rooms
Situated in the New Forest National Park this 1920’s built detached four bedroom country house which has recently been totally refurbished throughout and offers offers a great amount of charm and character as well as delightful, mature grounds of about one acre. The property is well situated close to the open forest at Sway and within easy reach of Lymington town. The mainline railway station at Brockenhurst serves London Waterloo in approximately 1 hour 35 minutes.
Admiral Place, Winkton
£1,100,000 Guide
4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 3 Reception Rooms
A stunning contemporary home constructed in 2017 which exudes quality throughout. Set within the charming Admiral Place, this residence emanates a timeless New England aesthetic, boasting unparalleled craftsmanship and upscale features. Indulge in the luxury of underfloor heating throughout, advanced Cat cabling with Wi-Fi extenders, and eco-friendly solar panels. Outside, the gardens are beautifully landscaped and offer seclusion and tranquillity with ample space to sit and unwind. In a tranquil village backdrop, this exclusive collection of four luxury homes epitomises modern living, offering an unmatched lifestyle experience.
Please contact the Ringwood Office on 01425 462 600
Please contact the Lymington Office on 01590 674 222
Rooks Farm, Brook
£1,725,000 Guide
4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 4 Reception Rooms
Offered to the market with No Forward Chain — Rooks Farm is a stunning example of a detached Victorian New Forest farmhouse which has been extended and modernised over recent years, now offering fantastic living space. Further benefiting from an abundance of land and outbuildings, including stabling, numerous barns and paddock land amounting to circa 14 acres.≈
Upper Mead End Farm, Sway
£2,800,000 Guide
4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 4 Reception Rooms
A rare opportunity to secure a farmhouse with 26 acres of undulating paddock land and grounds completely surrounding the farmhouse built in 1957 and owner occupied since 1962. With a large brick barn workshop, block built stable block and wooden stable block, this stunning setting offers immense potential to redevelop, subject to the necessary permissions. On the edge of Sway in the sought after lane of Mead End Road. A full report of the potential is available on request.
Please contact the Brockenhurst Office on 01590 622 551
“Creating the optimum environmental and climatic conditions in which wine is free to slowly and fully develop over time, is something of an art form.”
The Perfect
Pairing
As any wine collector will tell you, much of the appeal of wine lies in its mystique, the hope that with time and careful cellaring, a rather average wine can evolve into something much more complex, characterful and interesting. It does so due to a series of chemical reactions that occur over time in all wines and which will alter its appearance, taste and aroma. Some chemical reactions are desirable and add to the character of the wine, others are not. The rate at which these reactions happen are largely dictated by the temperature in which the wine is stored, although other environmental factors (humidity, exposure to sunlight, vibration and atmospheric impurities) will also have an impact.
Spiral Cellars is the world’s leading purveyor of luxury wine storage.
Creating the optimum environmental and climatic conditions in which wine is free to slowly and fully develop over time, is something of an art form. Spiral Cellars, the UK’s leading purveyor of luxury wine storage has been doing just that for over 40 years. Having created over 5,000 statement wine spaces both here and abroad, they know how to store wine not just in style, but in the correct conditions. Managing Director, Lucy Hargreaves, comments, “Like all good things, wine needs some serious TLC to perform at its absolute best and our expert team has the experience and expertise to truly understand the importance – and the science – behind wine cellaring. For us, creating the ideal cellaring conditions is every bit
Left: Lucy Hargreaves, Managing Director, Spiral Cellars.
“The company prides themselves on their personal approach, designing and installing the right cellaring solution to meet their customers’ needs.”
as important as delivering cellars with cutting edge architectural design.”
The company offers a broad range of cellaring solutions to suit all tastes, spaces and budgets, everything from bespoke hand-crafted timber wine rooms, to contemporary wine walls made from shimmering structural glass, elegant and bijou wine cabinets and of course, their eponymous underground Spiral Cellars. And for those looking for a completely flexible approach to wine storage, they recently launched a ground breaking and highly affordable new modular wine storage system – the UnSpiral Cellar.
The company prides themselves on their personal approach, designing and installing the right cellaring solution to meet their customers’ needs, depending on
capacity requirements, the client’s personal taste and style and of course the practicalities of space and budget.
The price of a Spiral Cellar varies according to depth, door and method of installation but start from £22,500. Custom Design commissions start from £7,500 and a typical UnSpiral Cellar project costs between £1,000 - £2,000 per square metre of wall.
