A cottage that used to house a blacksmithery is more than 400 years old but has been updated to be “perfect” for modern life.
The Old Forge, in Churt, is a Grade II listed building that dates back to the late 16th or early 17th century, with its name nodding to its past use as a blacksmith’s workshop.
Opposite the village’s church, on Old Kiln Lane and by Redhearn Green, the forge would once have been at the centre of village life, providing farming tools, pots and pans, and - if needed - weapons. According to Kelly’s Directory 1891, the forge at that time belonged to blacksmith Andrew Karn, who was also listed as its owner in the 1913 edition of the directory.
The cottage retains plenty of historic features, being timber-framed with an original tiled roof, casement fenestration over many of the windows, and a gabled porch.
Inside, there are period fireplaces, exposed timber beams and brickwork, and stripped oak floorboards, but the current owners have worked on making the property more suitable for modern needs.
On the ground floor are four reception rooms, including a snug, a drawing room and an open plan sitting area and dining area, as well as a kitchen, a study, a media room, a utility room and a WC.
The kitchen features a central island and a range cooker, and has French doors opening out to the gardens.
Upstairs, the first floor features five bedrooms and four bathrooms, with the master bedroom including a dressing room with fitted wardrobes.
The garden, accessed from the French doors, is south-facing and gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day. As well as areas of lawn, the garden features a pond, a wooden gazebo,paved terracing, flowerbeds stocked with various plants and shrubs, and borders of established hedgerow and mature trees.
At the front of the property, a five-bar wooden gate opens onto the gravel driveway, leading to the detached garaging block.
The property has been brought to the market by Strutt & Parker, who have listed the Old Forge at a price of £1,800,00.
Roger Wade, director of Strutt & Parker Farnham, commented: “The Old Forge is a rare opportunity to own a charming cottage in this highly sought-after village
“While the home has retained all those wonderful characterful features you might expect from a 16th/17th century cottage – from beams, to fantastic original fireplaces in the living rooms – the home has been updated by the current owners to cater perfectly for modern life.
“For example, the spacious kitchen/dining room layout lends itself well to family living and with three sets of doors leading out to the garden, there’s the option for indoor/outdoor living, which is great during the warmer months and when entertaining.”