A fairytale cottage with exposed beams and long country views, in the heart of Jane Austen's Hampshire
Grade II-listed Fern Cottage originally dates from the 17th century and has kept intact its original charm.


Set in the east Hampshire village of Upper Froyle — about four miles from Alton and six from Jane Austen’s Chawton – delightful Fern Cottage looks straight out of a fairy tale.
Originally dating from the 17th-century and listed Grade II, it is now on the market with Knight Frank at an asking price of £620,000.
The 987sq ft interiors have plenty of exposed beams throughout and, downstairs, two reception rooms off a galleried kitchen.
On the first floor, three vaulted bedrooms peep out beneath the thatch towards the lovely countryside.
The lovely gardens are mainly laid to lawn and take in magnificent rural views.
Fern Cottage is for sale at £625,000 via Knight Frank — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details.
Upper Froyle: What you need to know
- Location: The village of Upper Froyle is three miles from Bentley, which has a direct train service to London Waterloo
- Atmosphere: The parish of Upper and Lower Froyle has a church and two pubs (one in Upper and one in Lower Froyle respectively), with a shop and post office in nearby Bentley. Other shopping and entertainment opportunities are available in Alton
- Things to do: The countryside around Upper Froyle is perfect for walking and riding — don't miss the Pilgrims' Way linking Winchester to Canterbury (or only a part of it). Visit Jane Austen's house in Chawton and take the children to Birdworld or to the Alice Holt Forest (which has a Go Ape). Golf is available at many local clubs, including Alton, Farnham Park and Blacknest. There's sailing at Frensham and racing within easy-ish reach at Sandown, Ascot and Newbury
- Schools: Binsted Church of England Primary School is rated good by Ofsted, while Treloar College and Bentley Church of England Primary School are both rated Outstanding. The wider area also has plenty of good schools, such as Alton Convent, Frensham Heights, Lord Wandsworth, Highfield, Edgeborough, Amesbury and St Edmunds.Find more properties in the area.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Annunciata is director of contemporary art gallery TIN MAN ART and an award-winning journalist specialising in art, culture and property. Previously, she was Country Life’s News & Property Editor. Before that, she worked at The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, researched for a historical biographer and co-founded a literary, art and music festival in Oxfordshire. Lancashire-born, she lives in Hampshire with a husband, two daughters and a mischievous pug.
-
Deep lakes, tall peaks and Flemish portraiture. It's the Country Life Quiz of the Day
August 28's quiz gets to grips with geography, art, film and also cats.
By Country Life Published
-
Gill Meller wants to make soufflé great again with his sweetcorn and smoked cheddar recipe
Is the soufflé on the brink of extinction? Well, not if Gill Meller's recipe for a sweetcorn and smoked cheddar has anything to do with it.
By Gill Meller Published
-
The market for super-prime houses in England's biggest millionaire's playground is booming — and this £10m example is one of the best
Whirley Hall is a 17th century building that's a perfect example of how 21st century updates can transform an old home almost beyond recognition.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
If I had to spend the rest of my life living underground, I would do it in this four-bedroom house for sale in the Peak District
The aptly named Underhill is a 'a work of inhabitable art' that was built in the 1970s. And there's a swimming pool in the middle of it.
By James Fisher Published
-
A micro estate for sale in west Wales shows that the best things come in small packages. In this case, three of them
Brithdir is a remarkable collection of properties centred around a lake and just five miles from the sea.
By James Fisher Published
-
This blissful converted mill has sweeping views, a breathtaking library and gardens by a Chelsea gold medallist
Penny Churchill takes a look at Stanbridge Mill, one of the finest properties for sale today in the west country.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Portmore has it all: A 3,459-acre Scottish estate for sale, with a signature Baronial sandstone mansion at its heart
For sale for the first time in 40 years, Portmore Estate is everything you could ever want in Scotland.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Location, community and charm: the enduring desirability of London's mews houses
From birds, to horses, to beautiful family homes, the mews of London are some of the nation's most sought-after homes. But why?
By James Fisher Published
-
The distinctive and historic home that might just be 'one of Dorset’s most picturesque'
Grade II*-listed Manor House, set in just under eight acres, dates from the 16th century.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A 17th century farmhouse in Surrey with one of Britain's oldest squash courts
Fords Farm is on the market for the first time in over half a century.
By Penny Churchill Last updated