Rockbourne, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6

Impeccably presented throughout, a marvellous 6-bedroom family home on high ground within the sought after village of Rockbourne, with grounds approaching 3 acres including a separate paddock.

Chalklands is a substantial, extended detached house occupying an elevated position in the picturesque Downland village of Rockbourne, set well back from the village through road and affording tremendous views of outlying countryside. The house is extremely spacious and features a versatile spread of split-level living rooms, many of which take full advantage of the outlook and enjoy a sense of light and space as a result. There is an equally impressive range of bedrooms on the upper floor, again with glorious views, as well as a lower-level guest suite that comprises a large en-suite double-bedroom with – if required – an adjoining sitting room/dressing room/study that could form a perfect annexe for multi-generational living.

Externally, an array of excellent outbuildings includes a modern double-garage, separate carport/garden store and lovely summerhouse, another superb vantage point from which to enjoy the view. The house sits in a mature, private garden plot of approximately 1.41 acres and there is a separate paddock on Mintys Hill of approximately 1.47 acres, opposite which is a detached former barn that previously had planning consent for conversion to a 1-bedroom holiday unit, but which is currently utilised as a home gym.

The house occupies a private setting on elevated ground on the edge of the sought after village of Rockbourne and enjoys a wonderful outlook over the attractive roofline of the village and neighbouring countryside beyond. Rockbourne sits amidst lovely rolling countryside and within the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that covers 380 square miles of diverse countryside overlapping the Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset boundaries. The village is home to a thriving community that benefits from a reputable primary school, an active village hall which is the base for many community events and groups, a church and apopular, community-run public house, The Rose & Thistle.

The Avonside town of Fordingbridge (approx. 4 miles) provides a comprehensive range of day to day services, including schooling within both the state and private sector, a medical/health centre, a good range of local shops, a building society and a library. The excellent communications network allows ready access to the regional centres of Salisbury, Bournemouth and Southampton; all have mainline rail links to London Waterloo and there are airports at the latter two.

For the outdoor enthusiast, a myriad of footpaths and bridleways exist in the surrounding area and there is magnificent out-riding to be had on near-by Whitsbury Downs. The contrasting moor, heath and woodland of the New Forest is approximately five miles to the East. There is a selection of golf clubs in the locality, racing at Salisbury and sailing opportunities abound on the South Coast.

From Mintys Hill a gated entrance opens to a sweeping driveway that ascends the hill, following a route through the lower gardens to a wide expanse of parking and turning space to the front of the house. From here there is access to the DOUBLE GARAGE with twin sets of wooden doors, overhead storage, electricity connected and personal door to side. The driveway continues to the side of the house where there is a further parking area and a brick built, open fronted LOG STORE.

The lower section of garden is shaped by the contours of Mintys Hill and a historic chalk pit, from which the name of the house is derived. The garden is laid principally to lawn with several deep, mature shrub and flower beds, with the lawn wrapping around the house on the side and rear elevations. From the driveway a set of steps lead to a patio/seating area designed to catch the afternoon and evening sun. Accessible from various points within the house, the patio continues to the side and rear of the house with a feature raised rose garden and retaining brick wall and offers generous outdoor entertaining/dining/relaxing space. n the upper north-west corner of the garden is a greenhouse, a number of raised vegetable beds and the large oil tank. This productive area is screened from the house by a summerhouse with electricity connected; to the front of which stands a further patio/seating area.

At the foot of the driveway is a versatile BARN, which is currently utilised as a HOME GYM with electric and light connected and a useful internal STORE ROOM. We understand that there was historic planning permission (Application No. 13/11096) for conversion to a holiday letting unit.

Opposite the entrance is a field gate that gives access to PADDOCK of approximately 1.47 acres that runs down to the village winter bourne. Within the field is a timber SHELTER.

New Forest District Council. Tax Band G.

Mains water and electricity. Predominantly oil fired central heating with zoned electric under floor heating in the kitchen and in the lower ground floor guest suite. Private drainage.

Leave Fordingbridge travelling towards Sandleheath and Damerham on the B3078. On reaching Sandleheath, turn right at the crossroads sign posted to Rockbourne and proceed into the village. Take the second turning on the right into Mintys Hill and the entrance will be located after a short distance on the left hand side.