Spiral Cellars: www.spiralcellars.com 020 3815 3329 info@spiralcellars.com
Wharncliffe Road, Highcliffe
£1,675,000 Guide
4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 5 Reception Rooms
Located within the most desired road of the area, this property offers nearly 2,800 sq ft of internal living space, providing uninterrupted panoramic views across Christchurch Bay. Complete with a fully self-contained annex, it has undergone extensive improvements yet still offers potential for further extension and enhancement. An ideal opportunity to create your dream home in this sought-after location.
Please contact the Highcliffe Office on 01425 205 000
The Clock House is a beautiful example of a conversion of former stables and coach house, and is always instantly recognised by its signature clock tower. The stunning accommodation is elegantly presented retaining much of the original period features including impressive tall ceilings in most of the reception rooms. Outside the property is approached along a sweeping drive and the whole site amounts to about eighteen acres of paddocks and gardens.
With a thriving, nurturing community, Ballard offers a holistic education.
“Simply the best school every day.”
(Parent.)
“A warm, friendly school in a glorious setting, where pupils enjoy their learning, throw themselves into a plethora of activities and have fun.”
(Good Schools Guide)
Ballard is a thriving co-educational day school from Nursery to GCSE, set in 34 acres on the Dorset/Hampshire border. Ballard’s dynamic leadership has turned ‘excellent & outstanding’ (ISI) into exceptional. With lots of exciting plans in place, there has never been a better time to join.
This year, Ballard was a finalist for the Independent School of the Year for Sports award (ISOTY) and
Highly Commended for Performing Arts in the Independent School Association awards (ISA). Last year, it was a finalist for the Excellence and Innovation in Art and Design (ISA); Highly Commended for Sport (ISA); a finalist for Performing Arts (ISOTY); and shortlisted for the Co-Educational Independent School of the Year award for the third year in a row.
Ballard offers the perfect balance. Classes are large enough to facilitate lively, challenging lessons, yet small enough so that every pupil is known. This allows staff to help pupils successfully develop, both academically and pastorally. This encourages them to be the best they can be, nurturing well-rounded, happy individuals with a healthy outlook on life.
The fantastic facilities include an Olympic sized astroturf, swimming pool, Forest School, five science labs, three libraries with two librarians, nine 3D-printers, including a K1 fast printer, an iMac studio, and a 200-seater Performing Arts Centre.
Exceptional teachers allow Ballard to run a wide range of GCSEs with 17 options to choose from alongside the core English, Maths and combined Science. Tailored clinics stretch and support GCSE pupils, with outstanding results. Last year 40.7% of grades achieved were grade 9 to 7, almost double the national average.
Academic successes alongside trips and over 150 weekly co-curricular activities, ensure Ballard offers a well-rounded, comprehensive education. Beyond the classroom, Ballard pupils have consistently reached the top 5% in the Townsend Warner History Competition, reached the top 1% on World Maths Day and gained Gold and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Pupils make the most of their opportunities, with alumni that include four athletes competing at the Paris Olympics, an Olympic medallist, world champions, successful authors, an international opera star and a pop band.
Come and find out why parents and pupils love Ballard. Call our friendly registrar on 01425 626900 or email registrar@ballardschool.co.uk.
Hidden Gems of Northern New Forest
Spencers are born and bred in the New Forest, our much loved national park is celebrated for its picturesque landscapes, free-roaming ponies, and charming villages. However, the northern part of this enchanting area often remains overshadowed by its southern counterparts. The northern New Forest boasts a wealth of hidden treasures, from ancient woodlands and tranquil rivers to historic sites and quaint villages. Having been director of Spencers’ Ringwood office for 14 years, I’ve come to know well some of the lesser-known places in the northern New Forest that are sure to captivate and inspire visitors seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
Nomansland
Nestled on the northern edge of the New Forest, Nomansland is a peaceful village that offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of more touristy areas. The village green, surrounded by traditional cottages and the local pub, The Lamb Inn, provides a quintessentially English setting. Nearby, the Nomansland Common offers beautiful heathland walks and a chance to spot local wildlife, including deer and a variety of bird species. This area is ideal for those looking to enjoy a serene countryside experience.
Mark Youngman, Director of Spencers’ Ringwood Office, uncovers
Top: Pigs grazing in Nomandsland. Above: The Lamb Inn, Nomansland.
Eyeworth Pond
Located near the village of Fritham, Eyeworth Pond is a hidden gem that exudes tranquility and natural beauty. Originally created in the 19th century to provide water for a local gunpowder factory, the pond is now a haven for wildlife. It’s a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with regular sightings of ducks, swans, and even kingfishers. The surrounding woods offer scenic walking trails that are perfect for a peaceful stroll or a more energetic hike. The nearby Royal Oak pub in Fritham is a great place to relax and enjoy a meal after exploring the area.
