The Marsh, Breamore, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6

An utterly charming and characterful Grade II listed 17th century cottage, set within generous and well-tended gardens, peacefully positioned on the edge of the protected Breamore Marsh.

Dating back to 1636, the cottage is a beautifully preserved example of 17th-century vernacular architecture. The current owner rethatched the property in 2019 and has sensitively updated and maintained the property, retaining a wealth of original features including exposed beams, estate-forged windows, and a striking inglenook fireplace in the main reception room.

A timber entrance door opens into a welcoming hallway, with a staircase leading to the first floor and useful built-in cupboard beneath. A separate cloakroom offers a WC, washbasin and recessed shelving. To one side of the hall, a charming reception room—used either as a dining room or study—leads through to a small rear porch.

The main sitting room is particularly impressive, with double-aspect secondary glazed windows, an abundance of exposed oak timbers, and a large inglenook fireplace housing a wood-burning stove and original bread oven—perfect for cosy evenings by the fire. An electric storage heater adds further comfort.

The kitchen is both functional and characterful, featuring exposed beams and another inglenook fireplace, this time housing an oil-fired AGA. A range of base and wall-mounted cupboards sit beneath oak worktops, with a polycarbonate sink, electric oven and two-burner hob, and space for a fridge/freezer. This rustic and practical space is ideal for everyday use and informal entertaining.

Stairs rise from the hallway to a bright and open first floor landing, with a cloaks cupboard and loft access overhead. The principal bedroom overlooks the gardens and includes generous built-in wardrobes and an electric heater. A second double bedroom also offers a built-in wardrobe, along with a linen cupboard housing the pressurised hot water cylinder. A smaller third bedroom sits to the rear, enjoying views towards Breamore Marsh and warmed by an electric storage heater.

The family bathroom is neatly arranged with a panelled bath, washbasin, WC, and a useful built-in storage cupboard.

Outside

The gardens are a true delight—well stocked, thoughtfully arranged and reflective of the cottage’s character. To the front, a classic cottage-style garden sits behind a low brick wall, bursting with seasonal colour from primroses, bluebells and foxgloves. The more private rear garden offers mature borders, a kitchen garden with fruit cage, and a productive orchard.

A timber five-bar gate gives access to a gravelled parking area and a timber-framed garage with adjoining workshop, fitted with power, lighting, a stainless-steel sink and cold water supply. Several timber sheds provide further useful storage.

Services:

Mains water and electricity
Private drainage

Tucked away in a tranquil and highly sought-after setting, this picturesque cottage enjoys a privileged position adjoining Breamore Marsh, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This ecologically important area forms part of the historic Breamore Estate, whose main house dates back to 1583. The marshland is rich in biodiversity and natural beauty, providing a haven for wildlife and a wonderfully peaceful backdrop to daily life.

The village of Breamore itself offers a traditional country pub, tea room, village hall and church, with a thriving community-run post office and general store in the nearby village of Woodgreen. For lovers of the outdoors, the surrounding landscape offers endless opportunities for walking, cycling, and horse riding, with immediate access to the New Forest’s ancient woodland and the open downland countryside to the west.

Within around 150 yards there is a convenient bus service (X3) providing easy access into Salisbury or in the opposite direction Bournemouth.

Fordingbridge, just a short drive away, offers further amenities including a range of independent shops and eateries, a building society, public library, medical centre and churches of various denominations. The local primary school in Breamore falls within the catchment for Burgate Secondary School & Sixth Form in Fordingbridge. For wider connections, the Cathedral city of Salisbury is approximately 9 miles to the north and offers a mainline railway station, making the property well situated for commuting or access to London and the West Country.