Description
Situated along a quiet no-through lane, Little Applewood Farm comprises an enchanting Grade II listed thatched cottage standing in 4.86 acres of gardens and paddocks, complemented by extensive outbuildings which together have created a country home ideal for equestrian enthusiasts. The property is situated in Bramshaw, a historic village in the northern part of the New Forest National Park, with an active farming community and extensive areas of land managed by the National Trust and Forestry Commission.
With origins believed to date back to the 17th Century the cottage and land benefits from New Forest Commoners’ Rights of pasture and mast, with many period features such as exposed oak beams in situ. As is to be expected of any building of this age, it has undergone some reconfiguration and renovation during its lifetime but without compromising its charm and character, having previously been featured in the July 1960 edition of Ideal Home magazine following a program of renovation by its then owners. The current owners have themselves obtained planning permission to replace the conservatory with a single-storey extension comprising a double bedroom with en-suite shower room, full details of which can be viewed on the pages of the New Forest National Park planning portal, case reference 19/00739. Directly behind the cottage is an outdoor swimming pool, with the outbuildings sensibly arranged to the side and rear providing a convenient link between the house and the paddocks beyond.
For anyone with equestrian or similar interests, or indeed those searching for an idyllic country lifestyle, the opportunity to purchase Little Applewood Farm is hard to beat.
Accommodation
The main entrance is via a porch to the side of the cottage which opens into a cosy country kitchen with vaulted ceiling and which has, as its centrepiece, an electric traditional Aga with companion gas Aga complemented by a range of wall and base units surmounted by solid wood worktops with inset Belfast sink. The kitchen has a double aspect with windows to the front and side, and a quarry tiled floor extending into the adjoining conservatory which provides direct access out to the garden and pool area.
A separate door from the kitchen leads into the double aspect dining room which has a feature inglenook fireplace with inset stove and bread oven, the oak beamed ceiling providing a reminder of the property’s age and history. Adjoining the dining room is a pleasant double aspect sitting room which has a fireplace with inset wood burner, original beams, stairs to the first floor with cupboard under, and a door giving access to the front garden. The bathroom is a modern suite but in a period style and includes a free-standing clawed-foot bath with shower over, a matching wash basin with storage under and low level WC. On the first floor are two double bedrooms, the main bedroom having a useful built-in wardrobe, and these rooms share a cloakroom with WC accessed from the landing.
Outside
With animals roaming freely in this part of the New Forest, the property is enclosed by fencing on all sides with gates to the front opening onto a drive providing secure parking and storage for vehicles, trailers etc. and direct access to a large timber double garage and an old milking barn with power, light and water. A path from here then leads up to the cottage which has a pretty south facing garden to the front mainly laid to lawn and well stocked with a wide variety of mature trees, plants and shrubs, extending around both sides of the cottage to the rear. Here you will find the outdoor swimming pool and terracing ideal for long summer days and al-fresco dining, and a disused well.
To the side of the garden are the large hay barn and stable block comprising six loose boxes, foaling stall and tack room adjoining the paddocks. The remaining outbuildings include a tractor barn and block of three pigsties. There are two further gates in addition to the main entrance that provide useful extra access into the paddocks from the lane which lie principally to the east and north of the cottage, all fenced and with gated access.
Location
The village of Bramshaw lies 10 miles to the west of Southampton in the New Forest National Park and includes the hamlets of Brook, Fritham, Furzley and Penn. Together they are home to several renowned pubs including the Royal Oak, Green Dragon and Bell Inn Hotel, as well as two 18-hole golf courses one of which is Hampshire’s oldest. Also not to be missed are the renowned Rockingham Arms at nearby Canada Common, and the Lamb Inn and Les Mirabelles at Nomansland. The New Forest is famous for its ponies and is popular with walkers, cyclists and riders alike with its seemingly endless miles of paths and bridleways criss-crossing the undulating landscape of ancient woods and heathland. The village is easily reached via the A36 to the north giving access to Romsey and Salisbury, with the A31 and M27 to the south connecting to Bournemouth, Southampton and Winchester, and on to London via the M3 interchange.
Directions
From Romsey proceed along the A3090 bypass road towards the M27 turning right at the Ower roundabout onto the A36 towards Salisbury. After about a mile or so turn left into Blackhill Road over the cattle grid towards Bramshaw and after about a mile and a half turn right at the crossroads just past the old telephone box towards Penn Common. Turn left at the next crossroads towards Bramshaw and Fritham and Harley Lane will be found on your left hand side after 250 yards by the white rails. The property is indicated by a Pearsons For Sale board.
From London via the M3, continue onto the M27 westbound leaving at Junction 1 towards Brook and Bramshaw. After approximately two miles turn right just past the Bentley/McLaren dealership, past the white house on your right and the property is signposted on your right after about 250 yards.
Services
Mains electricity and water. Private drainage via a new water treatment plant installed in 2019. Calor gas supplies the companion Aga. Please note that none of the services or appliances have been tested by Pearsons.
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