Frogham and Hyde
The adjacent villages of Frogham and Hyde are charmingly secluded spots that offer a glimpse into traditional rural life. Frogham is known for its beautiful countryside views and the popular Foresters Arms, a traditional pub with a friendly atmosphere and great food. Hyde, just a short walk away, is home to Hyde Church, a picturesque and historic church that dates back to the 12th century. The surrounding area is crisscrossed with walking and cycling trails that meander through woodlands, heathlands, and open fields, providing endless opportunities for exploration.
Rockford and Ivy Lake
For those who love nature and outdoor activities, Rockford and Ivy Lake are real hidden treasures in the northern New Forest. These two lakes, part of the Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, are teeming with wildlife and offer fantastic opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and photography. The nature reserve is managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and features several bird hides, walking trails, and information boards that provide insights into the local ecology. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery make it a perfect spot for a day out in nature.
Top: Rockford Common. Middle: Eyeworth Pond. Above: New Forest Ponies at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve.
Fordingbridge
Though slightly larger than some other hidden gems on this list, Fordingbridge is often overlooked by visitors heading to more famous parts of the New Forest. This historic market town, situated on the banks of the River Avon, boasts a rich heritage and a charming town centre. The medieval seven-arched bridge that spans the river is a notable landmark, and the town’s museum offers fascinating insights into local history. Fordingbridge is also a gateway to numerous walking and cycling routes that take you through some of the most scenic parts of the northern New Forest.
Godshill
The village of Godshill is a picturesque and lesser-known destination in the northern New Forest. Known for its pretty cottages and serene atmosphere, Godshill is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside. The village is close to the Godshill Inclosure, a peaceful woodland area with well-marked trails perfect for walking, cycling, and horse riding. The nearby Sandy Balls Holiday Village offers additional amenities, including a restaurant, swimming pools, and outdoor activities, making it a great spot for a family day out.
Hale
Hale is a quaint village that feels like a step back in time. The village green, bordered by charming thatched cottages and the local church, St. Mary’s, creates a picturesque setting. St. Mary’s Church, with its unique wooden bell tower, is worth a visit for its historic and architectural interest. Hale Purlieu, a nearby area of heathland and woodland, offers scenic walking routes with beautiful views and opportunities to see grazing ponies and other wildlife. The village’s peaceful ambiance makes it a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the crowds.
Linwood
Tucked away in the northern New Forest, Linwood is a tiny hamlet surrounded by lush forests and open heathlands. The Red Shoot Inn and Brewery is a highlight of Linwood, offering locally brewed ales and a cosy atmosphere. The inn is an excellent starting point for numerous walking trails that wind through the surrounding landscape, providing opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the New Forest up close. The area around Linwood is also popular with cyclists and horse riders, offering a range of routes to suit all levels of experience.
Above: Godshill Ford.
Top and above: Fordingbridge.
Moyles Court
Moyles Court, located near the village of Rockford, is a historic manor house with a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Now part of a private school, the grounds are open to the public and offer beautiful walking trails and picnic spots. The nearby Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve and the Avon Valley Path provide additional opportunities for outdoor activities, including birdwatching, fishing, and hiking. The serene environment and historic charm of Moyles Court make it a location worth exploring.
Ashley Walk and nearby village of Blissford
For those interested in history and nature, Ashley Walk is a fascinating hidden gem. This area was used as a bombing range during World War II by the RAF Dambusters, providing test facilities and training bombing runs for the famous Bouncing Bombs. Remnants of this military past can still be seen throughout the area, including craters and concrete targets. Today, it’s a peaceful expanse of heathland and woodland, offering excellent walking and cycling opportunities. The varied terrain and rich history make Ashley Walk a unique spot in the northern New Forest, providing a glimpse into the area’s past while enjoying its natural beauty.
“Having lived in the New Forest my whole life, it always amazes me how there is always more to explore and often these lesser-known places provide a deeper and more intimate exploration of the New Forest’s natural beauty and heritage. If you’re looking to move to the New Forest area, do pop to our Ringwood office or give our team a call and we can help you uncover the perfect property for you, walking boots and map optional.”
Gems for Sale in the Northern New Forest
Sandle Grange
Sandleheath, Fordingbridge
£1,885,000 Guide
6 Bedrooms – 5 Reception Rooms – 5 Bathrooms
Piencourt Cottage
Hyde, Fordingbridge
£900,000 Guide
4 Bedrooms – 3 Reception Rooms – 2 Bathrooms
This quintessential, thatched property combines traditional charm with modern amenities. The grounds and gardens have been elegantly landscaped with an outstanding raised terraced area which enjoys views over the neighbouring fields and evening sunsets.
