Cerne Abbas, Dorset

Situated in the very heart of this picturesque village lies the Old Gaol Cottage, formerly as the name rightly suggests the Cerne Abbas jail and police station. A rich history dating back to 1859, the cottage has knapped flint and chalk-block walls in distinctive chequer-work, the cottage is proudly Grade II listed. Providing the perfect blend of historic charm, retaining echoes of its past, and modern comfort having been transformed into a quintessentially English country cottage.

The entrance to this historic and intriguing property is shared with number 8 Long Street, in earlier times the police sergeant’s residence. The distinctive front door opens, in true cottage style into the SITTING ROOM, once the constables’ office. Plentiful natural light comes courtesy of the stone mullion window an ideal spot to partake in watching village life. A high ceiling accentuates the space. This charming reception room is centred around what was the chimney and now comprising a glazed display cabinet and cupboard with bifold doors which discreetly houses a tv. A thoroughfare leads to the INNER HALL with pleasing tiled flooring, and able to accommodate some hall furniture. From here there is a door to the courtyard garden as well stairs rising to the first floor.

The original three police cells are clearly identifiable by the high level secure Victorian windows, this expanse has been combined to provide a most sociable of areas comprising dining room and kitchen. The DINING ROOM readily accommodates a sizeable table and chairs for entertaining. An additional window provides natural light and on a practical note there is a generous, ever useful storage cupboard. Discreetly positioned between the dining room and kitchen is the CLOAK ROOM with wash hand basin, WC. and one of the high-level former gaol windows. The KITCHEN has an array of food preparation work surfaces and form a peninsular with small breakfast /coffee bar. There are plentiful storage options with cupboards, drawers, corner carousel and glazed display cabinet; in addition, there is appliance space and associated plumbing for washing machine, tumble drier and fridge. Pride of place is given to the electric range with twin ovens and grill. The kitchen is both light and airy with the window overlooking the courtyard garden.

Venturing upstairs one is greeted with a balustraded landing with plentiful natural light, on a practical note located here is a cupboard housing the hot water cylinder and opposite a large storage cupboard with light. The PRINCIPAL BEDROOM is a comfortable sized double bedroom overlooking Long Street. A Victorian fireplace upon a slate heath is flanked either side with storage opportunities. The GUEST BEDROOM is notably generously proportioned and lies to the rear of the cottage with window overlooking the village scape and the undulating countryside beyond. Concluding the charming accommodation is the BATHROOM with panelled bath with central mixer tap, bespoke vanity unit with wash hand basin, WC. heated towel rail and shower cubicle with Bristan™ electric shower.

Outside
The delightful courtyard garden is approached via the inner hall, outside to a covered canopy area. The courtyard is fully enclosed: part walled, and part fenced. The paved path leads to a paved patio area and provides a lovely seating area for outside entertaining. There is a small timber shed to store garden equipment and to tend the borders which are well stocked with Periwinkles, Bleeding Heart, ferns, and a variety of ivy including Kenilworth ivy, providing both interest and colour.

Location
Nestled in the very heart of Cerne Abbas – one of England’s loveliest villages, famous for the Cerne Abbas Giant carved into a hillside – this historic house is surrounded by natural beauty, with enchanting walks from the door and panoramic views of the green Dorset hills. Better still, the views are guaranteed; this Conservation Area village sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Cerne Abbas is, however, very much a working village, with a vibrant community feel. Three pubs, a village store / Post office, surgery, well-regarded first school, church, and new village hall are all within easy walking distance. Moreover, Cerne Abbas is magnificently situated in the centre of the county. From golf at Dorchester or Sherborne to swimming and sailing off the Jurassic Coast, the best that Dorset has to offer is all but on your doorstep.

Directions
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