Winterborne Zelston, Blandford Forum, DT11

AN OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL BARN CONVERSION AND DETACHED ANNEXE IN AN ELEVATED SPOT ON THE EDGE OF THE VILLAGE.

A commanding Barn Conversion built over 200 years ago with imposing red brick elevations, under a slate roof, Hilltop Barn was acquired by our clients as a project in 1993. Using salvage and reclaimed materials where possible, they then set about creating their ideal family home and work place, something we feel they have done very successfully. The feeling of character and space is evident as soon as you come through the double doors into the reception hall, and at over 6,600 sq/ft (614 sq/m) the accommodation is hugely flexible. The three main reception rooms are currently used as a family/party room, a dining room and a snug sitting room. But the large farmhouse style kitchen and garden room at the centre of the barn will always be the heart of family life. A conservatory, second kitchen/boot room, utility room and various stores complete the ground floor and upstairs there is a convenient arrangement of six bedrooms and six bathrooms. The main bedroom, with ensuite bathroom, galleried dressing area and balcony is particularly impressive. Across the courtyard a large Oak framed garage block has been converted into a separate stylishly presented guest annexe with an open plan living area, three more bedrooms and two bathrooms. In the past Hilltop Barn has been run as a successful bed & breakfast business with comfortable secondary accommodation for the owners, and the fact there are two spacious sperate dwellings means this is also a great opportunity for multi generational living with potentially separate entrances and gardens.

The barn and the annexe sit towards the front of a roughly square plot of about 2 acres and coming in from the lane, which is a private road for the last 100 yards, there is a wide gravel forecourt with a large pond and neatly kept lawns and borders on either side, all of which create an attractive approach to the property. Moving around the barn the gardens are largely informal but the neatly kept lawns on three sides have interesting borders planted with a wide variety of perennials, shrubs and climbers, and on the east facing rear of the barn opening out through bi-fold doors from the conservatory there is a large patio area ideal for entertaining.

A gate at the north end of the forecourt takes you into the pony paddocks where there are stables with a barn and tack room, and tall double gates at the south end take you through to a working area where there is a large timber shed and plenty of space to build garages and the opportunity for further development (subject to planning permission).

Winterborne Zelston is the southern most of the seven Winterborne villages in the valley to the south and west of Blandford. It is a lovely drive along the stream, over the bridge, past the church and up to Hilltop Barn above the village. It is a rural location but it is not isolated, there are two walkable pubs, The Botany Bay and Worlds End, there is a good shop at the service station on the edge of the village and 10 minutes away in Bere Regis there’s a village store and post office, a doctors surgery and pharmacy, and a dentist. Beyond that, it’s about 20 minutes to Blandford with its historic Georgian market square and excellent amenities including an M&S food hall, Tesco and Lidl superstores and a similar distance to Wimborne where the busy town centre has a Waitrose, cafes, restaurants and the Tivoli theatre.

Good access to the A35 and A31 makes for an easy commute to Dorchester and Weymouth in one direction and Poole, Bournemouth and Ferndown in the other, and quick link to the M27 takes you on to Southampton and Portsmouth, and via the M3 up to London. Wareham is the nearest station (London Waterloo about 2 hours). The surrounding countryside offers lots of good opportunities for sport and recreation, there are good golf courses and other sports clubs nearby and great opportunities for sailing and water sports in Poole harbour, Studland Bay and along Dorset’s renowned Jurassic coastline. The choice of schools in the area is also good with popular primary schools in Bere Regis and Winterborne Kingston, state secondary schools in Lytchett Matravers and Blandford, and grammar schools in Poole and Parkstone. Independent schools nearby include Bryanston, Canford, Clayesmore and Milton Abbey, as well as Castle Court, Dumpton, Hanford prep schools.

PROPERTY INFORMATION
Tenure: Freehold. Informal obligation to contribute to the upkeep of the private road.
Covenants and Easements: The Land Registry Official Copy of the title suggests convenants and easements affect this property. Please seek specific advice from a solicitor.
Services: Mains water and electricity are available. Private drainage (septic tank). Gas (LPG) central heating and Aga.
Broadband and Mobile: Good Broadband (full fibre available). and reasonable mobile signal

Local Authorities: Dorset Council. /
Council Tax: Band F. Charge for the year 2024/25 £3,518.34
EPC: Main Barn - Band E, Annexe - Band E