Property Guide for Romsey and Stockbridge

Romsey is a charming, traditional market town. Over 400 years have passed since 1607, when King James I granted Romsey a royal charter of incorporation. This charter created a borough with a mayor, six aldermen and twelve chief burgesses forming a corporation.

Romsey is a friendly town to visit or live in and the countryside properties that are available as houses to let are much in demand here. This is largely due to a very positive community spirit, sustained through considerable growth spurts over the past fifty years. Romsey has a thriving local community with many clubs and cultural activities such as rambling, choral singers, art and craft exhibitions, societies, astronomers, archaeologists and a wealth of sporting activities. As well as the popular Romsey Rapids Sports and Swimming Centre, activities also include badminton, hockey, cricket and golf.

The historic core of the medieval town survives in the old street pattern. It is dominated by the magnificent Romanesque Abbey, built in the 12th and 13th centuries as the final church of the Benedictine nunnery that had been founded in Saxon times.

It lies midway between the historic cathedral city of Winchester and the New Forest (a short distance from junction 3 of the M27 motorway) which makes it a popular choice for residential lettings.

Romsey’s medieval streets and walkways provide an abundance of small specialist shops which offer a wide selection of merchandise. Here, alongside specialist fashion outlets, gifts and antique shops, you will find the butcher, greengrocer and delicatessen. Also on hand are the chemist, florist, toyshop, hardware store and much more. Take a break from shopping and enjoy one of the many places to eat. Choose from traditional tea rooms, takeaways and restaurants.

Romsey is the Southern Gateway to the beautiful Test Valley and sits astride the river crossing at Middlesbridge, a strategic staging point on the route west to the King’s hunting rounds in the New Forest. Today, it retains its street markets as well as a thriving town centre with shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes and historical sites.

Another reason why house rentals are popular in Romsey and Stockbridge is the availability of good local schools. From pre-school and infants primary right up to senior schools there is a good choice as well as many private schools such as Emberley Park School, Hampshire Collegiate, King Edwards VI Southampton and St Swithuns to name but a few.

The town of Romsey lies within Southampton and S W Hampshire and contains the villages of Braishfield, Lockerley, Melchet Park and Plaitford, Michelmersh, Mottisfont, Romsey Extra, Sherfield English and Wellow with Stockbridge being some 12 miles north of Southampton. Ringwood is approximately 12 miles east and Winchester lies to the West.

Stockbridge means, literally, a bridge over the river. On a causeway of compressed chalk laid down in the remote past for a crossing of the River Test, Stockbridge is almost midway between Andover to the North and Romsey to the South. The river is shallow and divides here with five streams threading their way through the marshy meadows and under the main road. Stockbridge has a 12th century chapel, now known as St Peters, as well as numerous attractions and places to visit including the Iron Age Museum, Hawk Conservancy, The Test Way and Highclere Castle to name but a few. Parking is available along the wide main street through Stockbridge and a short walk away there are tea rooms, pubs and restaurants to be found.

There are an excellent range of quality rental properties and properties for sale in Romsey and Stockbridge. Enquiries regarding residential lettings in Romsey or Stockbridge should be made to The Country House Company. We pride ourselves on the personal and professional service we provide and are happy to help with any queries concerning property rentals, sales and residential property management.