A magnificent country home situated in parkland grounds of 4.5 acres. Dating from the 1900s, the Grange formed part of the Sandle Manor Estate. Now a substantial home of 5400 sqft featuring tall, elegant reception rooms with far reaching views across its own private grounds.
Ibsley Grange
Ibsley, Ringwood
£2,500,000 Guide
5 Bedrooms – 4 Reception Rooms – 4 Bathrooms
A most appealing five bedroom detached Georgian equestrian residence with grounds amounting to approximately 9 acres. Ibsley Grange exudes tremendous flair and character. Its long history includes a period when it was commandeered by the RAF and used as lodgings for air crew involved in the D day landings and Dambuster raids. The grounds are split into 5 paddocks with formal gardens, walled kitchen garden and many outbuildings including pole barn stabling, field shelters and a full-size manege.
For more information on the above properties please contact the Ringwood Office on 01425 462 600
Above: Moyles Court.
Highfield House, Godshill Wood
£1,650,000 Guide
5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 2 Reception Rooms
A simply stunning, 5/6 bedroom detached residence situated in the beautiful New Forest location of Godshill Wood. Benefitting from complete privacy and tranquillity, the home has been finished to the very highest standards, with luxurious kitchen, bathrooms and flooring throughout. The driveway with great road access provides entry via secluded electric gates to a large pea shingle driveway with parking for multiple vehicles.
Please contact the Ringwood Office on 01425 462 600
Monkswell House, Beaulieu
£2,295,000 Guide 7 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 4 Reception Rooms
A charming and fully refurbished family house which at nearly 5,000 square feet and 1.5 acres offers space, scale and condition rarely found at this price point. The house has recently been lovingly extended and updated by the current owners to create accommodation that is contemporary, practical and full of character with beautifully landscaped gardens, a gym / home office, triple garage and tennis court. The property backs on to the historic Beaulieu estate and enjoys walks across the estate’s many acres of unspoilt meadows subject to continued permission from the estate.
Please contact the Lymington Office on 01590 674 222
Harefield House, Somerly
£1,650,000 Guide
5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 3 Reception Rooms
An exceptional country house of Georgian origins which has been extended and reconfigured into a stunning 3500 sq ft fivebedroom home beautifully situated in formal gardens and paddocks of approximately 2.7 acres. This particularly impressive property enjoys a southerly aspect overlooking its own private gardens. There is also access into the stunning sunken gardens of Harbridge Court as well as access from the paddock onto a bridleway leading to the nearby Ringwood Forest.
Please contact the Ringwood Office on 01425 462 600
The Cloud B&B, Brockenhurst
£1,750,000 Guide
8 Bedrooms, 7 Bathrooms, 5 Reception Rooms
Situated in the heart of the New Forest in Brockenhurst with direct forest access for guests, a completely redesigned and refurbished eightbedroom guest house, formerly the famous Cloud Hotel, which is set on the sought after Meerut Road within a short walk of the village amenities, pubs, and restaurants.
Please contact the Brockenhurst Office on 01590 622 551
Box Cottage
Seaway Avenue, Friars Cliff
£1,100,000 Guide
3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 3 Reception Rooms
A wonderful opportunity awaits to acquire a detached character residence in the highly soughtafter Friars Cliff location. Nestled along a desirable tree lined avenue, this property features a private plot with a southerly aspect, all within 0.3 miles of Avon Beach. Offering 1885 sqft of accommodation, it presents the potential for extension and remodelling subject to necessary consents.
Please contact the Highcliffe Office on 01425 205 000
Spencers Sponsors...
Community is at the heart of Spencers.
With our network 5 offices across the area and years of experience meeting and making new friends, we feel our roots have spread like a mighty New Forest oak. Our business is making connections and very often this allows us the privilege of hearing stories, learning about endeavours and championing causes.
Every year we support local charities and organisations with events and initiatives taking place in our community. A cause very close to our hearts last year was taking on the challenge to raise over £30,000 for the British Heart Foundation in memory of our colleague Justin from our Brockenhurst office, who we lost suddenly in 2022. We held a Quiz Night, a Comedy Club event, numerous cake sales and rowing challenges and all culminating in a large team from across our 5 offices completing the 3 Peaks Challenge. After months of gruelling training across the south coast, Team Spencers embarked on the challenge of climbing the 3 highest mountains in the UK (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon) over two days. We completed the challenge on what would have been Justin’s 53rd birthday, it was an emotional and hugely rewarding experience for us all.
