New To The Market

Up to the 20th Century Affpuddle and Briantspuddle were fairly typical Dorset hamlets notable for little other than the peace and tranquillity of their rural setting.  This was all to change dramatically in 1914 when Ernest Debenham, an entrepreneur who had made a fortune from the London-based family drapery business, acquired many thousands of acres in the area around Briantspuddle, Affpuddle, Bere Regis and Milborne St.Andrew.  He then embarked on an experiment in social and agricultural engineering which was to change the face of the area in a unique way.

Born in 1865, Ernest was largely responsible for the expansion of the family drapery business that his grandfather William had founded in 1778.  In the first decade of the 20th Century Earnest commissioned the architect Halsey Ricardo, in partnership with William de Morgan, to build him a “palace” to live in.  The result was the spectacular building, now Grade I listed, that still stands at 8 Addison Road in Kensington.  When in 1914 Earnest acquired Bladen Estate, as he named it, he retained Ricardo as architect to plan the extensive building programme he had in mind for the Dorset estate.  Ricardo was assisted by MacDonald (Max) Gill, brother of the sculptor Eric Gill.  Max held the post of architect in residence at the Bladen Estate from 1914 to 1919.

The concept of the Bladen Estate was that of a scientific test-bed for agricultural experiments, seeking improved productivity while maintaining self-sufficiency and providing improved living standards for the estate’s workers.  The Estate included a dozen individual farms and at its peak provided employment for as many as 600 people.  The first group of cottages, of which the Dairy House Affpuddle (Lot 1) is one, were designed by Ricardo and Gill.  These cottages set a high standard for the rest of the estate, with generous and symmetrical layout and the sympathetic use of natural materials and local crafts.

Each house had an inside bath and lavatory (very unusual for estate workers’ cottages at the time) and a garden of about a quarter of an acre to give the occupants some degree of self sufficiency.  By 1929, forty new cottages had been erected on the estate, with a further eight in course of construction.  The consistency of design, which retained a particular character yet avoided stereotyping, gave Briantspuddle its reputation as a model village, the best example of this being seen in the Bladen Valley.

The original plans show Bladen Valley curving round, across the fields which are to be auctioned (Lot 3), to join the B3390 and beyond, thus joining Affpuddle and Briantspuddle into a single community.  This  was not to be.  The  1920’s slump  culminated in the Great Crash of 1929  which saw prices tumbling, record unemployment and industrial disruption.  Agriculture was no exception, with milk prices being halved during the decade.  The Bladen Estate went quite against the national trend in building, local employment and production; this could only be achieved with subsidies which eventually became impossible to sustain.  The estate never regained its former glory after 1932 although several of the ventures survived for many years.  Ernest was knighted in 1931 for services to agriculture.

Today Symonds & Sampson of Wimborne are offering for sale by auction 3 lots on behalf of the trustees

LOT 1 The Dairy House and Land with river frontage - Guide £550,000
A character home requiring modernisation together with a substantial livestock building set in about 12.231acres (4.95 Ha) of pasture and water meadows with river frontage

LOT 2   Stock fenced pasture land of about 6.90 acres (2.792 Ha)    Guide £50,000

LOT 3   Stock fenced pasture land of about 33.489 acres (13.553 Ha)   Guide £250,000

Further information from Jane Moir Symonds & Sampson at Wimborne tel: 01202 843190

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Cross House is a very striking property located in the centre of Milborne Port which has an excellent range of local amenities including butcher, primary school, church and two public houses as well as a garage with shop.  Believed to have been built in 1860, Cross House has mellow limestone elevations and is classically proportioned.  The internal accommodation is very spacious and is over 4,500sq.ft. with traditional reception rooms accessed from a lovely entrance hall with original tiled floor.  There is a super family kitchen/breakfast room at the back of the house measuring over 25ft and the drawing room, dining room and sitting room retain many period features including open fireplaces, window shutters, cornicing and sash windows.  The first floor comprises 5 bedrooms and 2 bathroom with a further 3 bedrooms, shower room and studio, formerly a kitchen, on the second floor.

The layout of the accommodation gives great adaptability and Giles Wreford-Brown of Symonds & Sampson comments that: “The house is an extremely comfortable family home with good sized rooms.  In addition to this, the house offers tremendous B&B potential and scope for families buying together and pooling resources”.  There is a rear door at first floor level giving entirely separate access for potential B&B guests.  Outside is a private walled garden to the rear with roof terrace, double garage and further parking.  Cross House occupies a prominent position near the centre of the village which is only 3 miles from Sherborne.

