This impressive property was originally conceived by the renowned architect, Baille Scott & Beresford in 1925. Brick built under a Welsh slate tiled roof, the property has subsequently been the subject of a number of improvements and modifications, many of which have been carried out by the current owners who have been in residence since 2003. Now offering substantial accommodation in the main house, the addition of an interlinking three bedroom annexe, with separate access, provides enormous versatility of use.

Recent improvements to the house include a notably large kitchen and breakfast room that, like many of the rooms here, make the most of the southerly aspect. The bespoke, handmade kitchen has a range of painted timber wall and base units, with pan draws, under a black granite worktop and includes a beautiful central island with prep sink. Integrated appliances include a Bosch dishwasher, Samsung wine fridge, Neff microwave/oven, three Bosch fridges and two freezers. A large five gas ring Rangemaster cooker with warming plate and oven along with a large Belfast sink ensure this is a kitchen fit for the most demanding chefs. The striking limestone tiled floor from Mandarin Stone in Bath, with underfloor heating, completes this impressive space. On warmer days, there are plenty of French and bi folding hardwood doors that allow the inside and outside to flow seamlessly together.

Three further reception rooms, each with their own character and pleasing proportions, afford further versatile options, with the current owners fashioning one of these into an inspiring craft room. Equally, storage is excellent throughout the house and provision has also been made for a useful utility room and separate cloakroom.
Two staircases lead upstairs where there are a total of five bedrooms with good storage and four very well appointed bath/shower rooms, three of which are ensuite. The principal bedroom is a wonderfully light room, with triple aspect and enviable views across the town to the countryside beyond.

The annexe, with separate water, heating, and electric circuits, is accessed either via a large garage/carport or via its own separate entrance. This garage/carport, with its striking western red cedar clad ceiling, has been well insulated to facilitate potential conversion into an enclosed space for an office, family room or events space. Construction of the annexe began in 2009 and as such the design and finish has been well considered. There is a beautiful kitchen/dining room with doors onto a private terrace along with a spacious living room, hall, and cloakroom on the ground floor, with three bedrooms, an ensuite shower room and ensuite bathroom upstairs.

OUTSIDE
A considerately crafted wall, constructed from Ham and Stalbridge stone in 2012, extends southerly down The Avenue and along with some significant planting to the northern boundary, provides great privacy to this secluded garden. There are two pedestrian gates providing easy access into town and a larger vehicular access, that opens onto private parking for several cars. The main entrance to the house is from the north side, via a large open porch with its cedar clad ceiling and original solid oak front door.

The gardens are a real delight and with a central lawned area include a variety of mature trees such as Tulip, Acer, Pear, Cherry and ornamental Hawthorn, clipped Beech and Yew hedging, various shrubs, and well stocked borders. A large raised, circular pond, with water feature is a haven for wildlife, with a good head of native Rudd and golden Orfe, but also attracts Dragonflies, frogs and toads.

A well-constructed shed provides the makings of what could be converted into the perfect home office. The rear terrace however is the perfect spot from which to relax and enjoy the sunny aspect of this peaceful and enchanting garden.

SITUATION
The property is located on The Avenue, one of Sherborne’s most sought after addresses. Dominated by its ancient Abbey and school, Sherborne is arguably the most attractive town in Dorset. Numerous musical and cultural events occur throughout the year and there is a superb range of traditional shops and boutiques. The two castles—one of which was home to Sir Walter Raleigh— reflect the historic nature of the town, the centre of which is designated a Conservation Area in which a policy of strict planning control operates to preserve its special character.

West Dorset is well known for its unspoilt landscape and there are many pretty villages and countryside walks nearby. The Jurassic Coast is a mere twenty miles away at Weymouth. This stretch of coastline, from Portland to Lyme Regis, with its spectacular cliffs, has recently been designated a World Heritage Site.

Communications to this part of the country are excellent. From Sherborne there is a regular train service to Waterloo in about 2 hours 25 minutes; the station is within walking distance. The A303 (linking with the M3) is a dual carriageway almost the whole way to the M3, thus putting London within a reasonable drive.