Boldre, Lymington, SO41

Boldre Grange – A Rare Architectural Masterpiece in the Heart of the New Forest

Discreetly nestled within 22 acres of enchanting parkland and mature woodland, Boldre Grange is a distinguished Grade II* listed country house of rare provenance and exceptional character. This private estate offers the best of both worlds—peaceful seclusion within the New Forest National Park, while being just five minutes from Brockenhurst Station (direct to London Waterloo in approx. 1hr 40mins) and a short drive from the charming Georgian sailing town of Lymington.

Designed in 1872 by renowned architect Richard Norman Shaw RA for landowner John Lane Shrubb, Boldre Grange is a defining example of the English Domestic Revival style that laid the foundations of the Arts & Crafts Movement. Shaw’s hallmark features—such as asymmetrical façades, timber-framed gables, high chimneys, mullioned windows, and quality craftsmanship—are on full display. Architectural drawings are housed at the Royal Institute of British Architects, and the property is noted in Nikolaus Pevsner’s architectural guides.

The current owners have, over 20 years, thoughtfully reinstated Boldre Grange as a grand single residence while maintaining flexibility for division—ideal for extended family, staff accommodation, or generating rental income. The estate includes a separate two-bedroom cottage with private gardens and its own access.

The main house extends to over 10,000 sq ft of elegantly proportioned accommodation, filled with natural light and period detailing. Grand reception spaces include an impressive entrance hall with stone fireplace and galleried staircase, a formal drawing room with south-facing French doors to the terrace, and a richly panelled dining room. The original billiard room has been transformed into a spectacular open-plan kitchen/dining/living space with a barrel ceiling, oak and flagstone floors, underfloor heating, a bespoke Smallbone walnut kitchen with integrated appliances, and a re-enamelled Aga—designed for both luxurious daily living and stylish entertaining.

Upstairs, two principal bedroom suites enjoy south-facing views across the grounds, each with private dressing rooms, fireplaces, and generous en suites. Four further bedrooms, two family bathrooms, and a charming second-floor suite offer abundant accommodation. Original features abound, from parquet and flagstone floors to stone fireplaces, detailed joinery, and elegant staircases.

The grounds are as captivating as the house itself. A long private drive winds through woodland to reveal the property framed by copper beeches, sweeping lawns, and seasonal drifts of daffodils and bluebells. Formal gardens include a yew walk, walled terrace garden with pond, ha-ha, orchard, and Victorian features. Beyond are wildflower meadows, mature woodland, and a raised viewing platform among Scots pines, offering uninterrupted vistas across the estate’s own landscape.

Additional outbuildings include a double garage with office, two bedrooms, and wet room, as well as a courtyard with utility rooms and workshops. Each section of the estate is independently serviced, allowing for operational flexibility and privacy.
Boldre Grange is a rare and important country house offering refined historic charm, modern comfort, and total privacy in one of Hampshire’s most desirable settings.

Tenure: Freehold
Council Tax Band: G
Local Authority: New Forest