ocated in the heart of Christchurch in Dorset is Burton Cottage, a delightful Grade II listed thatched cottage which is currently on the market with Fine & Country New Forest. If you think it looks like something out of a fairytale, you would be right, as it was the inspiration behind the much-loved 19th-century children’s book Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

The picture perfect, quaint four-bedroom cottage is steeped with history and the ideal home for anyone who loves a fairytale story.

This beautiful cottage was once home to Goldilocks author poet laureate Robert Southey, who wrote the novel whilst living here. Looking at the thatched roof, under-the-eaves bedrooms and secluded garden, it is easy to see how the home sparked the idea for the Three Bears Cottage in the story.

While the property retains many of its character features, the home underwent a stunning renovation and is fully capable of dealing with the demands of a modern lifestyle. Some of the main selling points which its new homeowners will love include exposed wooden timber beams, cottage windows, wooden flooring, spacious rooms and many modern technological must-haves.

Downstairs, there is a lovely entrance hall which currently also doubles as a study and sets the tone for the rest of the house – characterful, light and airy. On the same level is a dining area, kitchen which features Bosch integrated appliances, granite worktops and a Belfast-style sink, and a family reception room.

One of the current owner’s favourite spots is the large triple-aspect living room. Here, you’ll find a beautiful log burner, wonderful mantelpiece and useful alcove.

The dining room has space to seat up to 12 people, so it’s perfect if you love to have friends over to share food with. From the kitchen, there is a door to the patio and a spacious laundry or utility room and a wonderful snug. This room has access via the rear porch to another exterior door and another downstairs cloakroom, giving potential for conversion into a separate annexe if required.

Head upstairs and you’ll discover spacious bedrooms with luxurious en suites, storage space and contemporary furnishings. The en suite off the master bedroom has been modernised with underfloor heating, a dual walk-in shower, his-and-hers vanity basins and heated mirrors.

The outside of this charming fairytale cottage is as beautiful as can be. The property has a large gravel driveway and a detached oversized garage with power and light. The south-facing garden is largely laid to lawn and a raised decking area towards the back of the property provides a place to dine alfresco in the summer.

Mature tall trees and well-kept hedges give an element of privacy, while well-stocked gardens and a pond provide various features of interest to maintain the cottage feel.

Children especially are certain to love it here.

Burton Cottage is currently on the market for £1,000,000 via Fine & Country New Forest

01425 545022