Meerhay Manor is a handsome and substantial detached Dorset Longhouse together with two flats, a good range of outbuildings, beautiful gardens and extensive grazing land in a total of about 33 acres in a beautiful and peaceful semirural location on the edge of Beaminster.

The property dates back to the 16th century which is recognised by its Grade II* listing -particularly important buildings of more than special interest. Meerhay Manor is constructed of natural stone under a thatched roof. It has been under the current ownership since 1975 and over the many years has been subject to extensive improvements, maintenance and repair to a very good standard including recent re-thatching.

The house features numerous charming details typical of its period including exposed beams, stone mullion leaded light windows, inglenook fireplace, window seats, bay window, wood panelling, spiral staircase to the library, flagstone
flooring and part vaulted beamed ceilings to some of the bedrooms.

The ground floor is arranged over two levels and has a wealth of period features including exposed beams, large stone fireplace, plank and muntin wood panelling. Stone stairs to the library, dining room which also benefits from exposed beams, window seats and large beamed fireplace, study/snug. The kitchen/breakfast room is the heart of the home with bespoke farmhouse style units by Smallbone, large stone beamed fireplace incorporating four oven oil fired AGA and electric oven and hob, walk in pantry.

Stairs lead to the first floor with office area and principal bedroom with wonderful beamed ceiling. There are three further bedrooms (one en suite), family bathroom, library with vaulted beamed ceiling and fireplace, and attic bedroom. In addition there are two self-contained flats which are ideal for a whole variety of purposes such as or holiday lets, guest or staff accommodation, dependant relative, working from home etc. The ground floor flat has been used for holiday lettings.

First Floor Flat
Landing, living/dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms, bathroom. Very recently refurbished with newly installed kitchen and bathroom.

Ground Floor Flat
Living/dining room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, shower room with Jack and Jill doors (designed for the disabled).

In total the area extends to about 33 acres. The owners have spent considerable time, effort and investment on the setting out and creation of the formal gardens and also the grazing land. It is very well thought out.

There is a long sweeping driveway leading to a parking area with a large barn/garage (access height designed for a tall horse box etc). Beyond is a courtyard with extensive outbuildings including four stables, tack room and store, workshop, open fronted garaging. Nearby are two large barns (one designed as a sheep house), two stables, animal lean to and a large greenhouse.

There are delightful formal gardens planted with hundreds of specimen trees and shrubs (including nineteen species of rhododendrons, eighteen oaks including from America and China, six hicories, fifty maples, walnuts, birch and a prolific fig) together with yew and holly hedges. The gardens are bisected by a lovely stream/gorge with a bridge crossing. Adjoining the manor house is a wonderful wisteria and nearby is a thatched summer house.

The extensive grazing land comprises seven fields/paddocks, six of which have water troughs (supplied by spring water supply) together with a riding arena and an area of woodland.

Fenced vegetable garden and orchard with apple, pear and cherry trees.

A hard/carpeted all season tennis court (newly resurfaced) and one of the fields is situated just across a small lane.

Part of the land is subject to public footpaths although they are not intrusive

The current owners graze sheep (breeding Portland sheep) and at one time had flock of some 200

Meerhay Manor occupies a beautiful and tranquil country setting on the edge of the highly sought-after historic town of Beaminster, Hardy’s ‘Emminster’. Beaminster is at the heart of Dorset’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The pretty town has a wide range of amenities centred around the historic square with convenient and bespoke shopping of a surprising variety for a town of its size. There is a thriving local community well serviced by the churches, primary and secondary schools, a top-class hotel, two medical centres, chemist, veterinary surgery, information centre, library as well as cafés, restaurants and public houses. There is a wealth of local societies with a continuous programme of activities and events that cater for all tastes.

The vibrant market town of Bridport has a larger range of shops and services including a museum, library, arts centre, cinema, numerous supermarkets including Waitrose, twice weekly street markets and regular farmers markets. The beautiful Jurassic Coast is within a 15-minute drive at the coastal and harbour resort of West Bay. Historic and scenic Lyme Regis is also very nearby. Crewkerne Yeovil and Dorchester are within easy distance each having a direct main line rail service to London and to the West Country whilst the whole area is well supported by good road links and bus services.