11 bedroom country house for sale

An exceptional Grade II listed Arts and Crafts manor house with expansive views across its own rolling parkland and pasture extending to approximately 65 acres. Fountain Court occupies a prime position in the New Forest, yet offers a remarkable sense of seclusion and privacy, with unrivalled direct access to the New Forest. This exquisite estate also boasts a 6 acre ornamental lake, immaculately landscaped gardens, a swimming pool, tennis court and extensive equestrian facilities, as well as enjoying excellent road and rail communications.  

Fountain Court provides one of the most exquisite locations in the area with virtually unrivalled direct access to the open Forest ideal for expansive rural walks and rides. The house and grounds offer a rare combination of a breathtaking outlook, stunning accommodation and exceptional lifestyle opportunities. Despite it’s secluded setting, the property sits on the edge of the attractive village of Bramshaw with its long-established village shop and characterful pub.

Bramshaw Golf Club, just moments away, is home to the highly acclaimed Manor Course, known for its beautifully maintained fairways and challenging layout, as well as the legendary Forest Course, famous for its natural, unspoiled setting where New Forest ponies and deer roam freely across the fairways.

Nearby Lymington, with its picturesque harbour and vibrant maritime heritage, is one of the UK's premier sailing centres. Lymington boasts a vibrant sailing community and is home to several renowned yacht clubs, such as the Lymington Town Sailing Club and the Royal Lymington Yacht Club. Its sheltered harbour and proximity to the Solent and Isle of Wight make it a prime spot for both recreational sailing, competitive events and prestigious regattas.

The wider world is accessible via the M27 which provides convenient access by car to London. Southampton Parkway station is just 13 miles away, offering a direct train service to London Waterloo in just over an hour. Southampton Airport Parkway offers short haul flights to a variety of national and European destinations.

Fountain Court is an exceptional Grade II listed Arts and Crafts manor house, built in 1916, in a truly magical setting with direct access to the New Forest. A long, sweeping driveway meanders through picturesque grounds, leading to the grand entrance of this remarkable property.

The elegantly proportioned formal rooms open onto a stunning terrace and swimming pool, both overlooking a serene lake. The grand reception rooms include an opulent drawing room, spacious dining room, refined sitting room and library. Recent enhancements include an orangery with separate kitchen and 1500 bottle wine cellar.

Built for entertaining, Fountain Court boasts an extensive range of utility spaces, including a staff kitchen and back staircase leading to the laundry area and a two-bedroom staff flat.

A recent orangery extension houses an extensive open plan kitchen/dining/living area which enjoys delightful views across the formal gardens and to the lake in the distance.

Upstairs, the principal suite offers two generously sized bedrooms, two dressing rooms and an indulgent bathroom featuring a deep soaking tub and rain shower.

There are seven further en-suite bedrooms, each offering privacy and comfort with their own luxurious bathrooms and three smaller rooms with no en-suites but access to separate bathrooms. Every main bedroom enjoys a breathtaking southerly view out over the stunning gardens, grounds and lake.

History:

Fountain Court is a remarkable Grade II listed Arts and Crafts manor house, built in 1916 by Sir George and Lady Thursby. The Thursby family amassed their fortune through coal mining in Lancashire.

Sir George, a founding member of the British Field Sports Society, was also an amateur jockey known for his grand hospitality. He frequently hosted distinguished guests at Fountain Court, including Queen Mary, who often stayed with Lady Thursby during Cowes Week.

A long, sweeping driveway meanders through picturesque gardens and parkland, leading to the grand entrance of this remarkable property which sits centrally within its grounds and enjoys a southerly aspect with far reaching views across ornamental gardens to the picturesque lake. Of particular note is the exceptional sense of privacy and seclusion offered by the surrounding land which protects the house from the outside world.

The four and a half acres of formal garden have been exquisitely landscaped and maintained to provide interest across seasons. Adjacent to the main house is the heated outdoor pool surrounded by a terrace and barbecue area. A striking feature of the property is its 6 acre lake which forms the backdrop to the gardens and a focal point of all views from the house. A charming brick boat house provides mooring for a variety of vessels, from kayaks to motor launches. Set in a wooded area is a wonderful children’s play area and tree house. In addition, there is a thriving walled vegetable garden.

Established equestrian facilities comprise yard, stable blocks with a total of 6 loose boxes, tack room, staff room and manège. There is direct forest access to ride out into the beautiful New Forest. Adjacent to the stable yard is a detached Log Cabin with a gardener’s office, two workshops, wc and wash room on the ground floor. An external staircase leads to the first floor with a large studio room, a store room and separate wc. There is also a large five bay barn with external stairs leading to a first floor store room.

Additional Information:

Tenure: Freehold

Council Tax Band: House - Band H. South Lodge - Band D

Energy Performance Rating: E Current: 40 Potential: 62

Services: House: Mains water and electricity. Private drainage. Oil fired central heating. 29 extension telephone system including broadband. Paging system. State of the art security system.

An upstairs and downstairs Bang & Olufsen sound system linked to all the main rooms.

South Lodge: Mains water and electricity. Private drainage. Oil fired central heating.

Property Construction: Brick and tile

Conservation Area: Forest Central North

Flood Risk: Very low

Ultrafast broadband with speeds of up to 1800 Mbps is available at the property (Ofcom).