Langton Long, Blandford Forum, DT11

A SUBSTANTIAL AND FLEXIBLE HOUSE IN A RURAL BUT ACCESSIBLE LOCATION WITH A LOVELY MATURE GARDEN.

In a quiet rural setting that is only a mile from the centre of Blandford, this substantial detached property has been in the ownership of the same family for 38 years. It is thought to have originated as a pair of Victorian farm workers’ cottages but has been altered and extended over the years and is currently configured as a house with an attached (1100 sq ft) annexe, but if desired it could easily be re-organised into a superb single family home. With all the rooms enjoying a view over the garden to the front or open fields to the rear, the bright and airy accommodation extends to about 3,600 sq ft in all and comprises an entrance lobby leading into two reception rooms with open fireplaces and sliding doors out into the garden, a large kitchen/breakfast room and utility room. Upstairs there are three spacious bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms (two en suite) plus a large study or fourth bedroom. A connecting door in the second reception room takes you through to the annexe, which has a large living room, also overlooking the garden, a smart kitchen. Upstairs there are another two bedrooms and two bath/shower rooms (one en suite). Amalgamated into one, the house could have a total of three or four reception rooms, six bedrooms and five bath/shower rooms. The overall condition of the property is exceptionally good with a number of recent improvements, but there would be scope to update the main kitchen and one or two of the bathrooms if desired. As a versatile property with a substantial annexe, Two Gates is perfect for multi-generational living or for two separate households. As a single unit, it would be a very substantial family home in lovely surroundings, with easy access to all the local amenities and schools.

Two Gates Cottage is situated well back from the lane, looking south down the length of nearly an acre of lovely mature gardens. Surrounded by trees and high hedges for privacy, the garden is largely laid to lawn interspersed with mature flower and shrub borders and a wide array of different fruit and other specimen trees. Immediately in front of the house there is a wide sunny terrace overlooking a pretty wildlife pond and garden beyond. Access from the lane crosses a short length of the farm road to Langton Stud with gates opening onto a gravel drive which sweeps around the garden, passing the detached garage and leading up to a parking and turning area next to the house. A path runs behind the house, where there is an integral shed, a garden store and a fuel storage area, and from there the path leads round to a small, wooded glade above the drive. An external sitting area with country view is accessed from the first floor of the annexe by a bridge with railings.

The cottage backs onto open fields on the edge of Langton Long, a small village with a cluster of houses and a church located just a mile from the centre of the Georgian market town of Blandford Forum, which was described by the Guardian in 2013 as a small ‘Bath in brick’. Beyond the market square there is a range of amenities and shops including an M&S Food Hall, Tesco and Lidl superstores and a leisure centre with pool. Much of the lovely countryside surrounding the village is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). There are lovely walks and rides down along the river towards Kingston Lacey (National Trust) or up on to Cranborne Chase, and there are plenty of other opportunities for sport and recreation with Poole Harbour, Studland Bay and Dorset’s renowned Jurassic coastline not much more than half an hour’s drive away to the south. Communication links are good and the village’s proximity to the Poole/Bournemouth/Christchurch conurbation makes it hugely convenient for people who work in that area. Commuting is straightforward and easy access to the A31 provides a quick link to the M27 for Southampton and Portsmouth and on to the M3 up to London. Poole is the nearest train station (London Waterloo about 2 hours), while Southampton and Bournemouth airports and Poole ferry terminal are all within easy reach. The area is also well served with good schools at all levels. In addition to excellent state primary and secondary schools nearby, there is a wide choice of independent schools including Bryanston (on the doorstep) Milton Abbey, Canford and Clayesmore, and prep schools at Hanford, Sandroyd, Bryanston (formerly Knighton House), Castle Court and Dumpton.

Mains electricity and water are available at the property. Private drainage (septic tank). Gas (LPG) central heating.