Truly stunning Grade II listed converted chapel, set within the beautiful park-like grounds of the former Stapehill Abbey.

Description

A simply stunning converted chapel, part of a gated development of unique character homes set within the landscaped grounds of the former Stapehill Abbey, which was the home of the Holy Cross Abbey order of Cistercian Trappist nuns from 1802 to 1991.

This incredible conversion of a Grade II listed chapel cleverly combines the Gothic architecture and character features of the original Victorian building with cutting edge design and contemporary fittings and finishes. The beautiful stained glass stone mullioned windows, Gothic arched doors, and original stonework pillars are juxtaposed against the glass, steel and wood of the of the new structure that has been built within the main space providing the bedroom accommodation.

The development was built by the renowned local company Ankers & Rawlings to an exceptionally high specification. This includes both underfloor heating and period style cast iron radiators, quality kitchen with appliances by Miele and Neff, bathrooms with sanitary ware by Laufen, CAT 6 wiring, and air purification system with heat recovery. There are beautiful herringbone parquet floors to the main reception areas. Internal inspection is essential to appreciate the scale and quality of this amazing home.

Gothic arched double doors open into the entrance hall with vaulted beamed. The reception hall features six stained glass windows and provides sitting, dining and study areas, and has a guest cloakroom. The magnificent open plan living space/ kitchen has a vaulted beamed ceiling rising over 10m in height, a contemporary log burner with chrome flue, and sliding doors to a private courtyard terrace, perfect for outdoor entertaining. The kitchen area features a large central island with quartz surface, inset sink, induction hob, downdraft extractor and dishwasher, and a wall of cabinets includes an oven, combi oven and warming drawer. There is also a fitted utility room with space for washer and dryer. Also on this floor are the guest suite, with arched window featuring original doors as shutters, en suite shower room, fitted kitchen area with fridge, and the boiler room. There are two further ground floor bedrooms which share en suite access to a spacious bathroom. The main ground floor accommodation is wheelchair accessible.

On the first floor are the drawing room, a more intimate space with a particularly beautiful stained glass window, and also the main bedroom with ceiling fan, sliding glass doors to a private galleried sitting area with glass balustrade, and adjacent luxurious shower room.

Also on the ground floor, approached via a glazed link from the main living space or externally is a self-contained annexe of living room with kitchen, log burner and French doors to a secluded terrace, plus a bedroom with en suite shower room.

Outside
The Old Chapel enjoys an impressive approach through electrically operated gates and along a driveway lined by fields. This leads to a private parking area for this property with space for three cars and to the oversized Double Garage with twin extra high electrically operated doors. Further parking for visitors is available around the development.

The property has a private garden bounded by established hedging, with a good size lawn and well stocked borders planted with an attractive variety of flowering and variegated shrubs. There is a flagstone paved courtyard and an additional terrace adjacent to the annexe.

The development is set in many acres of beautiful landscaped grounds, with both formal gardens and more relaxed areas to enjoy throughout the year. Within the grounds is a tranquil lake, and paths throughout the grounds provide the opportunity for numerous delightful walks for all seasons.

Service charge
Currently £3,500 per annum to include buildings insurance,
maintenance and decoration of buildings and communal grounds, external repairs and window and gutter cleaning.

Location

The Old Chapel occupies a quiet and secluded yet convenient location, about three miles east of Wimborne Minster.

This popular town offers shopping facilities including a branch of Waitrose, many cafés bars and restaurants, the Tivoli Theatre/Cinema, and the Minster itself.

The resort town of Bournemouth with its shopping, entertainment amenities and famous sandy beaches, and Poole harbour for sailing and water sports are both about 9 miles drive.

The A31 which leads on to the M27/ M3 to London can be joined at Canford Bottom and trains to London Waterloo run from Bournemouth and Southampton Parkway stations.

Renowned independent schools in the wider area include Canford, Dumpton, Bryanston and Castle Court, together with state schools for all ages in Hampreston and Ferndown.

Sporting amenities include golf courses at Ferndown, Dudsbury, Broadstone and Remedy Oak.

The New Forest National Park for great riding, cycling and walking can be joined east of Ringwood, and the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast starts at Studland Bay

Square Footage: 4,034 sq ft



Directions

From Wimborne centre proceed east along the B3073 Leigh Road for about two miles to the Canford Bottom roundabout. Take the third exit signposted to Ferndown. Follow this road for about a mile and the entrance to Stapehill Abbey can be found on the right hand side.