Further information from Sturminster Newton tel: 01258 473766.

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Two Trees is a stunning new house built to take maximum advantage of the super views over the town and across the Somerset countryside beyond.  Bought from Symonds & Sampson in 2011 as a building plot, the vendors have done an extremely good job to create a site for this detached 4 bedroom house.

The ground floor accommodation comprises superb sitting room with full length doors that open back onto the decking to really bring the outside in.  There is also a fully fitted contemporary kitchen, study and utility.  The garage, also accessed from within the house, has been insulated and lined as there is ample off road parking and can easily be used as a further reception room, play room or music room.   On the first floor there are 4 double bedrooms, 2 with ensuite bath/shower rooms plus a family bathroom.  The master bedroom has a stunning balcony from which to enjoy the views.  The garden is to the rear and being located towards the end of Coombe Street, Two Trees is a short distance from the popular High Street.  

Further information from Sturminster Newton tel: 01258 473766.

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Crofters Cottage at Winterborne Kingston is Grade II Listed and believed to date back to the mid 17th Century. Inside many original features are retained, such as the large Inglenook fireplace in the sitting room and exposed beams throughout. Constructed of traditional rendered and white washed elevations, the main cottage has a thatched roof with brick stacks to each end. The cottage was extended during the 20th Century, creating a spacious family home. Heating is via an oil-fired boiler to radiators and an oil-fired Aga.

This charming period property is set in extensive grounds, amounting to approximately 0.488 of an acre of wonderful gardens which are predominantly laid to lawn with specimen shrubs and trees surrounded by mature hedging. The property would benefit from some updating and modernisation and possible extension, subject to the necessary planning and Listed Building consent.

The property has a kitchen/breakfast room with feature pale blue oil-fired Aga and hatch giving access to the hayloft/store; a sitting room, with large Inglenook fireplace; dual aspect dining room, with additional fireplace that has been boarded up, however the original stack is still in place; dual aspect study/playroom with a door leading to a utility room, fitted with a range of storage cupboards with space and plumbing for a washing machine. From the utility room is a door to the rear garden. The bathroom is on the ground floor. On the first floor are a cloakroom, dual aspect master bedroom, and two further bedrooms.

Crofters Cottage is Grade II Listed and believed to date back to the mid 17th Century. Inside many original features are retained, such as the large Inglenook fireplace in the sitting room and exposed beams throughout. Constructed of traditional rendered and white washed elevations, the main cottage has a thatched roof with brick stacks to each end. The cottage was extended during the 20th Century, creating a spacious family home. Heating is via an oil-fired boiler to radiators and an oil-fired Aga.

The property has a kitchen/breakfast room with feature pale blue oil-fired Aga and hatch giving access to the hayloft/store; a sitting room, with large Inglenook fireplace; dual aspect dining room, with additional fireplace that has been boarded up, however the original stack is still in place; dual aspect study/playroom with a door leading to a utility room, fitted with a range of storage cupboards with space and plumbing for a washing machine. From the utility room is a door to the rear garden. The bathroom is on the ground floor. On the first floor are a cloakroom, dual aspect master bedroom, and two further bedrooms.

This charming period property is set in extensive grounds, amounting to approximately 0.488 of an acre of wonderful gardens which are predominantly laid to lawn with specimen shrubs and trees surrounded by mature hedging. The property would benefit from some updating and modernisation and possible extension, subject to the necessary planning and Listed Building consent.

Outside there is a detached garage benefiting from power and lighting; to the rear is an enclosed log/coal store. There is also a lean-to storage shed, which is again suitable for logs or coal. An internal viewing of this property is essential to appreciate the style, size and character in offer.

Further information from Blandford

7 May Grove at Charlton Marshall has been substantially extended and renovated to offer versatile living accommodation set over three floors. Internally the property is presented in good decorative order throughout and benefits from gas central heating and upvc double glazing.

A particular feature of the property is the spectacular kitchen/dining room with a short flight of stairs leading to a sitting room on the lower ground floor which embraces the rear garden and country views beyond. The property also offers a shower room and two bedrooms on the ground floor, one of which is currently fitted out as an office. The Master bedroom suite, with dressing area giving access to an en-suite, is a stunning room with a wall of windows, incorporating a pair of French doors and a Juliet balcony, affording views over the Stour Valley and countryside beyond. The Playroom/Study, also on the first floor, is a charming room with velux window to roof light. This could be used as an occasional guest bedroom.

