Wonderfully situated listed Grade II former farmhouse and annexe with a range of outbuildings gardens and paddocks.

Description

Lower Dairy House occupies a wonderful position in this tucked away, historic hamlet made up of just a cluster of houses and a church on a no through-lane in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The property is thought to date back to 1600 and is listed Grade II of architectural and historical interest.

The characterful accommodation is arranged over two floors, built of stone, chalk and brick elevations under a slate roof. Lovingly and sympathetically restored in recent years, the house is light and full of character. The entrance hall has custom-made oak cupboards, beyond that is the bespoke fitted kitchen with concrete worktops and Aga together with a large dining area, spilling out through double doors onto a west facing terrace.

The sitting room, study and main staircase lead from the rear hall and the main drawing room with vaulted ceiling exposed oak beams and wood burning stove is at the opposite end of the house. There is underfloor heating to the drawing room.

The first floor is equally full of character, with a generous landing that could easily double up as a study. The principal bedroom has a vaulted ceiling, exposed timbers and medieval clunch (chalk) walls.

A second set of stairs lead back down to the sitting room. Three further double bedrooms and family bathroom complete the the first floor.

Outside the property is approached via a quiet single track lane. A 5-bar gate gives access to an extensive gravelled parking area and open cart shed style garaging. The pretty gardens extend mainly to the rear of the house and comprise of lawned areas surrounded by well stocked herbaceous borders, wildflower garden and orchard.

A natural swimming pond and sun deck is a focal point to the rear. Bifolding doors lead out from the kitchen onto a paved terrace with views to the water meadows, chalk stream and downland beyond.

In addition, there are two paddocks, the smaller of the two forming the south east boundary. The larger paddock is situated opposite the main house, across the lane and extends to about 1.1 acre.

Alongside the house is the Old Dairy which has been thoughtfully converted, providing a splendid open plan space with a polished concrete floor, vaulted ceiling and wood burning stove. At the far end of the building is a charming one bed self-contained annexe with independent access exposed stone walls and timbers and vaulted ceiling. Underfloor heating to annexe bedroom. A further, smaller range of outbuildings provides garden storage, workshops or possibly stabling.

Location

The tiny hamlet of Toller Fratrum, made up of just a small cluster of houses, at the confluence of the Rivers Frome and Hooke, lies at the end of a very quiet and peaceful single track, a short distance from the village of Maiden Newton.

The popular and vibrant village of Maiden Newton has a post office, newsagent, garage, public house, café, hardware shop, fish and chip shop, doctors surgery, primary school and railway station, with trains to Dorchester, Weymouth, Bath & Bristol.

Dorchester & Beaminster are about 10 miles, Bridport is about 13 miles. Each have a further excellent range of facilities and the Jurrasic coastline at Abbotsbury is about 12 miles.

Historical Note
Inhabited from the Bronze Age, Toller Fratrum is a place layered with history: the word Toller derives from the original Saxon name of the chalk river, while Fratrum refers to the Knights Hospitalier who once owned and ran the farmstead.

Square Footage: 3,348 sq ft


Acreage: 2 Acres

Directions

Proceed through Maiden Newton from the South passing the petrol station on the left hand side. Continue out of the village on the A356 towards Crewkerne. After about 2 miles turn left sign posted to Toller Fratrum. Follow the lane for about 1.5 miles and the house is located on the right hand side.

Additional Info

Council Tax Band E

Private water, mains electricity and drainage. Oil fired central heating.