Property description

A beautifully presented grade II listed medieval Cruck Cottage of architectural significance enjoying much of its original character and charm yet adapted to provide delightful but practical living accommodation.

Owners’ Comments
“We have absolutely loved living in our beautiful, medieval cottage over the past 20 years. It has proved to be a fantastic family home and so conveniently close to Winchester, yet with glorious countryside on our doorstep in the heart of the Test Valley.”

Agents’ Comments
“Cruck Cottages are rare in the South East of England and The Thatched Cottage is a delightful example.”

Introduction
Believed to have origins dating back to the mid to late 14th century, this rare style of home is nestled in the well regarded and sought after rural hamlet of Up Somborne close to the boutique town of Stockbridge and just a few miles from the cathedral city of Winchester. The enchanting history of this home is apparent from every consideration with stunning brick fireplaces, hand scraped oak flooring, authentic slatted latch doors and the original exposed Cruck beams. It has been more latterly sympathetically extended whilst preserving its intrinsic integrity and provides three individual reception rooms with an exquisite kitchen breakfast room and four bedrooms to the first floor. Set within established, secluded gardens, with generous parking, this elegant period home offers an idyllic lifestyle for a variety of prospective buyers wishing to enjoy village life but offers the convenience of excellent commuter links and well regarded schooling for all ages.

Description
Upon entering The Thatched Cottage you are immediately immersed in the past with character low exposed ceiling beams, original farmhouse tiled flooring and a host of nooks and crannies to explore. The entrance lobby accesses the downstairs cloakroom and an inner hall opens into the beautiful kitchen breakfast room centred upon the original brick oven surround and retaining the full bread oven. An electric Rangemaster four ring double oven with hot plate and warming drawer fits neatly into this area. The kitchen is fitted with cottage style units housing ample storage and worktops with integrated dishwasher and fridge freezer and is supplemented by a large utility cupboard housing plumbing and space for appliances. Original timber supports partially separate the dining area, and much light is afforded from its triple aspect. The traditional dining room offers a wonderful formality with a focal point of the stunning Inglenook fireplace with timber mantle hosting a gas dual fuel woodburner. From here, all the other rooms radiate including the useful family room or study. The sitting room is spacious yet wonderfully cosy with triple aspect cottage windows and French doors to the gardens and a brick fireplace offering warmth and character via a wood burning stove. Stairs lead to the open landing dominated by the impressive Cruck beams. The master bedroom is both picturesque and sizeable with character low cottage windows and vaulted ceiling with exposed timbers. There is a large storage cupboard and space for bedroom furniture. Bedroom two hosts extensive wardrobe space and two further pretty bedrooms are serviced by the family bathroom equipped with a stand alone roll top bath and separate shower cubicle.

Outside
The property is approached via a 5 bar gate to a tarmacadam drive and parking area with a productive raised vegetable plot to the side. A pretty patio area with flower borders and a hot tub leads to the secluded rear garden enclosed by mature firs and topiary box hedging. The gardens are particularly private, predominantly laid to lawn, interspersed by flower beds. To the rear of the garden is a large shed and impressive twelve man arctic cabin offering a wonderful all weather entertaining venue.

Location
The popular Test Valley hamlet of Up Somborne remains beautifully unspoilt, surrounded by picturesque countryside with an abundance of bridleways and footpaths, being close to Farley Mount Country park. The hamlet is well located for amenities in the local Georgian market town of Stockbridge with its renowned butcher, traditional shops and eateries. More extensive facilities and ideal commuting including a mainline railway station direct to London can be found in the Cathedral city of Winchester some 10 minutes drive away whilst Southampton is just a 25 minute drive and there are excellent education establishments close by.

Agents Notes
The property is served by oil fired central heating, private drainage and benefits from a recently overhauled thatched roof and newly constructed ridge.

Property Features :

• Beautiful medieval Cruck cottage
• Highly sought after hamlet close to Stockbridge and Winchester
• Good sized private rear gardens
• Four bedrooms and three reception rooms
• Host of impressive period features