A cosy hidden sanctuary, this delightful, thatched cottage is an ideal destination for one or two people looking for rest and tranquillity. It’s located in Highcliffe-on-Sea, a relaxed seaside town which boasts a variety of restaurants, cafes, bars and interesting shops. Its sandy beach is backed by dramatic cliffs, and the coast path is incredibly scenic. Stroll to Mudeford past Avon Beach (3 miles), past Highcliffe Castle – a romantic Gothic mansion built in the 1830s – and enjoy spectacular views of the Isle of Wight and its iconic Needles. In Mudeford you’ll find cafes, restaurants and pubs, many of them specialising in seafood and local produce, and you can also take a foot ferry to the beach on the other side of the harbour. For a change of scene, the New Forest National Park is just 2.5 miles away, a lovely place in which to enjoy peaceful walks.
The Grade II-listed cottage dates back to the 17th century and is one of the oldest buildings in the Chewton Common Conservation Area. It sits within the grounds of a larger thatched cottage, but is very quiet and private and you have sole use of the front garden. With cob walls, low beams and sloping ceilings, this characterful property makes its long history evident from the moment you step under the low thatch and through the front door. A step down leads to the lounge/diner with its rugged beams, low ceiling, central pillar and ornamental brick inglenook fireplace. Here you can sit with a book from the shelves, watch TV, or dine at the table that looks past the rose bushes into the cottage garden. From here, there are two steps up into the hand-built galley kitchen, with pine cupboards and worktops. Compact but well appointed, find all you need in this space to cook up holiday feasts for the duration of your stay. Completing the ground floor is a shower room. At the end of each day away, climb the cottage stairs to the first floor and uncover a restful double bedroom featuring more exposed beams, a pretty window seat from which you can look down on the garden, and en-suite WC, this is the perfect spot to rest and recharge.
Mature, cottage-style gardens surround the property, dedicated for your private use, though not enclosed. The space includes a large lawn enveloped by flower beds and trees, topiary hedges and garden furniture on the lawn where you can sit out and enjoy the sun. You’ll have parking for one car on the shared driveway.