Rockford Farm, Rockford, Hampshire

This handsome late 18th-century Grade II-listed farmhouse sits surrounded by idyllic grounds of some 10 acres and overlooks Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve. Inside, a wealth of period features remain, including exposed timbers, textured brickwork and broad fireplaces. The principal plan spans some 2,520 sq ft and has four serene bedrooms; additional space is provided by a series of outbuildings, including a converted barn and separately Grade-II listed cart shed. Positioned on the edge of the New Forest National Park, Rockford Farm is within easy distance of a near-endless offering of walks and the sandy shores of the south coast.

Setting the Scene

Rockford Farm in its current form is thought to have been constructed between 1768 and 1772, possibly on the site of an older smallholding. Developed during a period of agricultural growth and innovation in late 18th-century England, the farm was initially focused on arable farming with some grazing. By the late 19th century, under the nearby Somerley Estate, its farming operation had developed into pastoral use, particularly dairy cattle.

The Georgian farmhouse was later extended in the 19th century and was carefully restored in 2024 under the current ownership, bringing together traditional building methods, exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality finishes, including bespoke joinery and hand-plastered lime walls. Some of its outbuildings have been reused or adapted, including a fantastic games barn.

The Grand Tour

Set back from the quiet country road in front, Rockford Farm’s picturesque silhouette peeks through mature tree canopies. Its driveway snakes around the back of the house to a generous parking area with space for several cars. A path cuts through the front garden to the front door, which opens to a porch and the sitting room beyond.

The first of several living spaces, the sitting room is wonderfully atmospheric, with its log-burning stove set within an exposed brick inglenook fireplace. Terracotta tiles run underfoot, and soft white walls provide the perfect backdrop for art and furniture. A door from this room opens to the snug, finished with jute carpeted floors and burgundy detailing around alcove-set shelving. The paints here and throughout are by Little Greene and Print & Paper Library in conjunction with Bauwerk limewash paints to ensure compatibility with the house's fabric.

A door at the rear of the sitting room provides access to the well-equipped boot room, a WC and a charming tiled porch with a door opening to the garden. Another door to one side opens to a central lobby area, which in turn connects to the kitchen.

Finished with a delectably rustic approach, the traditionally styled farmhouse kitchen has fine oak joinery and rustic flagstone floors. A large Brazilian granite-topped island sits centrally, while built-in units provide ample storage space. An electric Aga oven is housed within a large brick-built former fireplace; other appliances include a Bosch fridge and Miele dishwasher.

An opening provides free-flowing passage into the dining room, a generous space with the same flagstone floors and windows on three sides framing idyllic garden views. The room can accommodate a large table and plenty of chairs, making it a sublime space for hosting gatherings and celebrations.

There are four bedrooms upstairs, all spacious with carpets by Crucial Trading, and each with a unique feel created by thoughtfully differentiated decorative schemes. The principal bedroom has a wonderful olive-green ceiling and windows on two sides draw in an abundance of natural light.

Two of the other bedrooms have walls finished in a rich ochre lime plaster. There are also two bathrooms, both with bathtubs and showers: one has a deep green scheme, while the other has a copper bathtub and whimsical wallpaper.

The largest of the home’s several outbuildings, the games barn is a brilliantly renovated space. A strong sense of its period integrity has been preserved while preparing it for flexible contemporary use. It has a wonderful kitchenette/laundry with timber units and a farmhouse sink, along with a bright walk-in wet room adorned with earth-toned tiles.

The Great Outdoors

10 acres of private land surround Rockford Farm, creating a true sense of seclusion. Closest to the house is a wonderful dining patio equipped with festoon lighting that allows the space to be enjoyed well into the evening. Idyllic nooks have been designed as places to gather or seek solitude with a good book. Mature trees stud the grounds, casting pockets of shade on the hottest days.

The grounds also encompass divided paddocks, resplendent wildflower meadows and two wildlife-rich ponds. Additional outbuildings include a stable and barn structure, a granary and a large shed for storing equipment and the like.

Out and About

Rockford Farm sits in a quiet yet spectacular location on the fringes of the New Forest National Park. The park itself is known for its picturesque walking and cycling routes, and for the ponies, donkeys, deer, pigs and cattle that roam freely. Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve is moments from the house and is known for its birdwatching, wildlife habitats and scenic walking trails.

A branch of Waitrose, extensive shopping facilities, cafés and restaurants are available in the market town of Ringwood, around two and a half miles away. There are plenty of excellent eateries nearby, including the Alice Lisle pub, High Corner Inn, Limewood Hotel, Chewton Glen and the award-winning THE PIG.

The coast is around half an hour’s drive away. There is a choice of excellent beaches close by, including Hengistbury Head, Mudeford with its colourful beach huts, Bournemouth and Poole Harbour.

There are excellent schools in the area, including Canford School, Bryanston and Walhampton Prep, as well as King Edward School, Bishop Wordsworth's School and Godolphin School.

Direct rail services from Salisbury or Southampton Airport Parkway connect to London Waterloo in under 90 minutes. With easy access to the M27 and M3, London is reachable in around two hours by car. Airports in Southampton and Bournemouth provide regular flights across the UK and to continental Europe.

Council Tax Band: N/A - Business rates currently apply.