The Cottage

The Cottage is a large, Grade II Listed 6 bedroom detached rural residence in the hamlet of Newtown, on the fringe of the picturesque village of Witchampton, about 5 miles north of Wimborne Minster.



Situated in lovely walled gardens and grounds of over 1.3 acres, with outstanding views over the surrounding countryside, the property's name belies its impressive stature, and it is probably one of the finest country homes in the area. The house extends in total to over 5,000ft² of accommodation arranged over 2 floors, with 2 separate staircases.



The property was built circa 1640 as a simple, '2 up, 2 down' farm cottage, and this original part remains visible from the driveway. It was constructed of chalk block, and is thought to be the last surviving example of its type in Dorset. Extensions were added in the 17th and 19th centuries to form the significantly larger structure of today, and further alterations were made in the 1970s and 1980s, including complete renovation, the addition of central heating, and connection to mains water. The well which had supplied the house up to that point is still in existence outside the kitchen. Some of the property's outbuildings were extended and converted into self-contained annexe accommodation.



The Cottage was awarded Grade II Listed status in 1987, with particular significance given to the sweeping principal staircase at the far end of the house.



The property has smooth rendered and chalk block elevations under a high, gabled roof of plain clay tiles, with 4 tall chimneys. It is connected to mains electricity and water, and has a private drainage system, oil fired heating, timber sash windows, and French doors (with full length fitted shutters) from the drawing room to the delightful gardens.



In addition to the main house, there is a former stable block which is now used for storage, and an L-shaped detached outbuilding incorporating a 1 bedroom annexe, garaging, stabling and storage facilities.



The owners of the property have had use of the field to the rear of the property continuously throughout their ownership. An approach would need to be made to the owners of this land to discuss a similar arrangement.



Witchampton is a sought after village served by a First School, a Pre-School and Nursery, a church and a community club/shop. The market town of Wimborne Minster is easily accessible, as are the Jurassic Coast and Bournemouth International Airport. The coastal towns of Poole and Bournemouth and the city of Salisbury all have mainline rail links to London Waterloo.



This is a rare opportunity to acquire a large country house in one of the most popular villages in East Dorset, with extensive gardens, outstanding rural views and great potential to refurbish the existing accommodation, subject to the necessary planning consents.



There is a conservatory entrance with large double glazed window panels overlooking the garden, 3 pairs of doors with full length shutters (leading to the dining room, hall and snug), a flagstone floor, a raised brick geranium bed, and a door to the garden terrace. The snug has a dresser, exposed ceiling timbers, and a long hallway leading to the secondary staircase.



The impressive 34ft drawing room has 3 pairs of glazed French doors (with full length shutters) leading out to the front lawn, a handsome stone fireplace, oak strip flooring, cornicing, and a superb outlook over the gardens. The dining room has a Victorian style brick open fireplace, 2 dressers, exposed ceiling beams, and a leaded window overlooking the front courtyard.



From the inner hallway, a door leads into a rear hallway where there is built-in china cabinet. The dual aspect kitchen has twin stainless steel sinks, work surfaces, a range of units, a double fan oven, a Neff hob and AEG warming tray, an extractor, space for fridge and dishwasher, and a vaulted ceiling. A walkway leads through to a spacious breakfast room with a (sealed) brick fireplace (with bressummer beam over,) a built-in cupboard and an exposed oak beam.



Off the rear hallway there is a boiler room (with oil fired boiler), a cloakroom (with WC and wash basin), laundry room (with flagstone floor, butler's sink and space for white goods,) and a large walk-in store room/pantry with a flagstone floor. From the inner hallway, the principal staircase (with mahogany handrail) leads to the split level first floor landing which runs the full width of the house and leads to a cloakroom.



The spacious principal bedroom has a built-in wardrobe, picture rails, a delightful view over farmland, and an en suite shower room, and the second bedroom has floor-to-ceiling wardrobes and a superb view over farmland.



Off the main landing there is a large third bedroom (with a built-in cupboard) overlooking the gardens, and a dual aspect fourth bedroom with views over the gardens and farmland beyond. There is a family bathroom with cast bath, wash basin, WC and blanket cupboard. Off the lower landing, bedroom 5 has a built-in cupboard and a picture rail. Bedroom 6 enjoys a double aspect and has an adjacent shower room. A secondary staircase leads down to the long inner hallway.



A gravelled driveway leads through wrought iron double gates into a large, gravelled courtyard providing parking for numerous vehicles, with box hedges, and a yew tree thought to be over 1,000 years old.



There is a large outbuilding with colour-washed brick elevations under a roof of plain clay tiles, incorporating a 2-car garage, 2 stables, a coal store, a workshop and an annexe comprising a bedroom (with built-in cupboard and door to outside), bathroom, kitchen, living room (with doors to a sun room), and an external boiler room.



In addition, there is a large detached former stable block with timber elevations under a high tiled roof. Outside the stables, the former swimming pool is now a large lily/fishpond with paved surround and adjacent terracing.



The elevated front garden is an outstanding feature, being enclosed by high brick walling and enjoying stunning views overs the surrounding farmland.



The gardens, arranged in a typical 'English country garden' style, feature a large lawn enclosed by high walling, and well stocked flower and shrub beds. The wealth of trees and plants includes wisteria, magnolia, willow, chestnut, and yew, and there are established rose beds.



A rose arbour and grass pathway lead to a large greenhouse, a shed and a vegetable garden area. From here, an archway in the wall leads to the rear garden, which has an undulating lawn interspersed with trees including copper beech, chestnut and conifer, and there is a large aluminium-framed greenhouse. This area adjoins a paddock which in turn backs onto Witchampton Cricket Ground. Beyond the annexe, there is a further lawn with established trees which backs onto the paddock.



DIRECTIONS: From Wimborne, proceed along the B3078 towards Cranborne. After about 4 miles, turn left, signposted to Witchampton. Proceed over the river bridge and follow the road around to the right. Continue through the village, passing the church on the left and the community club on the right. Continue along a straight stretch of road, passing the gates of Crichel House on the left. Proceed past the turning to Wichampton Cricket Ground on the left, and the property can be found on the left hand side.



The Promap image is not intended as a precise representation of the property's boundaries or area of land. It should be treated as an approximate guide only. Interested parties should have their solicitor check the exact dimensions on the Title Plan.



COUNCIL TAX BAND: G.



EPC: Exempt due to Grade II Listing.

Marketed by: Christopher Batten, Wimborne