Martin, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6

A charming, Grade II listed 18th Century cottage occupying a picturesque setting in the heart of the Downland village of Martin, set in stunning gardens of about 1/4 acre.

Believed to date from the early 18th Century with 19th Century alterations, Lavender Cottage is a quintessentially pretty, Grade II listed thatched country cottage standing to the front of a beautifully stocked garden totalling almost 1/4 acre. The cottage exhibits a wealth of character and period features including exposed timbers and a magnificent Inglenook fireplace in the sitting room and there is scope for cosmetic improvements and modernising according to personal taste. Within the delightful rear garden is a useful timber-clad outbuilding that could satisfy a number of requirements, not least home office or studio space.

The picturesque and popular village of Martin nestles within the rolling countryside of the Cranborne Chase Natinal Landscape and International Dark Skies Reserve, where a network of country paths and bridle ways access lovely walking and riding countryside across Martin Down. An active and welcoming community, Martin is well supported by a village hall, from which a community shop is run, and a church, and the neighbouring village of Damerham (approx 3 miles) has a reputable primary school, garage and popular public house.

The Avonside town of Fordingbridge (approx. 7 miles) has a range of health, educational, shopping and recreational services sufficient to cater for most day to day needs and the Cathedral City of Salisbury, which offers a broader range of facilities including reputable state and private schooling, is almost equidistant via the A354. Beyond Fordingbridge the A338 and B3078 provide ready access to Bournemouth and Southampton respectively with the latter linking with Junction 1 of the M27. The New Forest National Park is approximately 8 miles to the east, sailing opportunities abound on the South Coast and there is a good choice of local golf clubs including Salisbury and Tollard Royal.

From the village through road the cottage is approached via a shared gravel driveway and a pair of wooden gates that open onto a parking area for 2 cars.

Having been lovingly cultivated and maintained by the owner, the flourishing gardens are a particular highlight of the property. Immediately adjoining the rear of the cottage is a stone patio for outdoor seating/entertaining and the ideal vantage point for surveying the glorious cottage garden beyond that comprises areas of lawn with colourful, well stocked deep beds and borders. The canopy of an impressive beech tree provides shaded cover, beneath which is a former sunken display garden. Pathways wind through the garden to the far end where there is a further area of lawn and mature shrub planting and the useful timber clad OUTBUILDING (approx max. 5.4m reducing to 4.3m x max. width 3.75m reducing to 2.65m) with light and power and electric heater connected that could serve as an excellent work-from-home space or home gym.

New Forest District Council: Band F.

Mains water and electricity. Private drainage. Electric night storage heaters.

Leave Fordingbridge and proceed to the village of Damerham. Upon entering the village pass The Compasses public house and cross the small bridge, turning immediately right into the High Street (sign posted Martin). Continue out of Damerham for approximately 3 miles and enter Martin. Follow the road into the village whereupon the cottage will be lcoated on the right hand side opposite Sillens Lane.

What3Words: retrial.sprouted.many