West Street, Titchfield, PO14

Dating back to the 1440’s, this Grade II listed cottage sits right in the heart of Titchfield village, where history meets everyday life in the most natural way. The moment you step through that lovely pillar-framed entrance, you're walking into a home that's been thoughtfully cared for - the exposed beams overhead aren't just for show, they're part of the building's story, and they create a wonderful sense of space and character throughout.

The dining hall, with its original quarry tiled floor and exposed timbers, sets the tone perfectly. There's a genuine warmth here that makes you want to explore further, and as you move through the ground floor, each room reveals something special. The sitting room is an absolute gem - an inglenook fireplace with its wood burner becomes the natural gathering spot, especially on cooler evenings, whilst the exposed beams draw your eye upward and the large window fills the space with natural light. The alcove shelving either side of the fireplace is perfect for books and treasures collected over the years.

Through to the kitchen/breakfast room, and this is where the blend of period charm and practical family life really shines. The hand-painted Shaker-style units in soft blue work beautifully with granite worktops and those stunning exposed beams overhead. The brick inglenook with the wood burner creates such a cosy focal point for family meals around the table, and there's a really lovely flow between the cooking and eating spaces. The separate utility room just off the kitchen means you can keep the clutter out of sight, which makes daily life so much easier.

The adjacent family room is something quite special - a more recent addition that's been executed brilliantly. The vaulted ceiling with skylights floods the space with natural light, and doors open straight onto the courtyard garden, making it perfect for family life. Whether it's a playroom, snug, or simply somewhere to escape with the Sunday papers, this room adapts to whatever you need.

Upstairs, the main bedroom is genuinely impressive for a period property of this age. Exposed beams create wonderful character, and there's a real sense of space. The en-suite bathroom has a roll-top bath positioned to make the most of the natural light, tongue-and-groove panelling, and wood flooring - it's the sort of bathroom where you'll actually want to have a soak at the end of the day. The other three bedrooms on the first floor all have their own character - exposed beams feature throughout, and each room has been carefully decorated to make the most of the period features whilst keeping things light and liveable. These additional rooms are served by a beautiful four piece family bathroom.

The second floor brings you to bedroom four, tucked under the eaves with gorgeous exposed timbers, and a separate study/fifth bedroom that's become increasingly essential for so many of us. It's a peaceful spot with good natural light, and there's useful eaves storage built in - perfect if you work from home or need a creative space away from the hub of family life. This floor is also served by its own separate W/C.

Outside, the south-facing courtyard garden is a real treasure. It's beautifully enclosed with wrought iron fencing and brick walls, giving you complete privacy whilst maintaining that village-garden charm. The raised beds are established and productive, there's a water feature that adds lovely movement and sound, and the paving creates distinct areas for sitting out or pottering about. The custom-built shepherd's hut is fully insulated, heated and fitted out with power and lighting. Whether you use it as a garden office, artist's studio, or simply a bolt-hole with a good book, it's incredibly versatile. The block-paved driveway leads past the side of the property to the double garage, which has storage space above and both power and lighting connected - genuinely useful space that's increasingly hard to find.

Living in the middle of Titchfield village means you're part of a real community. This is a conservation village with history dating back centuries - you've got independent shops, excellent pubs and restaurants including the Titchfield Mill, and St Peter's Church with its remarkable 7th-century origins just up the road. The ruins of Titchfield Abbey, with its Shakespeare connections, are a stone's throw away, and Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve is a short walk when you fancy some coastal air and birdwatching. Titchfield Primary School has an excellent reputation locally, and you're brilliantly placed for getting about - the M27 is minutes away for Portsmouth and Southampton, whilst Fareham station connects you to London Waterloo, Brighton and beyond.

This is a home for people who genuinely appreciate period properties - the character here is the real thing, not a recreation. Whether you're a family wanting space and village life, or downsizers from a larger period home who still want generous proportions and that irreplaceable sense of history, this cottage offers something increasingly rare: authentic character, thoughtful updates, and a location that puts you right at the heart of one of Hampshire's loveliest villages. We'd be delighted to show you around and let you experience it for yourself.