Cottrell Farmhouse, Hayling Island, Hampshire

This remarkable Grade II-listed four-bedroom farmhouse lies in an attractive setting on Hayling Island, Hampshire. Originally built around 1760, the house spans over 2,100 sq ft and sits on a two-thirds of an acre plot, with picturesque gardens at the front and rear. The interiors, lovingly maintained by the current owners and sensitively updated in a soft colour palette, have retained a wealth of original features. A bridge provides easy access to the mainland, and Portsmouth can be reached in around 15 minutes by car, or the vibrant cathedral city of Chichester is around 20 minutes. The island’s pristine Blue Flag beaches are just a short drive away.



Setting the Scene



Cottrell Farmhouse, its brick façade concealed behind a low brick wall and tall hedge, sits at the edge of the hamlet of Stoke, amid traditional farmlands. The house is approached on foot via a wooden gate, which opens onto a path leading to the front door.

Over 250 years old, the house has been maintained with meticulous care by the current owners and in consultation with heritage property specialists to preserve its original character. Inside, period features include inglenook fireplaces, exposed timber beams and frames, exposed brickwork, and 19th-century six-over-six sash windows.



The Grand Tour



Entry is into an impressive sitting room, anchored by a large inglenook fireplace with a wood-burning stove and exposed beams overhead. Exposed brickwork and timber framing also remain on the walls.



Engineered oak floorboards extend underfoot and continue into the adjacent dining room, where the fireplace is framed by decorative plasterwork alcoves and fitted with a wood-burning stove.



A central hall connects to a large kitchen and breakfast room, which can also be accessed via a side door from the driveway, used by the current owners as the primary entrance (there is planning permission to erect a traditional covered porch here). Farmhouse-style timber cabinets with quartz worktops are complemented by an electric AGA set within the hearth and a Belfast sink. Beautifully weathered quarry tiles in warm tones extend underfoot.



Across the hall is a quiet study with views of the garden and access to an understairs cupboard. At the rear of the plan is an inviting snug with exposed timber framing, wall panelling, and views across the garden. Also on this floor is a cloakroom with a shower and a utility room.



There are two staircases. The first, located at the core of the house, connects to three bedrooms on the first floor. At the front are two similarly sized double bedrooms with exposed timber frames, fireplaces, built-in wardrobes and carpeted floors. A smaller bedroom is positioned at the rear.



On this floor is a bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, an Old England sink and traditional fittings. Black-and-white chequered flooring extends underfoot.



A second staircase leads to a guest bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and an en suite bathroom with a bathtub and shower.



The Great Outdoors



The house is set within a spacious two-thirds of an acre plot. The front garden is easily maintained with its shingle paths and flint-edged beds, planted with shrubs, grasses and springtime bluebells. At the side of the house is a generous gravel driveway with ample parking for several cars and access to a double garage with loft storage.



An enchanting private garden unfolds to the rear of the house and looks out toward open farmland. A paved patio area is accessible from the kitchen and provides space for outdoor dining, ideal for entertaining or relaxing in the warmer months.



Beyond it is a sweeping lawn, with tall hedges and mature trees on either side, ensuring privacy and tranquillity. There are pear, apple and cherry trees, as well as fruit and vegetable beds, which are currently planted mainly with soft fruit.



Snowdrops, daffodils, bluebells, honeysuckle and roses provide fragrance and colour across the seasons. A pond garden and a tranquil seating area offer ideal spots for reading or relaxing.



Out and About



Renowned as the birthplace of windsurfing, Hayling Island remains popular with sailing and watersports communities, thanks also to its pristine Blue Flag beaches.



The house lies in the hamlet of Stoke and is well served by a variety of essential amenities. For everyday groceries, there is a farm shop within a few minutes' walk, and a local Lidl is a three-minute drive away.



The island’s excellent restaurants, pubs and cafés are all just a short walk or drive from the house. Local favourites include The Yew Tree Inn, the beachside Ferryboat Inn on Sinah Beach, and The Inn on the Beach for fresh seafood.



A seaside resort since the 1930s, the island offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Hayling Island Golf Club is one of the premier links golf courses on the south coast, Hayling Sailing Club is a world-class championship venue and there is superb coastal walking, including the newly opened King Charles III England Coast Path. Spanning four miles, the World War II Heritage Trail commemorates the island’s military history. For train enthusiasts, a charming narrow-gauge light railway runs for two miles along some of the island’s most beautiful beaches. There's also a strong arts culture on the island with an annual Arts Trail.



Hayling Island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, and Portsmouth city centre can be reached in around 15 minutes by car. The city offers an abundance of dining and shopping opportunities. Local favourites include Smoke and Mirrors for fine dining, The Still and West pub with harbour views, Monks Oyster Bar, and The Canteen located in the sea wall. The Historic Quarter at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is ideal for a weekend stroll, as is Gunwharf Quays for shopping. Portsmouth Cathedral, dating from the 17th century, is also nearby. The picturesque coastal town of Emsworth is a 10-minute drive, with plenty of independent shops, boutiques and restaurants, including the award-winning Cross Kitchen.



Around a 20-minute drive away, the Roman city of Chichester is a small cathedral city with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene, which most notably incorporates the renowned Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery. It has an excellent range of shops, restaurants and other services. Other attractions nearby include Goodwood, with its sculpture park, racecourse and festivals throughout the year, the South Downs National Park, and Chichester Harbour.



Havant train station is a 10-minute drive away, with South Western Railway services running to London Waterloo in approximately 80 minutes. Southampton and Worthing can both be reached in around 40 minutes by train. Southampton Airport is a 30-minute drive away.



Council Tax Band: G