3 bedroom detached house for sale

FOR SALE SUBJECT TO AGRICULTURAL OCCUPANCY CONDITION (SEE LISTING)- This 1950s-built former farmhouse, set on a generous plot with surrounding gardens, offers a fantastic opportunity for renovation and transformation. Situated in a convenient location within walking distance of both primary and secondary schools, the property is ideal for families looking to create their dream home. However, the house has been vacant for some time and now requires complete refurbishment.


An Agricultural Occupancy Condition (AOC) restricts who can live in a property to those employed in agriculture or forestry. The eligibility criteria typically include:

Current or Former Agricultural Worker – The occupant must be:

Currently employed in agriculture or forestry (full-time or substantially full-time).

Retired but formerly employed in agriculture or forestry.

A dependent or widow(er) of someone who met these conditions.

Definition of Agriculture – Work must fall under the legal definition of agriculture, which includes:

Farming, horticulture, livestock breeding, and forestry.

Use of land for dairy farming, fruit growing, or market gardening.

Local Authority Interpretation – The specific wording of the AOC varies, and local councils interpret it differently. Some may allow individuals working in related rural industries (e.g., equestrian businesses) to qualify.

Proving Eligibility – Buyers must provide evidence, such as:

Employment contracts, payslips, or tax records.
Business ownership documents if self-employed.
A letter from an employer confirming agricultural work.

If someone does not meet these conditions, they cannot legally reside in the property unless the restriction is removed or varied, which usually requires planning permission.

On the ground floor, the accommodation comprises a through living/dining room that opens into a spacious conservatory. The kitchen is located next to a store room and a utility room with a cloakroom. Additionally, there is a ground-floor bedroom.

Upstairs, the first floor features two generously sized bedrooms, a family bathroom and separate WC. The layout offers ample potential for redesign or expansion, subject to the necessary permissions.

Externally, the property is approached via a farm track leading to a gated entrance and a garage which is in disrepair. The surrounding gardens, currently overgrown, wrap around the house, providing privacy and the opportunity to create a beautiful outdoor space.

The property was previously served by an oil-fired heating system and private drainage, both of which now require attention.

Lymington offers an extensive range of shops from large household names such as Marks & Spencer and Waitrose to independent boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, pubs and tea rooms. There are also a variety of hair salons and beauticians to choose from. Saturdays provide a vibrant atmosphere throughout the town as the market attracts many locals and visitors from throughout the forest and beyond. Lymington is the ideal location for those who enjoy water sports with two marinas and sailing clubs holding access to the Solent and a short drive away from beaches.

Being so close to the New Forest it also offers the perfect location for those who enjoy horse riding, walking and cycling. The town offers a nine-hole golf course, rowing club, community centre, library, small cinema, bowls club and tennis club. Lymington Recreation Centre offers an indoor 25m swimming pool and many fitness classes, whilst during the summer months there is an outdoor seawater baths next to the River with a hundred years of heritage. There is also a Cricket Club, Football and Rugby Clubs, Skateboard Park and children's play areas.

From a more practical view Lymington also offers churches of all faiths, infant, junior and secondary schools all within walking distance of the town.