6 bedroom equestrian property for sale

A wonderful 17th Century farmhouse in an idyllic New Forest setting, standing in extensive grounds approaching 16 acres including conservation woodland and paddocks.

Hale Farmhouse occupies an elevated yet discreet setting at the far end of a quiet New Forest lane, overlooking paddock and woodland. The original house is thought to date back to the 17th Century and many of the original rooms retain a sense of such heritage, which the current owners sought to meticulously and sensitively preserve during a comprehensive renovation process completed approximately five years ago. It is noteworthy that the farmhouse is not listed and we understand there is scope for further extension if required (of up to 30% of the current floor area, subject to securing all relevant planning permission). The stylish accommodation within the principal house offers a versatile spread of ground floor reception/living rooms including a beautiful triple aspect drawing room, welcoming entrance hall and a lovely farmhouse-style kitchen, all of which is complemented by four bedrooms on the first floor. To the rear of the house is an excellent, contemporary open plan sitting room and fitted kitchen, two further bedrooms and two shower rooms (one of which is en suite), which could suit multi-generational living. The house nestles within wonderful, varied grounds approaching 16 acres that are a combination of garden, paddocks, conservation woodland with a hide and numerous ponds, ideal for those seeking peace, tranquillity and nature on the doorstep.

The property is discreetly located on the peaceful outskirts of the sought-after New Forest village of Hale, one of a cluster of pretty villages populating the north-western corner of the National Park and falling within the Western Escarpment Conservation Area. Hale has a well-regarded primary school overlooking the village green, which is also home to the local cricket team, as well as the cattle and ponies that freely roam this part of the forest. Neighbouring Woodgreen (approximately 1 mile) provides a further range of village amenities including an excellent community-owned village shop and popular public house, The Horse & Groom.

The former market town of Fordingbridge lies approximately 4 miles to the South and offers a good range of everyday services, including independent shops, a building society, a library, an excellent health centre as well as highly regarded state primary and secondary schools, supplemented by Forres Sandle Manor and Moyles Court in the private sector.

For those seeking a balance between a 'work-from-home' and office-based environment, communications in the area are excellent. The local road network, including the A338 and A36, draws the regional centres of Salisbury, Bournemouth, Southampton and Winchester (approximately 40 minutes) within striking distance. There are mainline rail services from Salisbury and Southampton Parkway (90 minutes and 71 minutes respectively) to London Waterloo and international airports at Southampton and Bournemouth.

Those seeking outdoor pursuits will undoubtedly appreciate the wonderful location and the glorious walking, riding and cycling countryside available in the New Forest National Park. There is a choice of local golf and angling clubs in the vicinity and sailing opportunities abound on the South Coast and at Spinnaker Sailing Club at Blashford Lakes, near Ringwood.

Hale Farmhouse is approached through a wooden five bar gate that opens to an extensive gravel driveway that approaches the westerly elevation of the farmhouse, widening to a parking and turning area forecourt. The driveway continues to provide access through a further wooden gate to the outbuilding and barns.

The formal gardens surround the farmhouse on all elevations and have been attractively landscaped to include areas of well tended lawn, a sheltered vegetable garden where there is a greenhouse (with electric connected) and an orchard. Two flagstone terraces accessible from the rear elevation and drawing room are positioned to capture the afternoon and evening sun, ideal for al fresco dining and entertaining, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. In the upper corner of the garden is a useful, insulated CABIN/GARDEN ROOM with electric heaters that could serve as a home office amongst other purposes.

OUTBUILDINGS & LAND
Beyond the house are 3 Grade II listed BARNS comprising an impressive staddlestone barn, a granary barn and workshop barn, the last of which benefits from an electric supply. There is also a block-built STABLES/WORKSHOP. To the east and south of the house are four paddocks that total approximately 6.5 acres and are flanked by attractive broadleaf woodland and a bluebell glade. The two fields and the ponds immediately to the south of the house are designated SINCs (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation).

RIGHTS OF WAY
1. A public bridle path runs from the northernmost boundary and passes between the granary barn and staddlestone barn, turning south-west to cross the uppermost paddock.

2. A bridle path/BOAT that runs from the end of the tarmac approach road is in the ownership of Hale Farmhouse and follows the southernmost boundary, supplying access to the open forest of Hale Purlieu.

New Forest District Council. Tax Band G.

Mains water and electricity. Oil fired external boiler to under floor and radiator system in principal house. Air source heat pump to rear elevation wing. Private drainage system. Super fast broadband.

Leave Fordingbridge travelling in a Northerly direction towards Salisbury on the A338. Upon reaching the village of Breamore turn first right (signposted Woodgreen) and continue into Woodgreen. Follow the road past the Horse and Groom public house and proceed over the next cattle grid. Continue along this road passing the turning to Moot Lane and up the hill. Queen Street is the second turning on the right and the entrance to Hale Farmhouse will be found at the far end of the lane.