STOCKBRIDGE

We are always happy to receive commissions for bespoke kitchen design in Stockbridge and around the Hampshire region, and in recent years it’s a town we’ve got to know quite well.

To many people, Stockbridge means fly fishing, but this is only half the story.  The name of the town actually refers to the livestock, sheep in particular, which were driven through the town on route to Wales by Welsh drovers.  This is the reason Stockbridge has such a wide high street.  It’s a planning model that works very well, with a decent amount of parking spaces along the high street offering access to the many really wonderful shops, pubs, deli’s and restaurants.  Oh, and fly fishing shops.

The name, Stockbridge, is also derived from the large wooden bridge that sits at the centre of the town, which in the middle ages was fashioned from the stocks of large trees.  The bridge still spans what is known as the Water of Leith, albeit made of local stone.

Stockbridge is relatively small, and punches well above its weight, being regularly lorded in newspapers such as the Daily Telegraph as one of the best places to live in Hampshire and England.  Not bad for a town of around 800 inhabitants.  The River Test is a major draw, offering wonderful walks for dog walkers along its banks.

For visitors there is plenty to keep one occupied, and plenty of places to stay, the most well known of which is The Grosvenor which has long remained a prominent place to stay since being built in 1822.

The White Hart is also a very popular venue for locals, tourists and fishermen alike.  A wide range of beers and ciders and a varied menu ensure it remains popular throughout the week.

Fishing shops aside, Stockbridge is well known for gift shops and interior shops.  George Clarke sells wonderful interiors accessories, table lamps and everything for the English country house bespoke kitchen. The company occasionally commissions bespoke kitchens for their clients.  Following the interiors theme is The Garden Inn which sells wonderful interiors nick naks as well as flowers and garden accessories.  The Cleverly Wrapped shop is also worth a visit for those seeking more of a fashion fix.