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" A rare find. The Orchard is a truly unique opportunity to acquire this exceptionally special thatched home with significant grounds amounting to approximately 1.25 acres discreetly positioned in the heart of Fordingbridge.

This outstanding home has been sympathetically extended and refurbished by the current vendors to create the welcoming, sizeable home you find today. A large part of the thatch and the ridge has been thatched in the last 5 years as well as the remainder being dressed at the same time. The later additions provide open, bright and balanced living accommodation. The orientation and flow of the accommodation, which is predominantly Westerly facing thus attracting a lot of sun, is a particular feature of the principal rooms, with majority over looking the spectacular gardens and grounds.

The flow and usability of the home, and the flexible accommodation available, are particularly prominent and can be adapted to suit both small or large families. The stunning triple aspect sitting room/drawing room, extended by the current owners 5 years ago, allows light to flood into the room and perfectly framing the view of the gardens with French doors opening out to the rear terrace. The formal dining room is a great size and offers the option to be opened through to the kitchen. Through the dining room is the sizeable and useful playroom/study. This excellent space could have a number of uses and has a separate door to the rear garden. The beautifully appointed kitchen has been recently renewed creating a functional space whilst remaining effortlessly stylish. Completing the accommodation is a utility room/boot room and cloakroom. On the first floor there are four generous bedrooms and a excellent family bathroom all boasting an abundance of light that can be unusual in a thatched cottage. The master bedroom is a super size and has potential to create an en-suite shower room where there is currently a walk in wardrobe.

The orientation of the home affords a high degree of privacy, and once ensconced in the house, it is difficult to realise that you are within the heart of the town. This property really is a one-off and we thoroughly recommend a viewing to experience your very own ?Wind in the Willows? lifestyle.

Situation
The former market town of Fordingbridge lies on an historic crossing point of the River Avon and is perched on the western edge of the New Forest National Park, an ideal stepping stone for further exploration of the thousands of acres of moor, heath and woodland available within the park boundaries. Fordingbridge offers a range of health, recreational and educational facilities to cater for most everyday needs, all of which are within walking distance of The Orchard.   

The easily accessed A338 supplies a convenient link North to the Cathedral City of Salisbury and South towards Bournemouth and Poole. The B3078 crosses the New Forest to provide links to Junction 1 of the M27 for Southampton and beyond. The property is also on the local bus routes to Salisbury, Ringwood and Bournemouth. There are airports at Bournemouth and Southampton and mainline rail links to London (Waterloo) from Salisbury, Southampton and Bournemouth.   

A selection of well reputed public and private schools populate the area, including Godolphin, Chafyn Grove and the Cathedral School in Salisbury and Forres Sandle Manor located closer to home on the outskirts of Fordingbridge. The two well respected Grammar schools of South Wilts and Bishop Wordsworth's in Salisbury are complemented by the highly ranked local secondary school at Burgate which is within a few minutes walk. There is first class schooling in Downton with a primary school rated OFSTED Outstanding and secondary school, indeed the primary school has in recent years been recommended by The Tatler as one of the top ten best schools in the UK.

Outside
The Orchard enjoys a secluded location in a prime position in the centre of Fordingbridge. The gardens and grounds are a particular feature of the property amounting to approximately 1.25 acres and have been landscaped to ensure minimal maintenance. The grounds are impressive and have been lovingly cared for and reimagined by the current owners, who have spent considerable time landscaping and replanting much of the gardens to create distinct areas.

The home is well positioned to the front of its plot discreetly set behind a hedgerow with landscaped colourful borders. The sweeping shingled roll on roll off driveway allows ample off road parking and access to the double garage. The garage itself is an excellent size with electric up and over doors and ample loft space with a staircase as access. To the other rear of the garage is the attached workshop and then sizeable garden store. This generous space is prime for conversion to a studio or ancillary accommodation subject to usual consents.

The majority of the grounds are found to the rear and are naturally separated by the stream. Immediately to the rear of the home are the formal gardens, a contoured terrace leads to the mature lawn which is then bordered by the stream to the rear and well tended, sculpted bright and colourful floral borders each side. There is the stunning summer house, perfectly positioned to best take advantage of the sun and ideal for entertaining or quiet reflection overlooking the gardens. The summer house is well insulated with heating and lighting.

At the bottom of the formal garden is Sweatford Waters, a gentle stream that is controlled by a weir, with a footbridge across to the remaining grounds. The stream meanders around the grounds providing a natural boundary. Much work and thought has been put into restoring and nurturing this wonderful natural garden. The vendors have interspersed lawned areas with a multitude of specimen trees, wild flowers and structured seasonal floral and herbaceous borders.

The Orchards gardens, stream and grounds are beautifully maintained and offer a wonderful wildlife habitat that is exceedingly rare within the town centre. "