4 bedroom detached house

This charming, Grade II listed house, built in the 17th century, retains many period features and has a modern extension which adds a well-proportioned downstairs living area and kitchen. The south facing, thatched property lies in a village which is conveniently positioned close to the renowned Abbey town of Sherborne.

On entering through a traditional front door the hall leads through to a beautiful sitting room filled with original features such as exposed beams, flagstone flooring, window seats, a working fireplace with wood burner and impressive Bressummer beam over. The pretty windows allow for a south-facing view to the front garden and fill the room with sunlight. Leading through another original timber doorway you enter a spacious hallway, which is part of the more recent extension. This open space has carefully matched stone flooring, space for coats, under stair storage, access to a cloakroom and boiler cupboard. A door leads from here directly to the gardens at the rear of the property.

The lovely farmhouse kitchen is the real heart of the house with dual aspect windows, Indian limestone floors and traditionally fitted wall and base units under a granite effect work surface. An attractive four door, oil-fired Aga (cream) sits alongside integrated appliances including a Hoover dishwasher, Zauss double fan oven and microwave. A large kitchen island, with an integrated hob, is positioned in the centre of the room, whilst there is still space for a large dining table and chairs. French doors lead to the large terrace which provides ample room for al-fresco dining and entertaining in the warmer months.

The convenient and functional utility room, with dual aspect windows and stable door to access outside, neatly adjoins the kitchen. Here you will find a sink, larder and storage cupboards alongside space and connection for a washing machine or fridge/freezer. At the other end of the house is a cosy study with exposed stone walls, beams and fireplace (sealed). Finally, with a triple aspect and views onto the sunny garden, is a very versatile space that would make an ideal playroom, library or snug.

Attractive, wood-engineered oak stairs rise to the first floor landing where three bedrooms, two with built-in wardrobes, can be found. The impressive dual aspect, double glazed principal bedroom has ample storage and includes a large ensuite bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower. There are two further double bedrooms, one with an ensuite shower room, and a sunny, family bathroom on this floor. A staircase rises to the second floor attic which is the perfect space for storage or perhaps as a teenage den.

There is currently a separate annex with its own entrance to the west end of the property which could be re-introduced back into the house if required. It is currently configured as a double bedroom, ensuite shower room and open plan kitchen/sitting room, complete with sink, hob and space and connection for a fridge freezer.

OUTSIDE

The large garden is mostly laid to lawn, bounded by flower beds, hedges and mature shrubs. Alongside the terrace there is a delightful, gazebo with tiled roof which is tucked away in the sunny corner of the garden and ideal for enjoying a peaceful moment on those warm summer evenings. There are Acer, Bay and Bean trees amongst others and a gravelled front drive with parking for several cars.

With a generally southwest facing orientation, much of the property is flooded with light and many of the rooms enjoy views over this delightful garden and surrounding countryside, giving the lasting impression of a wonderful family house in a popular Dorset village.

The Blackmore Vale is some of the loveliest countryside in the region, as the gently undulating pastureland gives way to the more rugged heights of Dogbury, Nettlecombe and Bulbarrow. Unsurprisingly this is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and little has changed over the centuries, remaining much as it was when Thomas Hardy immortalised it as the Vale of the Great Dairies in his Wessex novels. Quiet lanes gently wind their way through this rural idyll with pretty villages comprising mainly period houses and cottages breaking up the lightly wooded landscape.

Despite its unspoilt nature, the major towns in the area are all easily accessible. Sherborne, renowned for its Abbey, two castles and schools, is a delightful market town with a mainline station on the Waterloo line, and a range of traditional shops and boutiques as well as two supermarkets. The county town of Dorchester lies some 15 miles to the south, whilst Blandford, Shaftesbury and Yeovil are all within a short drive and offer further facilities; an alternative is the attractive market town of Sturminster Newton.

Sporting and Recreation
There are numerous golf courses within easy motoring distance including Sherborne and Yeovil. Racing at Wincanton, Salisbury, Bath and Exeter. Water sports on the Dorset coast (about 30 miles) or on Sutton Bingham Reservoir near Yeovil. Riding and walking on an extensive network of bridleways and footpaths. Theatres at Bath, Taunton, Salisbury and Bournemouth. The Newt country estate and Hauser and Wirth in Bruton provide further cultural opportunities.

Education
The area is particularly noted for the high quality of its schools including independent schools such as Sherborne School for Girls, Sherborne School for Boys, Sherborne Preparatory School, Hazlegrove, Port Regis, Leweston and Bruton Schools as well as Bryanston School in Blandford Forum, along with highly regarded state schools at Sherborne and Gillingham. The local primary school is also well regarded.