Breamore House – Discover 17th Century Life At This Elizabethan Gem
Breamore House is an Elizabethan Manor which can be found in the peaceful 17th century village of Breamore. It sits in an elevated position overlooking the Avon Valley on the edge of the New Forest, and is a great day out for visitors or holiday makers staying in the area.
It was in 1583 that this fine Manor House was completed by the Dodington family and 5 years prior to The Spanish Armada. Today, and after nine generations it remains the home of the Hulse family. Breamore House contains within its walls some of the most valuable and interesting artefacts in the UK.
There are a selection of 17th and 19th century Dutch school paintings, unique family portraits, an original set of 14 Mexican ethnological paintings, beautiful tapestries, period furniture hand crafted from mahogany, walnut and oak. There is even an extremely rare James 1 carpet on display, plus numerous other items of historical and family interest.
Breamore House & Countryside Museum
In addition to Breamore House, a visit to the Breamore Countryside Museum will provide an informative and fascinating insight into how life was lived back in the 17th century and the village was self sufficient. The museum has on display a great collection of steam powered machinery that operated in its day. These include tractors, barn machinery and tools used during that time.
The museum also gives visitors the opportunity to see a full size replica of a local farm workers cottage before the introduction of electricity. Other things to be observed include a saddler`s shop and cobbler`s shed, a blacksmith`s shop, a wheelwright`s shop, a dairy and brewery.
More recent additions on display include a village shop, cooperage, school, clock maker, garage, bakers and laundry. Breamore Countryside Museum offers a unique experience into how the local villagers lived and worked in 17th century Breamore and is well worth a look when viewing Breamore House.
Breamore Village
Breamore may be known for the stately grandeur of its Manor House and the Countryside museum, but its worth noting that Breamore village itself is definitely worth spending some time to wander around. It is a delightful New Forest village close to Fordingbridge and is populated almost entirely with houses built during the Tudor period. It is a pleasant mix of both large and small dwellings with a fair scattering of attractive thatched cottages. Breamore boasts a lovely village green and lies just a short distance from the meandering River Avon.
One major point of interest in Breamore is the Saxon church which is just a stone`s throw from the village itself. It is allegedly one of the best preserved Saxon churches in the country. It illustrates a remarkable painting of The Suicide of Judas and other wall paintings can be seen just behind the altar which are thought to date back to the 13th century. Other impressive features of the church include a magnificent arch spanning the entrance to the south transept and a Saxon Rood. The church is set in a tranquil tree filled churchyard and the tombs and gravestones there remind the visitor of how far back into history the village of Breamore has been involved.
The village can offer great refreshments if its food and drink you are after. A fine place to call in is The Bat and Ball pub in Breamore which serves up traditional local ales and good food. There is always time for a cup of tea so why not sample a delicious cream tea or light lunch at the village tea rooms. It is located in the courtyard outside the Museum and is open to everyone, as well as those visiting the house or museum. In each direction you will find there are fantastic New Forest walks and there is a very good chance you will get to see the local ponies.
With the New Forest National Park within easy reach and The Solent a fairly short drive away, this lovely Hampshire village is situated in an enviable part of the county. Discover the history and beauty of Breamore, it makes a great base for exploring the area, a place to get away from it all, or if feeling romantic…a heavenly retreat to stay!
Useful Info
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Breamore House
Nr. Fordingbridge
Hampshire
SP6 2DF
Tel (01725) 512858
Breamore Countryside Museum
Breamore
Nr. Fordingbridge
Hampshire
SP6 2DF
Tel (01725) 512468
Where Is Breamore House