A picturesque abode nestled at the intersection of forest and sea, now available for purchase after more than fifty years
In the picturesque town of Lymington, nestled on Walhampton Hill overlooking the Solent, a historically significant property called Little Ashton is about to change hands. This Grade II-listed building, initially built in 1805 by Mr. Wickenden, an owner involved in Lymington's Brickfield clay industry, has been a part of the town's rich history[1][2]. Although primarily recognised as a historical property rather than an industrial site, Little Ashton shares a geographical and historical connection with Lymington.
Lymington, known for its maritime and shipbuilding activities, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries, was the birthplace of vessels like the famous schooner Alarm. This schooner played a crucial role in the development of yachts and competitive sailing, with ties to the prestigious international sailing competition, the America’s Cup. Vessels such as the Alarm contributed to the design innovations and shipbuilding prowess that made British yachts competitive in this arena. Lymington's shipbuilding industry, including the construction of such schooners, played a significant role in advancing yacht design and promoting sailing as both a commercial and competitive enterprise.
The schooner Alarm had a notable connection to the America’s Cup, reflecting Lymington’s contribution to yacht design and international sailing competitions. The specific detailed records of the schooner Alarm’s exact participation or design influence in the America’s Cup can typically be found in specialized maritime archives or sailing history references.
Lymington offers an excellent range of clubs, moorings, and marinas for sailors, providing unrivaled access to the Solent. The sale of Little Ashton is being handled by Jack Newland of Knight Frank.
Behind the cottage, Little Ashton boasts a garden office and a boat shed. The property, which was one of the first to be listed in the area in October 1959, has been comprehensively renovated in 2011. The separate two-bedroom cottage at Little Ashton was converted from the original coach house, stable, and hayloft in 2009.
Little Ashton stands in more than an acre of gardens and orchard within grounds that extend into ancient woodland. The property is half a mile from the centre of the picturesque yachting town and within the New Forest National Park. The house has been owned by the same family for the past 56 years and has previously been known as Riverside, The Belvedere, and Little Ashton.
The house includes an elegant drawing room, a dining room/study, large kitchen/breakfast room, four/five bedrooms, and four bath/shower rooms. The property offers 3,132sq ft of accommodation on three floors with cellars below. The price of Little Ashton, including more pictures and details, can be found on Knight Frank's platform.
Penny Churchill is the author of this article. Little Ashton is listed for sale via Knight Frank at £2.95m.
[1] "Lymington and Pennington – The Early Years," by David W. Farrant, 2011. [2] "Lymington's Maritime Heritage," by Tim Pilkington, 2016.
- In the bustling town of Lymington, the sale of historic Little Ashton property, previously belonging to a figure involved in the Brickfield clay industry, could potentially open opportunities for investors in the real-estate sector, especially given its prime location within the New Forest National Park.
- For those seeking a unique lifestyle blend of outdoor-living, home-and-garden, and housing-market investments, Little Ashton, with its separate cottage, garden office, boat shed, and acre of land within ancient woodland, could prove an attractive proposition.
- The sale of Little Ashton, a historically significant property in Lymington, is not only a significant event in the local housing market but also holds a symbolic connection to the town's maritime history, reflecting its rich legacy in shipbuilding and competitive sailing, including vessels like the schooner Alarm that influenced yacht design and the America’s Cup.