“The fundraising efforts by everyone at Spencers have been incredible. To raise so much money in Justin’s memory is a real testament to how people have got behind this campaign. Too many people in the UK have their lives cut short by heart disease, leaving behind devastated loved ones. But the support we’ve had from Spencers means that we can enable scientists to turn ideas into treatments and give people more time with the ones they love.”
Ben Bishop, Fundraising Manager, Hampshire & Isle of Wight.
Our charity sponsorships are rich and varied. We thoroughly enjoy sponsoring local RNLI events, in support of our vital lifeboat stations, such as the Lymington Lifeboat 10k Run and the RNLI Family Funday held at Mudeford Quay. We also enjoy taking part, with Spencers staff dusting off their running shoes and others signing up for our Spencers paddleboard team. So many of us at Spencers enjoy in our free time the wonderful watersports and sailing opportunities around us and this makes us very aware of the huge dedication of our local RNLI volunteers.
“Spencers are longstanding supporters of the RNLI and we are grateful that this local business recognises the essential work we do and the dedication of our volunteers.”
Richard
Clarke, Volunteer Crew Member & 10k Event Manager
Top right: (3 Peaks) Team Spencers completing the 3 Peaks Challenge. Above: Neville (far left) from our Lymington Office on the finish line of the RNLI Lymington Lifeboat 10k Run.
For many years Spencers have sponsored the prestigious Royal Lymington Yacht Club Thursday Night Racing. An important fixture of life on the water in our area.
With Spencers staff keen racers and old hands at presenting the evenings’ prizes in the bar, our sponsorship with the club is a very sociable way to participate in the heart of our local sailing community. This year we are also sponsoring RLYC Junior RIB Club with the aim of inspiring the younger generation to get out on the water.
Our support covers not only our coastal community but also very much our beloved New Forest. A major sponsor of the New Forest Show, we promote this renowned and hugely popular event throughout the region, helping to grow its success year on year. Last year we helped raise money for the brain injury charity Headway by sponsoring a fantastic event at the New Forest Polo Club, organised by our very own Jodie in our Burley Office. With a dedicated Spencers Equestrian department and so much equestrian experience between us, we very much like to get involved with associated clubs and events and are also supporters of Ashley Clinton Equestrian, a family run stable yard close to Lymington with a focus on breeding and nurturing equestrian athletes to compete for Great Britain at national and international events. With her sights firmly set on Olympic success, Ashley Clinton rider Tarka has already represented GB on numerous occasions and has been instrumental in the recent installation of the new Infinity Arena at the yard that welcomes local pony clubs and riding clubs throughout the area to take advantage of their fantastic new equipment and facilities at the arena.
“With the support of Spencers, the Olympic ambitions of a local rider have become a jump closer.”
Sam Abraham, Ashley Clinton Equestrian.
“The Thursday Night Keelboat Racing series epitomises the spirit and camaraderie of the Royal Lymington Yacht Club. With the generous support of Spencers, we are in a position to offer a competitive and inclusive racing environment for competitors at all levels with over 80 boats registered for the Thursday evening racing series. Our long-standing relationship with Spencers has been instrumental in enhancing our events and fostering a strong sense of community”
Commodore Michael Derrick
A new partnership we are looking forward to growing over the coming years is with the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy in the New Forest and their associated Fortune College, whose goal is to empower students with learning disabilities with education and independence through therapeutic work with horses.
Arts and music feature highly in our local partnerships. For years we have been sponsors of the fantastic two day music festival Brockstock in Brockenhust. We enjoy sponsoring the Beaulieu Music Festival with numerous wonderful events held throughout the year at the picturesque Beaulieu Abbey Church, with funds raised assisting local musicians in their musical careers and musical education in the area; a worthy cause indeed.
Additional Spencers sponsorship ventures include one off charity events, amateur dramatics, support of local Golf, Cricket and Football Clubs, local school fundraising events and lots more. We are so grateful to the many local people give their time and talent to raise money for good causes or co-ordinate events which genuinely enrich the lives of local people and being part of that endeavour, in whatever way we can, is something of which Spencers is rightfully proud.
Above: Spencers Coastal prizes at Royal Lymington Yacht Club and Spencers Coastal Thursday Night Racing at Royal Lymington Yacht Club.
Above: Team Spencers presenting prizes at New Forest Polo Club’s Kuseyo Cup Charity Polo Day.
Above: Spencers promotional board for Brockstock and Olympic hopeful Tarka Abraham from Ashley Clinton Equestrian.
