5 bedroom detached house for sale

An exceptional Grade II listed country residence with extensive accommodation, 6.4 acres of land, stables and swimming pool. Residing in the picturesque Hamlet of Benville within the Dorset Downs.

Constructed in the mid-17th century this striking Grade II listed country residence, occupies an enviable position in the picturesque Hamlet of Benville, nestled within the heart of the West Dorset countryside and Thomas Hardy country. The properties construction consists of an attractive Ham stone façade frontage with brick and flint elevations set under a recently re-thatched roof. The property also features attractive and characteristic sash and crittall windows throughout. The property is approached via a quiet country lane leading to a sweeping gravel driveway leading to the rear of the property and parking for multiple vehicles. The driveway also provides vehicular access to the stables. The property is commonly accessed from the rear, leading into a spacious central hallway featuring original flagstone flooring and providing access to the principal rooms. To the end of the hallway is the front entrance to the property divided by a set of double doors creating a separate entrance vestibule suitable for shoe and coat storage. From the hallway there are two well-proportioned reception rooms, currently utilised as a sitting room and snug respectively, both offering an abundance of character and natural as well as feature fireplaces providing focal points to the rooms. Both rooms enjoy a view out to the front of the property as well as the sitting room benefitting from a double aspect over the rear lawns as well. The versatile reception space this property offers is ideal for family or even multi-generational living and entertaining, with both rooms offering individual charm which is reflected throughout the property. The formal dining room has a wealth of character features including deep set sash windows with window seats, polished herringbone flooring as well as an open fire place with slate hearth. The dining room also enjoys a double aspect, notably of the side gardens as well as providing an excellent entertaining space for a number of guests. The kitchen is situated to the rear of the property enjoying views over the stunning surrounding countryside and is very well appointed with a range of wall and floor mounted units, integrated appliances and as well as an adjacent pantry and scullery. The bespoke Neptune kitchen units are contemporary yet in-keeping with the overall character of the property, equally complimented by original oak beams, crittall windows and flag stone flooring that feature in the kitchen. The integrated appliances include but are not limited to; dishwasher, wine cooler and dark blue Aga offering three cast-iron ovens, for roasting, baking and simmering as well as two hotplates. The kitchen area also provides space for a large table and chairs making this not only a very functional space but social as well. Adjacent to kitchen is a most useful scullery/ utility area with further fitted units, with oak worktops and Belfast sink. There is also space for additional white goods if required as well as an understair cupboard providing additional storage. The pantry is situated off the scullery providing additional kitchen storage. Completing the ground floor is a versatile boot room and cloakroom. The boot room provides invaluable storage space for outdoor apparel as well as muddy boots and paws alike and for the equestrian minded buyer, the boot room could also be utilised for tack storage. The cloakroom has been tastefully decorated and comprises pedestal hand-wash basin and WC.

Two sets of stairs ascend to the first floor and principle accommodation comprising a total of five bedrooms and serviced by three bathrooms. The extensive and versatile accommodation is separated via the two stair cases and partition doors creating two wings, ideal for families, multi-generational living or separate guest accommodation subject to requirement. The sizeable master bedroom enjoys and double aspect to both the front and rear of the property, both views being of the stunning rural setting in which this property resides. There is most useful built in wardrobes, fitted either side of the ascending chimney breast as well as ample space for additional free standing storage and furniture. The master bedroom also benefits from an en-suite bathroom with Jack and Jill access and comprises; panelled bath, vanity unit with basin, WC, bidet as well as space for a dressing table and chair. The two remaining bedrooms on the principle wing are both very well proportioned double rooms, the smaller with the smaller of the two rooms currently being utilised as an office/ study. Both rooms enjoys the benefit of integral storage as well as enviable views of the surrounding countryside. The principal wing is completed by a large family bathroom comprising panelled bath with surrounding mirrored unit, WC, bidet and adjacent vanity unit with basin and surrounding fitted storage. The two further bedrooms can also be accessed via a secondary stair case, providing the opportunity for separate guest/ child accommodation. Both rooms are double bedrooms, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, built in storage as well as character features to including stone mullions with inset crittall windows. The adjacent half landing is currently utilised and TV/ play area but provides space for a desk and chair so provides the opportunity for additional work space. Completing the first floor is a bathroom servicing the guest wing comprising, panelled bath, pedestal sink and WC.

Benville House occupies a delightful private location in the beautiful hamlet of Benville, three miles to the south west of the village of Corscombe, in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The attractive village of Corscombe has the Mark Hix run “The Fox Inn”, which has a reputation for good food and drink, together with an active community based around the village hall and St. Mary’s Church. Approximately 5 miles away is the renowned market town of Beaminster which has good restaurants, an excellent greengrocer and butcher’s shop as well as two doctor’s surgeries and dental and veterinary practices. Both Crewkerne and Bridport are approximately 8 miles away, with the coast and the charming Lyme Regis not much further. The county town of Dorchester, 15 miles away has a great range of amenities such as popular restaurants, cinemas and a good range of high street shops. Public footpath walks and public bridleways can be found on the property’s doorstep. Communications in the area are good, with the A303 within 20 miles to the north providing access to the South West and to London via the M3. There are mainline stations at Yeovil Junction and Crewkerne with services to London Waterloo. The area is well known for its access to a large number of good private and state schools including Bryanston, Perrott Hill, the Sherborne schools, St. Anthony’s Leweston and the Thomas Hardye school in Dorchester.

Gardens
There is a diverse range of land, gardens and buildings catering for a broad spectrum of perspective buyers. Immediately abutting and wrapping around the property are attractive gardens, mostly laid to lawn with established borders. Leading out from the property, running in line with the eastern boundary is a formal walled garden, an ideal and private space for al-fresco dining, leading down to an area of raised beds home to a variety fruits and vegetables. Beyond is a small yet, established orchard and completing the garden area is a swimming pool benefitting from uninterrupted views of the surrounding fields.

Land
The total plot extends to approximately 7.45 acres, divided into a 6.7 acre paddock with ménage and the approximate remaining 0.75 acres as the surrounding gardens and orchard. The current vendors also have a long standing arrangement with the neighbouring landowner for an adjoining 5.5 acre (approx) paddock. Supporting the paddock is a stable block comprising five stables with power and lighting, tack room, wood store and garden store.

Services & Outgoings
Private water supply and drainage (Septic tank)
Oil fired central heating
Mains electricity
Starlink Superfast broadband