The front garden has been landscaped to create a low maintenance space and offers off road parking for several vehicles. There is a detached garage with the benefit of power and lighting. The rear garden provides a useful open space affording views of the neighbouring countryside. Predominantly laid to lawn, there is the benefit of a patio area to the rear of the sitting room and an area of decking, situated to enjoy maximum sunlight. 

Further information from Blandford tel: 01258 452670

Sunridge at Hardington Mandeville is a charming detached village property and sits in an elevated position of 1/2 acre enjoying a sunny vista to the adjoining fields, countryside and the village church. The accommodation offers much flexibility to the ground floor including a split level sitting room, separate dining room, a spacious kitchen with family/breakfast room opening to the conservatory, and study/family room. Adjoining the double garage there is an excellent home office suite which is detached from the main house and offers further potential for use as a separate annexe. The indoor swimming pool complex is a fine example of such with a plant room and shower/changing room, which provides endless fun throughout the year!

Further information from Yeovil tel:01935 423526

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A most attractive detached period house built principally of a flint stone construction under a slate roof, set in grounds of approximately 19 acres.  The character-rich accommodation provides 3 bedrooms, 2 principal reception rooms with period features to include part exposed stone walling and open fireplaces, enhanced by a blend of stone and timber flooring combined with modern-day conveniences such as an LPG gas Aga and central heating system.  

The accommodation is set over 3 floors with the majority enjoying stunning rural views over its own grounds and the popular Marshwood Vale.  The gardens and grounds extend in total to approximately 19 acres, having been extensively landscaped to provide a haven for wildlife providing various ponds and terraced sections.  

Within the grounds is an individual  timber fronted self-contained annexe which provides auxiliary accommodation having been finished to an exceptionally high specification.   There is also a plunge pool, bespoke summerhouse overlooking the small lake, and range of timber stables.

Further information from Bridport tel:01308 422092

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Beckford is a desirable house in the village of Kilmington, less than 2 miles from Axminster.  The property stands in an individual position facing east with views across open countryside towards Axminster and has four excellent bedrooms with 3 en-suites, large living room, separate dining room, spacious and well equipped kitchen/breakfast room, off which is the utility room.  There is also a downstairs study and cloakroom.  The house benefits from oil central heating, double glazing and has a double garage with two electronically operated doors.  Gardens are level and well enclosed.  

Further information from Axminster tel:01297 33122.

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With a lovely open outlook to the front, Tremaine has views over playing fields and Beaminster to the hills that surround this small country town.  Tremaine is around 660 yards (605m) from the attractive town square and the towns amenities.

This individual detached home was built in the 1930’s and has been thoughtfully improved and extended by the current owners.  On the ground floor is a good through sitting room and a formal dining room that has been used as a 4^th bedroom as there is also a ground floor shower room.  The hub of the house is the kitchen/dining room which has an AGA and one wall is glazed onto the rear garden.  Upstairs are 3 bedrooms, the master bedroom having an en-suite wet room and a principal bathroom.

Standing in a plot of around 0.2 acre (0.082 ha), the garden is particularly attractive having been well planted with a good selection of shrubs, trees and plants to create all year round interest.

Further information from Beaminster tel:01308 863100.

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Approaching over the long private drive you immediately get the sense of the gently undulating topography and attractive mixed woodland which protect this stunning stone house with its southerly views over rolling West Dorset countryside.   Lake House is believed to be one of the largest newly built houses in West Dorset with the accommodation arranged in an Elizabethan E shape which takes advantage of the wonderful south facing site.  Constructed of Sherborne stone elevations under a slate roof detailed features include the cut stone copings and carved finials crafted by the stone masons who work on Wells and Salisbury Cathedrals.

Traditional style is married with all the benefits of modern building methods and insulation.  On entering the house the entrance hall has a flagstone floor with an oak staircase rising to a galleried landing.  The Library/Sitting Room with an open fireplace with carved stone surround and mantle leads into the study with French windows, taking full advantage of the gorgeous views over the ponds in front of the house.

