4 bedroom detached house for sale

Bishops Farm, named thus after the Bishop of Norwich who originally owned the land, is a cosy, late eighteenth century house full of period features, with a south facing large garden, generous outbuildings and enjoying an elevated position at the end of a quiet road. Formerly a small farmhouse and cider barn, this stone built house under a tiled roof offers flexible living with a traditional farmhouse kitchen at its heart. As you enter, a hallway leads you into the breakfast room and kitchen, passing a covetable larder on the way. The kitchen comprises cream Shaker style fitted units on a quarry tiled floor and space for a conventional oven in addition to the oil-fired Aga (blue) which also provides hot water for half the house. There is a 1.5 stainless steel sink with a useful waste disposal unit and space and connection for a dishwasher. The kitchen is open plan with the breakfast room with sliding doors onto the terrace. Just adjacent is the cloakroom and utility room, conveniently situated by the back door, with wood worktops, a Belfast sink, shelving and space and connection for a washing machine.

The welcoming dining room incorporates a large stone fireplace with a wood burner, recessed cupboards and shelves and window seats under an original, beamed ceiling. The spiral staircase, built by a local engineer, is one of two staircases that rise upstairs. There is a generous, south facing drawing room with French doors onto the terrace. A brick fireplace with recessed Tortoise Firebox under a wooden mantel tastefully blends in with the exposed beams and period character of the room and is flanked either side by built in wooden bookcases.

On the first floor are four double bedrooms, a family bathroom, shower room and walk through dressing room/study. On the east side, the master bedroom is a delightful, dual aspect room with fitted wardrobes, window seats and a bathroom directly adjacent. There is abundant storage in the walk-through study/dressing room with a range of fitted cupboards, airing cupboards and an immersion tank. On the west side there are two dual aspect double rooms with views over the garden and fitted cupboards, with a shower room across the landing. This "west wing" provides useful private guest or multi-generational accommodation.

GARDEN AND OUTBUILDINGS
The spacious and private south-west facing garden comprises a terraced garden leading up to a large lawn bounded by laurel and mixed hedges, with raised flower beds, shrubs and trees including a lovely Magnolia, Bramleys and a crab apple. Outside the sitting room, a delightful terrace with a pergola enveloped by a productive grape vine provides ample space for al fresco dining, enjoying afternoon and evening sun.

The paved driveway provides parking for several cars and there is an outside tap and electric sockets for gardening and DIY jobs. Solar panels on the roof contribute significantly to running costs. The extensive set of outbuildings offers a wide variety of uses and comprises a double garage with up and over doors, a further garage, woodstore, store and workshop, all with lighting and electric sockets.

Bishops Farm is a delightful house with flexible accommodation in an enclosed garden with adaptable outbuildings. Its setting in a secluded spot within easy reach of village amenities and beautiful surrounding country gives a lasting impression of a very desirable property.

LOCATION
Bishops Farm lies in the popular village of Hardington Mandeville on the Somerset/Dorset border which is host to a pub, The Royal Oak, a shop with Post Office and a church, along with a gardening club, amateur dramatics group and WI, amongst others. The village hall and community playing field provide a variety of activities for all ages. Many people who move here stay for many years, such is the attraction of the village community.

Surrounded by magnificent rolling countryside, this is a beautiful part of the country yet remains extremely accessible due to the A30, A303 and good rail links from Yeovil Junction on the Exeter to Waterloo line. In addition, the M5 is within easy reach at Taunton and the village therefore enjoys the best of both worlds, being secluded yet accessible. The regional centre of Yeovil is within easy reach and has the full range of facilities whilst alternatives include Crewkerne, a typical Somerset market town and Sherborne, dominated by its Abbey and historic schools.

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.