Shaftesbury Road, Child Okeford, DT11

An elegant period residence, idyllically positioned in a secluded setting with grounds of just over an acre.

Spring Cottage is situated on the edge of Child Okeford, a village nestling at the foot of both Hambledon and Hod Hills and set amidst the beautiful and unspoilt countryside of the Blackmore Vale.

The house is architecturally defined by the elevations of the original property, that was latterly transformed by considerate additions, which seamlessly blend old and new, creating the wonderfully versatile, expansive home you find today.

The primary entrance is positioned centrally to the front where a bright entrance hall forms the central axis to all the living areas, which unfold across the ground floor. The composition of the accommodation is ideally suited to couples or families alike. The living spaces have a seamless flow, optimising an excellent quality of natural light, which filters in throughout the course of the day. A beautifully appointed farmhouse style kitchen is positioned at one end of the primary living area. There is ample cabinetry under granite and contrasting solid woodwork surfaces, an AGA, larder and a central island. There is space for a breakfast table and a comfortable cosy seating area. Beyond, there is a substantial utility/boot room that has a recently renewed roof. Across the entrance hall is the formal dining room and a sizeable study or snug. Steps lead down to the simply stunning drawing room that has French doors opening out to the garden terrace and bespoke fitted cabinetry perfectly framing a central fireplace.

On the first floor, the generously proportioned bedrooms are arranged around a gallery landing adding a sense of volume and space. The principal guest bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and built-in storage. The remaining bedrooms consist of three large doubles and a small single or secondary study, all serviced by a stylish family bathroom.

Outside

The property occupies a glorious plot that extends to just over one acre, comprising formal grounds, wildflower meadow and a copse of sapling Oak trees within a conservation area.

There are two driveways, one of which approaches the house, whilst the other access offers an additional drive and vehicular standing in the lower wildflower meadow. The gardens themselves are split into two defined areas. The upper formal garden is beautifully landscaped with sweeping well-stocked floral beds, mature shrubs and specimen trees overlooked by a lovely wide terrace, ideal for dining al-fresco. Bisecting the two is a spring-fed stream, much improved by the current owners, which feeds into an ornamental pond, a haven for wildlife. The gardens and grounds offer a very private and breathtaking setting under Hambledon Hill, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Situation

Child Okeford is a thriving community with a village shop and post office, organic farm shop, café, village hall, community centre, surgery, parish church and primary school and two pubs all within walking distance. For wider amenities, the local market towns of Sturminster Newton (4.9 miles), Blandford Forum (7.2 miles) and the county town of Dorchester (22.8 miles) all provide a wide range of shopping, business facilities and amenities.

The locality has good travel links with a direct rail service from Gillingham (10.8 miles) to Waterloo taking about two hours and Bournemouth Airport (24.4 miles) offering connections to UK and international destinations. The A303 is approximately 30 minutes to the north, giving access to the south-west and London via the M3.

The local area has an excellent range of schools from both the independent and state sectors including The Blandford School in Blandford and Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester, Milton Abbey, the Sherborne schools, Leweston, Bryanston, Clayesmore and Canford.

Property Ref Number:

HAM-57913