Martin, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6

Within the heart of the picturesque Downland village of Martin, a charming, extended 5-bedroom thatched house exuding character, in a mature garden of approximately 0.5 acre.

Believed to hark back to the 18th Century, Bennetts Cottage is a wonderful, versatile period home displaying character and heritage in abundance behind a most attractive brick and flint facade under a combed wheat reed thatched roof. The house has evolved over the years and a more modern extension has contributed to creating an array of well-proportioned living rooms on the ground floor, including a spacious kitchen/breakfast room, snug, dining room and sitting room. The first floor is home to five bedrooms and the principal bedroom benefits from en suite facilities. Externally, there is a large outbuilding comprising open fronted garaging with storage and a stable. The house sits to the front of a mature, level garden plot extending to approximately 0.5 acres that offers a high degree of privacy.

The picturesque village of Martin nestles within the rolling countryside of the Cranborne Chase, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) 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. The neighbouring villages of Damerham (approx 3 miles) and Broad Chalke (approx. 5 miles) have between them reputable primary schools and popular public houses, and Broade Chalke plays annual host to the renowned Chalke History Festival.

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 local road network provides ready access to the regional centres of Bournemouth and Southampton and 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.

Double gates at the road entrance open onto a gravel drive alongside the house to the parking area, adjoining which is the large open bay garage suitable for two cars, a further single garage with barn doors as well as shed and log store.

The French doors in the kitchen lead out to a paved terrace and well with thatched roof cover (Well is currently covered over but the bucket, rope and winding mechanism are in situ). This terrace leads to lawn which wraps to the east and south of the house but also to the lawns which stretch to form the rear garden. There is a thatched summer house that faces west to catch the afternoon and evening sun and sheltered by a well-maintained yew hedge. The yew hedge leads to two staddle stones and a step leads up to the main area of lawn with mature hedging, fig and apple trees as well as views over paddock land beyond. There is also a greenhouse.

New Forest District Council. Tax Band G.

Mains electricity, Mains water, Oil fired central heating and hot water. Private drainage.

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, passing by the Village Hall and the turning to Sillens Lane. The cottage will be located after a short distance on the right hand side.

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