Minstead, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, Dorset, SO43

Fine & Country are delighted to present to the market this idyllic thatched cottage set in Minstead in the heart of the New Forest. This charming property dates back to the early 1700s and has been sensitively refurbished to offer all modern comforts, whilst retaining and highlighting gorgeous period features throughout.

On the approach, Dunbridge Cottage looks like a page from a fairytale story with cream rendered walls, a neat thatched roof and thatched porch. A picket fence lines the front garden and a gravel path leads to a stylish and traditional arched wooden door.

On entering through the porch it is immediately apparent that this home offers a unique opportunity to prospective buyers looking for a home with character, but also somewhere that is wellpresented and ready to meet the demands of a modern lifestyle.

The porch opens into a reception room with terracotta tiled floor, exposed wood beams and a lovely inglenook fireplace fitted with a wood-burning stove. A good-sized room the space is currently arranged as a family dining room. From here a wooden door opens into a kitchen that has been beautifully extended to create a bright and modern living space, with double aspect glazing offering views over a beautiful rear garden, and a vaulted orangery lantern roof flooding the room with natural light.

The open-plan space has been beautifully decorated in natural neutral tones and features modern wooden flooring with underfloor heating. The kitchen also blends old and new with an oil-fired range for heating and hot water in an exposed brick recess providing an attractive focal point. Modern wooden units in a traditional style, granite worktops and branded integrated appliances blend seamlessly to offer a useful and convenient space.

A separate utility room and shower room complete the extension. An additional living
room leads off to the side; a cosy and welcoming space with a feature brick fireplace and exposed wooden beams. It also benefits from French doors and windows providing triple aspect views, plenty of natural light and access out into the garden.

There are two bespoke wooden staircases leading to the first floor, one takes you from the dining
room to the principle bedroom, the other from the living room to a central landing.

In all there are three bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs, throughout there is a sense of character and charm with exposed wooden beams, eaves recesses and delightful views over the garden and surrounding countryside. The bathrooms use traditional styles each with a roll-top bath and attractive stone tiling to reflect the heritage theme.

Outside the cottage continues to impress with a gorgeous, private rear garden that has been cleverly landscaped to include lawns, patio areas for outdoor entertaining and relaxing, pretty planting, hedging and mature trees.

There are far reaching views over adjacent fields and countryside providing a stunning rural outlook. A pretty octagonal summerhouse adds to the whimsical feel, and everywhere you look there are lovely details to discover.

A gravel drive behind an electric gate provides off-road parking and there is also a detached garage with an electric car charging point and an electric door.

Dunbridge Cottage would be a lovely choice for a downsize or second home in the country.