Highwood, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24

Private Country Estate- House, Cotttage, Stables, Outbuildings- 24 Acres. Direct Forest Accesss

Forest Edge Farm is a truly exceptional offering—an incredibly rare opportunity to acquire a completely secluded country property with direct access to the New Forest National Park. Tucked away at the end of a private drive and set within approximately 24 acres, this idyllic holding offers total privacy, absolute peace, and an outstanding lifestyle opportunity, all just a short drive (approx 2.5miles) from the vibrant market town of Ringwood.

Homes of this calibre, in such a secluded yet accessible position, seldom come to the open market. With no public rights of way crossing the land and no near neighbours in sight, this is a sanctuary for those seeking a slower pace of life immersed in nature, yet with amenities and connections close at hand. Whether you're looking to reimagine and modernise the existing home, explore equestrian or smallholding potential, or simply enjoy the lifestyle as it is, Forest Edge Farm offers huge scope to create your dream countryside retreat.

The Main House-

Positioned centrally within its land, the main residence is a spacious and welcoming family home offering beautifully bright rooms and picturesque views across mature gardens. The well-proportioned accommodation includes a triple-aspect sitting room with a bay window and French doors to the garden, a south-facing dining room, a cosy study or snug, and a family kitchen with adjacent utility and boot rooms. Upstairs are five bedrooms, including a generous principal bedroom, all enjoying peaceful outlooks over the gardens and grounds.
Beautifully tended by the current owners over the past 40 years, the grounds include ornamental gardens, a kitchen garden with fruit cages, a pond, and extensive planting that creates a haven for native flora and fauna. There is also a greenhouse and an extensive vegetable garden.

The Land-

The land extends to approximately 24 acres and is a mixture of mature woodland, colourful rhododendron gardens, wildlife-friendly planting and well-maintained paddocks. The free-draining soil and well-fenced pastures make the land particularly well suited to year-round grazing, and there is excellent road frontage along the southern boundary.

The Cottage-

Forest Edge Cottage, a well-designed single-storey brick-built home, offers flexible ancillary accommodation—ideal for multi-generational living, guest use, or rental potential. It includes two bedrooms, a kitchen/breakfast room, sitting room, utility, and adjoining garage.

Outbuildings and Equestrian facilities-

The property is remarkably well-equipped with an extensive range of traditional and modern outbuildings. These include:

• A timber stable yard with three loose boxes, feed room and rug room.
• Two large agricultural barns (known locally as the Turkey Barns), ideal for storage, machinery or potential repurposing (subject to permissions).
• A workshop, garage, games room, log stores and an indoor swimming pool (no longer in use).
• Additional buildings including a Quail House and a substantial four-bay steel-framed barn with lean-to.
•These facilities offer superb versatility for equestrian, agricultural or hobby use.

A once in a generation opportunity. Properties like Forest Edge Farm, with this level of seclusion, acreage and access to the New Forest, rarely become available. It offers peace, potential, and privacy in equal measure—perfect for those seeking a lifestyle change, an equestrian haven, or a country escape with unrivalled forest access.

Services-

The house and cottage both have mains water, electricity, and oil fired heating.
The house and cottage have their own private drainage systems.

Sellers Insight-

‘We were drawn to this exceptional home for its rare blend of space, peace, and direct access to the open Forest — a dream setting for anyone with horses or ponies, or for those in need of generous outbuildings and storage. Having our children’s ponies at home and being able to ride straight out into the Forest, with no roads for miles, was truly magical. We even hosted pony club rallies here — joyful, unforgettable days filled with such fun and laughter.

The separate bungalow was perfect for my Aunt, who joined us after retiring. She found real joy in nurturing the gardens and spent many happy years here, becoming an integral part of our family life and the memories we built together.

Life here has been idyllic. Our children grew up running wild through the grounds, building dens, and gathering around campfires — and now, our grandchildren are enjoying the same adventures, creating their own treasured memories in this remarkable setting.

Although it feels wonderfully remote, the location is surprisingly convenient. Ringwood is just a couple of miles away, and we’re within easy reach of Southampton, Bournemouth, and Salisbury for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Excellent transport links — including nearby coach and train stations, as well as airports — make travelling and holidays easy.
Perhaps most special of all are the family occasions we’ve been able to celebrate here. Both our children held their wedding receptions on the lawn, with beautiful marquees and the house as the perfect backdrop. This home has given us years of happiness — it is a place full of warmth, love, and truly irreplaceable memories.’’

* 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.*

Despite its tranquil setting, the location offers excellent access to nearby towns and cities, with the A31 and A338 providing links to Bournemouth, Southampton and beyond. Ringwood, just approx. 2.5miles away, offers a thriving community with quality schools, boutique shops, cafes, wine bars and restaurants, while also hosting a highly regarded Sixth Form college rated Outstanding by OFSTED.

Directions-

For Sat Nav, please use the postcode BH24 3LE. From Poulner, continue until you reach the ford at the triangular junction, then turn right. The entrance to Forest Edge Farm is the first tarmac driveway on the left. Follow the drive and keep right at the fork. Continue through the metal electric gates to reach the main house.
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