The Drawing Room is a superb room, perfect for entertaining with a large cut stone fireplace, ceiling cornices, plaster roses and French windows on to the south facing terrace.  The kitchen/breakfast/family room has an extensive range of wall and base units with oak work surfaces incorporating a four oven AGA and stone flooring throughout the room.  French windows again lead on to the most wonderful terrace and garden.  Beyond, the  Orangery/Dining Room has a glazed roof with UV filters and automated roof lights, travertine flooring and six sets of French windows opening on to the garden.

On the first floor there is a substantial master bedroom suite with an extensive range of fitted wardrobes and cupboards and an en-suite bathroom with a walk in marble tiled wet room.  There are three further bedroom suites, two additional bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Outside are a stable cottage and a number of outbuildings.  The River Brit rises in the woods and runs through much of the farmland, with cascades and waterfalls on its descent through the combe and there are a number of ponds which benefit from the healthy spring fed flow

“It really is a paradise”, says Mark Lewis of joint selling agents Symonds & Sampson (together with Knight Frank), “and is undoubtedly one of the best houses that we have marketed for many years.  The landscape is very relaxing and there is potential for rough shooting, duck flighting or Roe stalking.  If however, you just want to look at your garden and walk the dog or live your own life you have terrific seclusion.”

The property comes with 124 acres of land and is marketed as a whole at £3.95 million


Further information from Beaminster tel: 01308 863100

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We are marketing a Grade II Listed former Chapel with stunning period features in Sturminster Newton.

The Old Workhouse Chapel last held a service in 1969 and it was then used as a Social Services store in the mid-1980s.  In 1986 it was leased to the Sturminster Newton Town Council who sub-let it to the Museum Society.

The Chapel is a wonderful building, built of dressed stone with an entrance porch and large oak doors and retains many period features.  There are mullioned windows with lattice frames and a lovely stained glass window above the altar.  The ceiling is vaulted and the property also benefits from a cellar.

The building measures 42’6” by 16’11” so is a good size and there is a small garden to the front.

Further information from Sturminster Newton tel:01258 473766.

Offers in Excess of £350,000

Enjoying a truly rural location with no near neighbours in the popular Marshwood Vale, this charming cottage is packed with character rich accommodation.  Providing two principal reception rooms alongside a sun room and ground floor bedroom,  plus three first floor bedrooms all enjoying rural views whilst adjoining open countryside.  Other qualities include partial stone flooring, an inglenook fireplace, and a traditional style kitchen, complimented by a solid fuel Rayburn and a solar hot water system.  

The grounds extend to approximately 1/3rd acre, incorporating a stone outbuilding, off road parking, and a corrugated iron car port.  (The latter may be suitable for alteration to a garage, subject to necessary consents).

Further information from Bridport tel:01308 422092

1 Hogshill Street is just off Beaminster Square in the heart of this small West Dorset country town.

This charming Grade II listed character property has two rooms on the ground floor which have commercial planning and one of those rooms is currently used as a pizza takeaway, operating for 18 hours a week and with huge potential to increase on this if a higher income is required.  Previously the ground floor has been used as Jenny Wrens tea room and formerly the first floor has been used for B&B with four double bedrooms, 2 of which have en-suites.

The property now provides a ‘blank sheet’ for a buyer to pursue their own interest or possibly just use as a residential property with a small courtyard or off road parking space to the rear.

Further information from Beaminster tel:01308 863100.

5 Rectory Gardens is a deceptively spacious extended four bedroom house in the heart of Shroton, a sought after residential village in Dorset. The village is set off the Blandford to Shaftesbury road, and has a Parish Church and Public House, whilst further amenities are available in Child Okeford and Iwerne Minster. Blandford Forum is approximately five miles and Shaftesbury approximately seven miles.

The property, built in the 1970’s, is presented in good order throughout. We understand it was extended about six years ago, and now offers a ground floor bedroom, shower room and additional sitting room. Heated via an oil-fired boiler/radiators, it also benefits from night storage heaters as an alternative. On the first floor there are three further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

The kitchen has been comprehensively fitted with a range of base and wall mounted units and has a large walk in pantry. There is also a separate utility room. With some slight modification the property could be converted to offer a ground floor annexe.

The front garden has been carefully crafted to create a low maintenance garden. The rear gardens are predominantly laid to lawn and afford views over the neighbouring countryside. Immediately to the rear of the dining room, there is a paved patio area suitable for al fresco dining. To one corner of the garden there is a large storage/potting shed.

Further information from Blandford tel:01258 452670.

27 Jan 2012