Erls Farm

Most handsome Grade II listed thatched farmhouse in a glorious rural setting with views.


Description

Erls Farm is a quintessential Dorset former farmhouse in a glorious rural setting at the bottom of Bell Hill. This charming property was likely to have been built in the 18th century and has rustic red brick elevations under a thatched roof (quote for replacement available) with pretty timber sash windows. Inside the house has spacious, well arranged accommodation over two floors and a wealth of charming period features including exposed brick walls, timber floors, beams, inglenook fireplace and wood panelling. On the ground floor there is a spacious hall, characterful drawing room and a large family kitchen with AGA. On the first floor are five bedrooms and two bathrooms and many of the windows provide wonderful views over the countryside beyond.

Outside
The house is approached from the lane via a private drive leading to the side of the property with an area of parking for several cars. A most attractive brick and flint barn forms the south eastern boundary and double doors provide access to a workshop. The remainder of the barn is used for storage and may have potential for conversion subject to the necessary consents. To the front of the property is a narrow area of lawn and dwarf stone wall with steps up to the front door. On the south western side of the house is a large level lawn bordered by a mature hedge and with lovely views over the hill and surrounding countryside. In addition to the main plot is a further paddock of about 1.3 acres situated across the lane with a stable building, greenhouse, fruit cage and pond.

Location

Belchalwell is a pretty, rural hamlet at the foot of Okeford Hill, about two miles from the larger village of Okeford Fitzpaine to the north and Ibberton to the south. Okeford Fitzpaine has a first school, shop, pub and village hall and Ibberton also has the Ibberton Arms public house. Belchalwell is situated in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with access to a vast network of footpaths and bridleways that lead out into the Dorset countryside. The nearby market town of Blandford Forum has an excellent range of facilities including shops, pubs, restaurants and both Tesco and Marks & Spencer supermarkets. The larger centres of Dorchester, Sherborne, Poole and Bournemouth are all within commuting distance. Mainline railway services to London Waterloo run from Dorchester, Gillingham and Tisbury. The A303, north of Shaftesbury and the A30 from Salisbury provide routes to London and the Home Counties. Golf is available at Ashley Wood, Blandford and Rushmore Park. Sailing and water sports are available at Poole and Weymouth and along the glorious Dorset coast. Racing is at Wincanton, Bath and Salisbury.

Education
This area is particularly well served with independent schooling including Bryanston, Canford, Clayesmore, Milton Abbey, Leweston and the Sherborne Schools. Primary schooling available at Okeford Fitzpaine.

Square Footage: 2,153 sq ft




Acreage: 1.78 Acres

Directions

From Blandford Forum, take the A350 towards Shaftesbury, turning left towards Durweston, on to the A357 towards Sturminster Newton. Proceed through the village of Shillingstone, turning left into Okeford Fitzpaine. Proceed straight through the village and up the hill ignoring the turning left to Turnworth and Winterborne Stickland, but staying straight on. Erls Farm is on Belchalwell Street which is on the left hand side after about 2 miles.

Marketed by: Savills, Wimborne