Otterbourne – What’s To Love?

If you are searching for a well-connected home that is just a stone’s throw from Winchester and offers a fantastic range of local facilities within a lively community, Otterbourne is the place for you. As your local property experts in Hampshire, Rowe & Co have dived into one of the region’s hidden gems to uncover what’s to love about Otterbourne.

Property Types And Best Locations

As a village location, Otterbourne largely consists of detached, semi-detached and terraced homes with two to five bedrooms. Two bedroom homes reach an average price of £312,000, three beds average at £506,000, and larger four and five bedroom properties can easily reach over £1 million. This demonstrates the calibre of properties in Otterbourne, and is reflective of the superb reputation of this Hampshire village that commands premium prices.

Three bedroom and detached units are the most abundant in Otterbourne according to research conducted through PropertyData, and most units have a square footage exceeding 1750 sq ft. In fact, small homes and flats are hard to come by in Otterbourne, solidifying its reputation as a village perfect for families and those looking for plenty of space in suburban Hampshire.

Pubs In Otterbourne

Pubs play a huge local role within village communities; they provide an informal setting for people to socialize and meet up with each other, and serve as a backbone of rural communities. Otterbourne offers a wide range of pubs to visit and allows locals to meet with friends or family. One of the most popular among locals is the Old Forge in Otterbourne, which offers a contemporary interior located in the center of the village. This local pub offers plenty of outdoor seating for hotter days, as well as dog friendly facilities for locals hoping to spend time with their furry companions. What’s more, the Old Forge offers a range of classic British pub food, as well as a selection of wines, beers, ciders and seasonal cocktails.

Other popular pubs include White Horse in Otterbourne, as well as the aptly named Otter in Otterbourne, both of which are traditional English pubs that offer classic pub food and a cozy atmosphere. In fact, the Otter has been an Otterbourne staple for hundreds of years, with the pub being an impressive 300 years old: it’s certainly worth checking out on your next trip to Hampshire!

Schools In Otterbourne

If you are looking to move to Otterbourne to start a family, or are relocating to this Hampshire hidden gem with your family, Otterbourne provides the perfect place to settle down with its range of educational facilities. Bright Horizons Otterbourne Day Nursery and Preschool is suitable for children aged from 3 months to 5 years old, and Otterbourne Church of England Primary School on the village’s Main Road is suitable for those aged 4 to 11. Additionally, the nearby Compton All Saints Church of England Primary School and Shepherds Down Special School for those with advanced needs have each achieved a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating

Just a stone’s throw from the aforementioned primary school sits Thornden Secondary School which accommodates pupils ranging from 11 to 16. The school specializes in art and science, and has an impressive 0.5 progress score in GCSEs, which means students achieve half a grade higher across all subjects compared to other students in the country. So, if you’re looking for a place where your children can truly flourish, Otterbourne is a fantastic option.

Safety

When it comes to choosing the best location for your next home move, safety is likely a priority. Thankfully for those considering a move to Otterbourne, this village-like neighbourhood is exceptionally safe and boasts a very low crime rate of 35 crimes per 1,000 residents, which is far lower than the average across England of 88 crimes per 1,000 residents. In fact, Otterbourne boasts a 59% lower regional crime rate than the rest of the South East, making the neighbourhood a fantastic choice for those looking for a safe, peaceful place to live.

Local Activities

Residents in Otterbourne will certainly not be stuck for activities to fill their spare time, with this quiet village offering plenty of things to do.  Popular among residents is Otterbourne Golf Club, which offers members access to a driving range and a self service clubhouse.

For those with a green finger, Otterbourne’s nearest Garden Centre in Bambridge makes a fantastic day out. The adjacent Country House Restaurant and stunning scenery of the Bambridge Estate in which the garden centre is located makes this a wonderful place to visit for all the family.

Furthermore, Otterbourne offers plenty of trails and hikes for residents to embark on either by foot or bicycle. In fact, Otterbourne has an exceptionally high level of green spaces, with 33.4 acres of green space per 1,000 residents based on an analysis from PropertyData and the Ordinance Survey.

There is a river which runs through the town making it easy for locals to explore water-based activities. Looking for a challenge? Explore the beauty of the renowned swimming spot at Compton Lock, but be aware that this is only suitable for strong swimmers due to the strong current and deep water. No matter what your preference may be, Otterbourne has something for everyone.

Transportation

Living somewhere with strong local transport systems is a dealbreaker for many movers. That’s why Otterbourne is the perfect location to live with its access to key nearby cities. Nearby train stations in Shawford (5 minute drive), Chandler’s Ford (9 minute drive) and Winchester (15 minute drive) afford access to the rest of the region, with Winchester station providing direct services to London, Birmingham and Manchester.

Residents can also visit the nearby city of Southampton, which is a brief 15-minute drive away. Southampton has its own airport, giving residents great access to British cities such as Newcastle and Glasgow, as well as European cities including Paris, Geneva and Amsterdam. The city also has its own university, as well as the impressive St. Mary’s Stadium which is an all seater football stadium with a capacity of 32,384. The stadium also can be transformed into a large venue space for job fairs, concerts and everything in-between.

Just a 12-minute drive north sits Winchester, another popular Hamshire city that lies on the border of the South Downs National Park. For those interested in history, Winchester is a delightful location to visit with its medieval cathedral and supposed links to King Arthur. 

With Otterbourne being situated between these two impressive cities, yet offering the secluded bliss that comes with being a rural village, residents truly have access to the best of both worlds: the hustle and bustle of nearby cities and the serenity of the quaint Hampshire countryside.

Thinking Of Buying Or Selling In Otterbourne?

Does Otterbourne sound like the perfect place for you? As the trusted property specialists serving Otterbourne and the surrounding area, the team at Rowe & Co has an unparalleled understanding of these fantastic neighborhoods. With our roots deeply embedded in the community, we not only work and reside here but also invest our time in the heart of Southampton. Whether you’re thinking of uprooting to make Otterbourne your new home, or want to find the perfect property agent to list your Otterbourne property for the best price, our team of local experts can work alongside you to help you achieve property success.

So, whether you’re considering buying or selling a property in Hampshire, looking for guidance on the neighbourhood, or simply hoping a discussion about your relocation plans, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to assist you every step of the way.