4 bedroom detached house for sale

Named after a 9th century Scottish hermit monk, St Monan’s is a detached house built of local honey-coloured stone and render beneath a clay-tiled roof, believed to have been built around 1900. The house is predominantly south and south-west facing allowing the principal reception rooms and bedrooms to enjoy excellent natural light. The accommodation is characterised by good proportions and pleasingly high ceilings, complemented by deep windowsills that reflect the thickness of the original stone walls.
A welcoming and good-sized hallway provides access to the dining room, cloakroom and sitting room, where a fireplace, currently fitted with a coal effect fire, could potentially be reinstated as an open fire, subject to a chimney inspection.
Beyond lies the kitchen which is equipped with a two oven AGA (cream), a range of painted wall and base units, a stainless-steel sink and drainer along with space and connection for a fridge-freezer and kitchen table. French doors open directly onto the garden creating a convenient option for al fresco dining on those warmer summer days. From many of the principal rooms there are charming views across to the wooded hills beyond, while the garden itself enjoys particularly attractive vistas towards Sherborne Abbey.
A well-lit staircase rises to the first floor where there are four good-sized bedrooms, a dressing room, which could equally lend itself to becoming a fifth bedroom, and a shower room. An upstairs utility room offers excellent potential to create an ensuite or additional family bathroom and the landing is fitted with a range of cupboards providing useful airing and storage space.
The property offers excellent prospects for further enhancement. One of the garages is integral to the house and could be converted to create a generous kitchen-dining room with doors opening onto a south-west facing terrace. In addition, the footprint of the lean-to garage on the eastern side of the property offers further potential for extension, all subject to the relevant planning consents. With its central location, ample space and manageable garden, St Monan’s offers eminent potential to become a secondary residence, a family home or perhaps a peaceful retirement retreat, enjoying easy access to the wonderful amenities of this thriving market town.

GARDENS AND GROUNDS
The south-west facing garden is enclosed by attractive stone walls and is primarily laid to lawn with mature shrubs, trees and wall fruit. It provides a lovely private setting and enjoys views towards Sherborne Abbey and southwards to wooded hills beyond. The property is approached via a driveway off Acreman Street bordered by traditional stone walls and opening out into a generous parking area with two garages offering excellent storage and workshop space.

LOCATION
Dominated by its ancient Abbey and school, Sherborne is arguably one of the most attractive towns in Dorset. Numerous musical and cultural events occur throughout the year and there is a superb range of traditional shops and boutiques. The beautifully refurbished Sherborne House is a landmark destination for the arts. 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-five miles away at Weymouth. This stretch of coastline from Portland to Lyme Regis, with its spectacular cliffs, has 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 (approx 2 hours 15 minutes); the station is within walking distance. The A303 - linking the M3 and the M5 - is dual carriageway almost all the way, thus putting London and the West Country within a reasonable drive.

SPORTING AND RECREATION
The area is well known for its beauty and there is a network of bridleways and footpaths which cross the countryside making it ideal for walking, cycling and riding. Water sports can be found at Sutton Bingham Reservoir (near Yeovil) or on the south coast, as well as racing at Wincanton, Salisbury, Bath or Exeter and golf at various courses including Yeovil, Sherborne and Dorchester.

EDUCATION
The area is noted for its independent schools with the Sherborne Schools Group, Leweston, Perrott Hill and Hazlegrove all within easy reach. The Gryphon secondary school is highly regarded and very easily accessible.

AGENTS NOTE
The neighbouring properties have a right of way across part of this property’s driveway
Additional land is available under separate negotiation