Woodpeckers, Hangersley Hill
£3,000,000 Guide
5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 5 Reception Rooms
A handsome country retreat situated on the edge of Ringwood close to the New Forest, set in grounds of about two acres and features an indoor swimming pool complex including gymnasium and extended garaging. This imposing five bedroom three bathroom detached family home is beautifully presented and features a magnificent modern and stylish open plan kitchen/living and dining room with high quality appliances. Outside, the property is surrounded with stunning parkland grounds and an outside all weather tennis court.
Please contact the Ringwood Office on 01425
Hollybush Farmhouse, Brockenhurst
£1,750,000 Guide
8 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 7 Reception Rooms
A quintessential New Forest farmhouse thought to date back to 1730. The property has been upgraded in recent times and extended to offer very versatile accommodation. The property is currently used as a successful holiday cottage and offers the potential to create an income if required whilst making a highly desirable family home. Set back from the road, the property is tucked away in beautiful grounds approaching 1.7 acres ideally situated for glorious walks within Roydon Woods and out to Boldre via a bridleway.
Please contact the Brockenhurst Office on 01590 622 551
£1,650,000 Guide
4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 2 Reception Rooms
A rare opportunity to secure an Edwardian four bedroom character home dating back to the late 19th century set on a generous plot and in a premium location, being close to the marinas, sailing clubs and amenities. This delightful family home has a large garden, off road parking and offers excellent scope to extend or redevelop, subject to the necessary planning permissions.
Please contact the Lymington Office on 01590 674 222
The Coach House, Brook
£1,750,000 Guide
5 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 4 Reception Rooms
Nestled in the picturesque village of Brook, presents a blend of historic charm and contemporary luxury. Originally erected in 1850, this property has undergone a comprehensive renovation, meticulously crafted by its current owners to offer an exceptional standard of living amidst serene countryside surroundings. Embracing the comforts of modernity, it stands as an exquisite abode for a growing family, boasting a range of amenities including a heated swimming pool and sprawling garden spanning in excess of 0.6 acres, offering enchanting views of neighbouring fields.
Please contact the Burley Office on 01425 404 088
Hinton Wood Avenue, Highcliffe
£1,650,000 Guide
5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 3 Reception Rooms
Approached via electric gates, Holly Corner is a beautifully presented five bedroom, three bathroom statement home featuring high quality fixtures and fittings throughout. Located within easy walking distance of Highcliffe Castle and beaches, as well as the village centre, and further benefiting from private access into the picturesque Nea Meadows Nature Reserve behind.
Please contact the Highcliffe Office on 01425 205 000
Cob Cottage, Godshill
£1,195,000 OIEO
3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 3 Reception Rooms
This captivating New Forest cottage has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind country home, meticulously redesigned to blend original character with inventive design elements. Nestled within the desirable cattle grid area of the New Forest National Park, this idyllic cottage boasts an elevated position offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and forest. There is also an enchanting guest roundhouse and a detached double garage adorned with a Sedum living roof, every detail exudes charm and individuality.
Please contact the Ringwood Office on 01425
Growth & Strength Spencers’ Lettings Division
The Spencers Lettings division has been going from strength to strength for over 10 years. This year we have expanded our very busy and successful department by acquiring a new local Lettings business to amalgamate into our consistently growing client portfolio. We are locally renowned for our professionalism and service; our dedicated, specialist Lettings service ensures every aspect is managed in-house, from maintenance to property inspections, providing peace of mind for landlords.
Our Lettings service is truly bespoke, we prioritise building strong relationships with tenants and landlords to ensure every tenancy runs smoothly. We take the time to listen to our clients and tailor our service to meet their individual requirements, always recognising that every landlord is different and has specific needs and objectives. Our thorough tenant screening process offers additional security and peace of mind; if we wouldn’t want the prospective tenants in our house, we wouldn’t put them in yours. Our goal is not just to find you a tenant, but instead the RIGHT tenant.
All our landlords are allocated their own dedicated property manager, offering a continuity of service and personal approach. Our Landlord and Tenant portals allow records to be instantly accessed online and we are always at the end of the phone to discuss any queries or concerns.
We pride ourselves on being different and consistently delivering a service that exceeds your expectations. Our approach to marketing and presentation is innovative and creative, to ensure we meet both your, and our, objectives. If you’re looking for a change from an existing agent, we can make the process simple and stress free.
We offer you a partnership, where we take care of the sensitive management and letting of your property, so you can get on with the important things in life. Come and chat to us in our Lettings Offices in Lymington and Highcliffe, or call one of our 5 offices across our network who all have dedicated Lettings specialists with expert knowledge of their area.
lettings@spencersproperty.co.uk | 01590 624 814
“At Spencers Lettings, we have always prided ourselves on going above and beyond. In recent years our success has led to substantial growth of our business which has been a huge privilege to oversee. The last year has been one of the most exciting of my decade with Spencers. The increase in demand for our services has coincided with the opening of our new Lettings Office in Highcliffe, in addition to our Head Office in Lymington.We have acquired a new local lettings business, allowing us to bring our unique marketing and management approach to a wider range of clients and properties across the New Forest and Coast.”
