Could Stockbridge take the accolade of most picturesque destination in Hampshire for home hunters? A High Street of colour-washed period properties; cottage gardens that are an exuberance of hollyhocks and roses; views over water meadows and downland. All make this small town and its surrounding scattering of manicured villages in the Test Valley highly desirable. No wonder the Test Valley was listed in 2022 as one of the top places to live in the South East by The Sunday Times.
Those in search of the country life idyll will find farmhouses dating back to the 17th century, Edwardian country houses from Stockbridge’s horse racing heyday, converted barns, pretty thatch cottages and contemporary village houses. In Stockbridge itself are elegant townhouses and mid-century family homes tucked away on closes within a stroll of the Test Way.
Stockbridge makes living the rural dream while commuting feasible. Mainline train services are easily accessible. The station at nearby Grateley village, with services into London Waterloo taking about 75 minutes, is a draw. Andover is only eight miles away with train journey times into London of around 70 minutes, and Winchester is nine miles away with services into Waterloo from around 60 minutes. Road connections are also good. The A30 runs through Stockbridge, leading to Salisbury in the west and to the A303 and the M3 in the east.
As for families, local primary schools are all very good, among them Broughton, Stockbridge and Wallop primaries. At secondary level Test Valley School is undergoing ‘rapid positive change’. Sixth form choices include S6C in Salisbury, Andover College and Peter Symonds in Winchester, rated ‘good’, ‘good with outstanding features’ and ‘outstanding’ respectively by Ofsted. Independents include Farleigh School, a leading co-educational prep school for children aged 3 to 13 years, which has been described by The Good Schools Guide as ‘nurturing compassionate, reflective and hardworking children’.
Stockbridge is gorgeous. A destination in itself. The High Street is lined with period properties, colour washed in cheerful shades of sunflower, cobalt, honey, rose and buttercup, and appears to float above the River Test; its clear waters emerging from under the road and running beside pavements. Ducks occasionally waddle among shoppers who pause to catch glimpses of trout in the fast-running currents.
This is local shopping as its finest: smart, stylish, independent and individual. Whether you’re looking for art, fashion, food and drink, gifts, garden ornaments, homeware or jewellery, you will find it here. Some of the shops are long-established, including Bakhtiyar for rugs, runners and kilims, Broughton Crafts, Robjent’s for fishing tackle and Wykeham Gallery, a leading contemporary art gallery which encourages children to get involved with art through its drop-in sessions for families every Sunday afternoon.
A more recent addition is Willow & Co, a home décor shop that has introduced Cape Town style to Stockbridge’s offering, such as Fieldbar cool boxes (their safari heritage makes them perfect for picnics by the Test).
Stockbridge has lifestyle essentials covered. There are hair salons, beauty salons, a private dental practice and opticians, plus useful Co-op with Post Office, doctor surgery, and pharmacy.
However, it is possibly Stockbridge’s food and drink credentials that generate the widest smiles. Greengrocers of Stockbridge is the quaintest little waterside barn of a shop. John Robinson’s traditional butchers smoke their own bacon. Thyme and Tides deli has a cheese counter, fresh fish, buckets of seasonal blooms (from local Featherstone’s English Flower Company) and coffee house. Prega deli and restaurant has authentic Italian produce. There’s a branch of Hampshire-based Hoxton’s Bakery and this summer Ecology opened as a smart take on the reduce, reuse and recycle store. Bring your own container and buy only what you need from a range that covers spices to rices.
Restaurants include Clos du Marquis for classic French cuisine, Good Food Guide recommended Greyhound on the Test for modern British, as well as swanky country house hotel The Grosvenor. Meadow is a modish café with art gallery while The Test of Stockbridge is a new café which only opened in June, serving locally roasted coffee, tempting artisan cakes and bakes and a good lunch menu. Finds in surrounding villages include new Glass House Tea Room at Houghton Lodge Gardens, Peat Spade Inn at Longstock and the John Lewis farm shop on the Leckford Estate.
For leisure and culture, the area is big on outdoorsy activities. Lots of the villages have well-used tennis courts. The walking is fantastic, although the Test Valley is best known for fishing with plenty of opportunities to learn, among them the Orvis shop providing a chance to learn to fly fish for free!
For culture, apart from the excellent art galleries, there are concerts in St Peter’s and the Town Hall provides a community hub with a Community Cinema, classes such as Pilates and yoga, and regular events, among them makers markets.
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- How to spend 24 hours in Stockbridge in Hampshire
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Jamie Armstrong, Evans & Partridge estate agents, says: ‘Stockbridge and the Test Valley is sought after as it is centred in a beautiful rural location with close proximity to London. While we’ve always had commuters in the area, the introduction of flexible hybrid working has drawn more people out of cities, attracted by the benefits of country living while having a comfortable and less frequent commute.
‘Although in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic we saw a higher percentage of properties selling above their guide figures, more recently the market has been suffering in the wake of significant increases in mortgage interest rates, compounded by the cost-of-living crisis. There are still some properties, due to their scarcity, which will always perform well, and we’ve had a number of properties this year that have exceeded their guide price, however the market has shifted towards buyers, who are also taking longer over their decision-making.
‘As the market has slowed, it has been easier to sell houses that are ‘up together’ and ‘turnkey ready’. We attribute this to inflation. The cost of materials and building work has gone up sharply resulting in greater caution among those who might otherwise have been open to taking on projects.
‘We see more people moving for logistical reasons, whether moving nearer to family, changes in work location, or those who need to upsize due to a growing family. Stockbridge also appeals to those who are downsizing and want a range of amenities in a place that is like a big village community. Stockbridge feels safe, and its selection of cafes, restaurants and small specialist shops just seems to get better and better.
‘Looking ahead, the change of government has removed a measure of uncertainty. There’s also a strong sense that interest rates will creep down during the summer, encouraging greater activity in the market.’
Lucy Townsend is owner of The Greyhound on the Test, a riverside bar, restaurant and hotel, and Wilds, a bespoke event planning service.
‘I’ve been lucky to call Stockbridge home for the last 15 years, and to this day I’ve never lived anywhere that’s felt more like home. Stockbridge offers a delightful blend of charm and convenience that makes it a joy to live and work in.
‘I adore Stockbridge's historic streets lined with its incredible shopping. For such a small town, there is so much on offer. Whether it’s a fresh loaf of bread, a new dress or a bottle of something for a gift – you’ll find it in Stockbridge.
‘Despite its idyllic charm, Stockbridge isn't a sleepy town – which was quite surprising when I first moved here. There's a strong sense of community, with friendly faces and so many events going on.
‘Another thing that I adore about Stockbridge is the stunning countryside right on its doorstep. Whether it's leisurely walks along the River Test or exploring nearby trails, there's always an opportunity to relax and stretch your legs.
‘Stockbridge is a haven for gourmands. From cosy pubs serving local ales to fine dining restaurants, there's something for everyone – whatever the occasion.’
