Stourton Caundle, Sturminster Newton, DT10

Situated in a popular village, with far reaching views over surrounding fields, Golden Hill Cottage is a charming, thatched period property set in approximately two acres of peaceful mature gardens and fields. This Grade II listed home was originally two separate cottages which date back to the 17th Century and lies at the centre of this popular village.

On entering the porch through a wide front door, you are welcomed into a hall/living room, with period features such as beams, a bread oven and a traditional large fireplace with Clearview wood burner. There is space for a dining table and seating making it a perfect room for entertaining. The cloakroom is conveniently located under the front stairs.

The wonderful drawing room boasts large windows flanking a working fireplace. There is also a delightful bay window, with a seat, allowing light to stream through this spacious room. Beautiful cornice work with the impressive ceiling rose add to the elegance of this room.

The east facing kitchen with dining room, shares spectacular views over the rolling fields of the Blackmore Vale countryside. The bespoke base and wall units made by the reputable local company Cuffs Joinery offer plenty of storage, space and connection for a fridge/freezer and electric cooker. The dining room to the rear of the kitchen has space for a large table and chairs providing the perfect backdrop for family meals and informal gatherings. The small utility area, with a sink and space and connection for a washing machine, lies conveniently next to the kitchen with the back door opening to the terrace and gardens.

The main stairs from the hall lead up to the open first floor landing with its lovely window looking out to the village and gardens. There are two double bedrooms, one of which has an ensuite shower and a single bedroom, all with good storage. At the other end of the hall a circular staircase leads to the triple aspect principal bedroom with ensuite bathroom.

OUTSIDE
The property is approached through smart wooden gates, which lead to a generous parking area and outbuildings. Beyond the double garage are two workshops, two stables, a larger foaling box and an open store all overlooking tree lined paddocks with post and rail fencing and an outdoor shelter. Whilst the current access to the property is across a shared drive, a small parcel of neighbouring land has been acquired separately by the current owners and is included in this sale under a separate title. This could provide direct, private access to the highway, subject to any planning consents.
The enchanting gardens have borders brimming with a variety of plants and shrubs including honeysuckle, peonies, lavender, David Austin roses, weeping silver birch trees and lily of the valley. There is a vegetable patch and a pretty summerhouse, surrounded by pink flowered, Sambuca shrubs providing the ideal spot for summer evening drinks in this peaceful garden. A beautiful climbing rose and wisteria cover the sunny south-facing wall of the property.
The lasting impression is of a wonderfully characterful property with land, views and enormous potential in the heart of this fabulous village.

LOCATION
Stourton Caundle lies in the heart of the Blackmore Vale and is a very pretty village tucked away from main roads. This wonderful landscape, which has changed little for centuries, comprises mainly dairy farms and thus the area is predominantly grassland, broken up with hedges and small woodland coverts. This gently undulating landscape is well known for its beauty and was immortalised by Thomas Hardy in his Wessex novels, since which time it has remained unspoilt. To the south, the Dorset Downs rise up with the majestic heights of Bulbarrow in the distance.

The heart of the village, which is a Conservation Area, embraces mainly period stone houses and cottages and has a public house and church. The nearest shops are 3 miles away in the small town of Stalbridge (including an award-winning independent supermarket, ‘Dikes’), as well as in Bishops Caundle where one can find a post office/stores and a primary school.

The pretty town of Sherborne, renowned for its Abbey, schools and two castles, is approximately 6 miles away and offers a range of traditional shops, boutiques and supermarkets. Other accessible towns in the area include Blandford, Sturminster Newton, Shaftesbury, Yeovil and Dorchester.

Communications to this part of the world have improved markedly in recent years with the upgrading of the A303, to the M3 and London. To the north of the village, the A30 gives access to Shaftesbury and Salisbury and there are main line railway stations in Sherborne and Templecombe, serving London Waterloo in a little over two hours and Exeter to the West.

SPORTING AND RECREATION
There are numerous golf courses within easy motoring distance including Sherborne and Yeovil. Racing at Wincanton, Salisbury, Bath and Exeter. Water sports on the Dorset coast (about 30 miles) or on Sutton Bingham Reservoir near Yeovil. Riding and walking on an extensive network of bridleways and footpaths. Theatres at Bath, Taunton, Salisbury and Bournemouth. The Newt country estate and Hauser & Wirth in Bruton provide further cultural opportunities.

EDUCATION
The area is particularly noted for the high quality of its schools including independent schools such as Sherborne School for Girls, Sherborne School for Boys, Sherborne Preparatory School, Hazelgrove, Port Regis, Leweston and Bruton Schools as well as Bryanston School in Blandford Forum, along with highly regarded state schools at Sherborne and Gillingham. The local primary school is also well regarded.