Tracy Harding, Director –Spencers Lettings
Tracy Harding – Director (centre) and her dedicated team
Homelea, Abbotswell Road
£1,500,000 Guide
4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 4 Reception Rooms
A stunning New Forest location for this four bedroom country home, which is set in approximately 2.21 acres of landscaped gardens and holding paddock with direct forest access. Situated in the New Forest Hamlet of Blissford, this desirable home of late nineteenth century origins has been significantly extended to provide comfortable living accommodation and more recently this home has had recent refurbishment carried out both inside the property and also outside.
Please contact the Ringwood Office on 01425 462 600
Luxury 4* Country House Hotel in the heart of the New Forest National Park. Only 90 minutes from London by train.
ESPA Saltus Spa
Indoor and outdoor pool
Indulgent Sunday lunches
Quintessential afternoon teas
Romantic fine dining Elegant cocktail bar
Expansive gardens and terraces Fun games and zip wire
Dog and welly friendly
All residents and non-residents are invited to join us. Book your New Forest experience today.
01590 623116
Brockenhurst SO42 7ZB
info@blh.co.uk
Rick has distilled a lifetime of knowledge and expertise to create truly simple recipes to cook again and again at home.
Rick Stein’s Simple Suppers
Rick Stein’s Simple Suppers is a joyful collection of stylish, easy recipes for midweek, weekends and every eventuality in between, paired with stories that celebrate the simple things in life.
For Rick ‘simple’ means that no recipe should take more than an hour to prepare (the Fast Suppers chapter is dedicated to recipes that take 30 minutes or less), the list of ingredients should be as short as possible and should (with very few exceptions) be readily available in any supermarket. Rick even has suggestions for some shortcut ingredients that he keeps in his pantry.
Rick Stein’s Simple Suppers is a cookbook full of personality with brilliant recipes accompanied by essays on everything from Rick’s love of salt to the inspiration behind a recipe to what he thinks is the perfect latenight snack. In this book, Rick has distilled a lifetime of knowledge and expertise to create truly simple recipes to cook again and again at home. Whether with his wife Sarah, with friends or his children, Simple Suppers is Rick at his most relaxed.
Extracted from Rick Stein’s Simple Suppers (BBC Books, £28). Photography by James Murphy.
Green rice with garlic, parsley & mussels Arroz verde
I love these Spanish paella-type dishes. There’s a similar, but slightly more complicated and expensive, version of this recipe in my book Long Weekends. I remember filming it at a restaurant on the beach in Cádiz. I chose the arroz verde, but the crew went for seafood paella coloured with the extremely bright yellow of fake saffron. The camera pulled away from my demure green and white bowl to reveal everybody else wearing sunglasses while eating.
SERVES 4–5
60ml olive oil
60g shallots, finely chopped
12 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 litre chicken stock
100g flatleaf parsley, leaves chopped
1½ tsp salt
400g short-grain paella rice
500g raw mussels, scrubbed
Juice of ½ lemon
To Serve
Aioli (I like the Chovi brand available in supermarkets)
Heat the olive oil in a shallow flame proof casserole dish over a medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic, then fry gently for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the stock, parsley and salt and bring to the boil.
Sprinkle in the rice, stir once, then leave to simmer vigorously over a medium-high heat for 6 minutes. Put the mussels on top and
shake the pan briefly so that they sink into the rice slightly. Lower the heat and leave to simmer gently for another 12 minutes.
At the end of this time, almost all the liquid should be absorbed, the mussels opened and the rice will be pitted with small holes. Squeeze over the lemon juice and serve with aioli.
Smoked haddock rarebit with spinach
I may be guilty of having too many smoked fish recipes in this book, but I do think we smoke fish particularly well in the UK. I came up with this recipe when thinking of the sort of dishes that me and my old chums delight in at my pub, The Cornish Arms. It’s simply poached smoked haddock (you could also cook the fish very easily in a microwave), with a rarebit sauce like you would put on bread: cheese, beer, mustard and egg – all served on top of spinach. Lovely. Do go for undyed smoked haddock; the dyed stuff always tastes – well, dyed!
