An achingly pretty former village forge in Hampshire that's a beautiful example of the quintessential country cottage
The Old Forge is located in a sweet Hampshire village and showcases the ideal family home — with tasteful period touches, comfortable rooms and a lovely enclosed garden.

Situated opposite the village green in the charming village of Thuxton, just down the road from Andover and within a stone’s throw of the A303 is thatched, Grade II listed The Old Forge.
Currently on the market with Stutt & Parker at a guide price of £550,000, the cottage is the perfect example of a quintessential period country home.
It is believed to date from 1690’s and has fabulous large stone inglenook fireplaces in two of the reception rooms — one with a wood burner and the other an open hearth — and exposed 300- year-old beams running throughout the interiors, which really maximise its charm.
From the outside, box thatched dormers hang over pretty latticed windows whilst vertical black timbers create a patchwork- pattern which continues on throughout the interiors.
The south facing garden wraps around the exterior with a sweet little terrace area in the centre and mature trees and shrubs along the borders. It’s a completely enclosed outdoor space making it ideal for little legs — or paws.
There is also a separate workshop that is currently used as storage space, but with electricity and windows, could make a fantastic studio or home-office (with all the necessary planning permissions).
Inside, the ground floor is composed of a snug, dining room, sitting room, compact office and a kitchen/breakfast room with access out to the garden.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
The aforementioned beams feature in all but the kitchen/breakfast room, and are offset by generous windows which floods the well-proportioned rooms with plenty of natural light.
The four bedrooms are all found upstairs on the first floor, including the principal room with en-suite and dual-aspect views over the garden and neighbouring village green.
The whole place is charming from the get-go, and depicts an altogether exemplary ideal of a comfortable, family home.
The Old Forge is currently on the market via Strutt & Parker with a guide price of £550,000 — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Thruxton: What you need to know
Location: Just under 5 miles from Andover, set back from the A303. Southampton is approximately 30 miles to the south.
Atmosphere: The village was first mentioned in the Domesday book and is best known today for the Thruxton Circuit — a race track which claims to be Britain's fastest motor racing circuit. The property is close to the village green, parish church, War Memorial Hall and local pub. Further down the Weyhill road is a post office, farm shop, garden centre and cafe, whilst Andover has further amenities.
Things to do: Any motor sport enthusiasts will no doubt be enthralled by the Thruxton circuit, whilst those more partial to waterspouts can head to Southampton for sailing. Visit Winchester and Salisbury — both of which are almost equidistance to the southeast and southwest — for a burst of history and culture.
Schools: Amport Church of England Primary School and Kimpton, Thruxton and Fyfield Church of England Primary School are both rated 'good' in Ofsted reviews, whilst the renowned Winchester College and St Swithun's are in the area.
See more property for sale in the area.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
(Space) oddities: New David Bowie centre opens at V&A East Storehouse
The museum will house and display the largest collection of the artist's costumes, musical instruments, set models, props and more.
By Carla Passino Published
-
Interiors of excellence: all the events and inspiration you can't miss
Over the next month, events at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour and beyond will offer plenty of inspiration for design lovers
By James Fisher Published
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castle
From hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
By Toby Keel Published
-
How to buy a house at auction
Buying at auction can mean you secure your dream property for a bargain price, but preparation is the key
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
The homes of two 1980s TV icons are both up for sale at the same time
The houses where Bob Monkhouse and Sir Terry Wogan spent decades of their lives are currently on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
Living on the edge? A lighthouse for sale on a clifftop on one of the most remote islands in Britain
Bressay Lighthouse was built by the father and uncle of the 'Treasure Island' author.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
Alan Titchmarsh is selling his Hampshire home (and the garden that comes with it): Exclusive pictures and interview
After many happy years in Hampshire, the writer, broadcaster and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh is selling up and looking to move. He spoke to Penny Churchill about his years at Manor Farm House.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A Lake District escape with views that will make you feel like the king of all you can see
Mellguards's many guest rooms and dual staircases make this property perfect for people who love to host, but tire of their guests quickly.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
One of Yorkshire's great houses, burnt to the ground three generations ago, is back on its feet and on the market for the sixth time in a millennium
Penny Churchill looks at Riseborough Hall, a great house, rich with fascinating history and beautifully apportioned, which burnt to the ground but rose again.
By Penny Churchill Last updated
-
Seven magnificent homes from Cumbria to Devon, as seen in Country Life
Our regular look at the best homes to come to the market via Country Life in the past few weeks takes in a breathtaking Lake District house and a superb home in Northamptonshire.
By Toby Keel Published