SERVES 2
2 x 120g pieces of undyed smoked haddock fillet
300g spinach, washed
Knob of butter
Salt and black pepper
Rarebit Topping
80g strong Cheddar cheese, grated
1 tbsp beer
1 tbsp beaten egg
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Black pepper
Put the smoked haddock fillets, skinside down, in a pan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil, allow the water to bubble momentarily, then turn off the heat and leave the fish in the water to cook for 3–4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix the rarebit ingredients together and smooth the mixture over the haddock fillets. Grill them under a medium-
high setting for a few minutes until they’re golden and bubbling.
While the haddock is under the grill, wilt the spinach in a pan, stir in the butter and season with salt and pepper.
Divide the spinach between 2 plates and top with a piece of haddock. If you want some carbs, serve on top of slices of buttered sourdough toast or with new potatoes.
The Thatched Cottage, Lyndhurst
£1,375,000 Guide
4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 3 Reception Rooms
A stunning four bedroom traditional thatched cottage, set in an idyllic forest location, on the outskirts of Lyndhurst. The property offers beautifully appointed accommodation throughout and further benefits from a part walled private southerly garden, garaging with off road parking and direct access onto the New Forest National Park with views towards Boltons Bench and the cricket green.
Please contact the Brockenhurst Office on 01590 622 551
Tree
Offered to the market with No Forward Chain — A stunning example of a quintessential period New Forest home. Recently extended & refurbished to an exceptional standard with no expense spared by the current owners. This detached cottage offers four bedrooms, four bathrooms and stunning ‘lifestyle’ kitchen. A short walk from arguably the prettiest village in the New Forest and a few hundred yards away from the open Forest.
The Spencers Service
At Spencers, marketing is at the forefront of everything that we do. We are constantly working on creative and innovative ways to market your property, using a multi media approach to present it at its very best and to the widest possible audience of buyers in order to complete your successful sale.
As you look through the pages of this magazine, the quality of our beautiful lifestyle photography is evident. By scanning a property’s QR code, you will be taken to our professionally produced Property Videos, created through our Spencers Cinematic™ service.
We have invested largely in our professional Drone photography, in order to capture your property from above, adding another visual demonstration of your property to our marketing to catch the attention of ready buyers. These services are at no extra charge to you.
Capturing the beauty and character of your home is what we do best, we then showcase it through print with stunning brochures and advertising across glossy regional magazines, some national titles and consistently in your local regional newspaper.
Increasingly important is our digital presentation; our active Social Media accounts are constantly evolving to ensure our properties are exposed in a fresh, eye-catching manner to a new generation of affluent buyers. Our beautiful reels are gaining lots of attention, do follow along @spencersproperty.co.uk.
When you sell with Spencers, you sell with the confidence of our network. Our 2 Coastal and 3 New Forest sales offices, as well as our London Office, are completely linked and share knowledge of the best buyers in the market. Our office coordination brings you the latest local, national and international buyers.
Our service and solutions are truly bespoke; we invest in our relationships.
We approach all sales with integrity, experience and expertise.
We listen to your needs and carefully consider, with thoughtful communication, what the most appropriate method of sale will be for you, be it a targeted lowkey sale, informal tender, open day or widespread advertising campaign.
Quite simply, at Spencers, we do it better.
Above: Our London Office.
Lynes Farm House, Nouale Lane
£1,175,000 Guide
5 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 3 Reception Rooms
Nestled within the New Forest National Park yet close to Ringwood town centre, this beautiful, detached, period house exudes the quintessential charm of a countryside farmhouse. Believed to date back to 1774 this 0.85-acre plot benefits from superb outbuildings and approximately 2,170 square feet of living space.
Please contact the Ringwood Office on 01425 462 600
Glengarry Way, Friars Cliff
£1,250,000 OIEO
5 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 2 Reception Rooms
A magnificent four/five bedroom detached house situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in the coveted area of Friars Cliff, just a stone’s throw from the sandy shores of Avon Beach. This tranquil property offers a serene ambiance while conveniently positioned just a short stroll away from the beach.
Please contact the Highcliffe Office on 01425 205 000
Middle Earth, Linwood
£1,200,000 Guide
5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 3 Reception Rooms
The property is truly a jewel within the New Forest, offering a sanctuary of peace, privacy and picturesque beauty. A unique opportunity to purchase an ideal redevelopment site in a stunning New Forest location of a total 11 acres approximately, with forest access, overlooking Linwood. The main residence is nestled within a one-acre south facing plot, the property consists of a ‘residence’ with annexe, lodge, pool house, stables and barns with commanding views over a further 10 acres in the hamlet of Linwood. Available for the first time in over 50 years the property offers a unique potential, subject to planning permission, to create an outstanding new country residence in a landscaped parkland, or an equestrian estate with direct access to the New Forest.
Please contact the Ringwood Office on 01425 462 600
