Kingston, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20

Fine Grade II* listed Manor house and range of converted barns in an elevated position with outstanding views of Corfe Castle, Poole Harbour beyond, and the Purbeck Hills.

Description

Scoles Manor is a charming and historic former farmhouse and farmstead, in a breathtaking elevated situation amongst lush farmland. The property lies in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck, a registered National Landscape (the new name for an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). This fine old Manor house is listed Grade II* as being of historical importance. It is reputed to be the oldest continuously occupied building in the parish of Corfe Castle. The main structure of the house dates to the early 17th century. A medieval part of the building - initially a chapel or a small hall house, now a fantastic sitting room - dates much earlier, perhaps to the 13th century. The house has Purbeck stone walls and stone slate roof with extremely characterful accommodation arranged over two floors.

On the ground floor, a coped gabled porch leads to the hallway with flagstone floor and exposed stone walls. Off the hall are the dining room and drawing room, both with impressive inglenook fireplaces. A curved stone staircase in the drawing room leads to the first floor. Adjoining this is the south facing kitchen with AGA range cooker, looking out over a walled garden and paddock. To the rear of the house are the larder, the utility room, loo and the rear hall with a lovely flagstone floor which doubles as a reception space. Stone steps from here lead up to the delightful old Chapel room, with an impressive vaulted ceiling, stripped wood floor, exposed stone walls and a handsome wood-burning stove. A large oak-framed window offers fabulous views of Corfe Castle and the Purbecks. On the first floor is a landing off where there is a principal bedroom with Jack and Jill shower room and loo. Three further bedrooms and a bathroom complete the accommodation.

The Bothy
The Bothy is situated around a charming medieval courtyard at the back of the Manor house. There is a one bed converted outbuilding with kitchen, shower room bedroom and a fabulous conservatory.

The Barns
To the east of the house lies the old farmyard. Around a courtyard are the Grade two former barns, now converted into two dwellings and an annexe. These have been let for holiday use for many years. The Dairy is a single storey unit with a spacious living area to the centre of the building, incorporating dining and seating areas under a vaulted ceiling. A large timber framed screen window floods the room with light and offers a clear view of the Castle. In addition there are four double bedrooms, one en suite, two further bathrooms and a hall. Across the courtyard is the Great Barn, with well-presented accommodation arranged over two floors. The Great Barn incorporates three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the ground floor. On the first floor is a well-appointed kitchen and a splendid open plan sitting room with dining area. It has an attractive vaulted ceiling with exposed timbers. Adjacent to the Great Barn is the Little Barn which incorporates two bedrooms and a bathroom on the ground floor and a kitchen, living area on the first floor.

Outside
The property's setting is truly exceptional, nestled in a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The rural location is a patchwork quilt of fields, farms and with the Common in the valley below. Corfe Castle and the Purbeck Hills form a stunning backdrop. The property is approached from the road via a shared track which peters out into a private gravelled drive to the Manor and the barns. First stop is the Manor with its charming walled front garden and old stone path leading to the front door. To the west is a single garage, parking for the Manor and The Bothy. To the south lies the bulk of the gardens, retained by an old stone wall, which rises gently to a paddock. A pretty kitchen garden with raised beds lies towards the western boundary. Beyond the Manor to the east is the farmyard and the converted barns, between which is a lawn and a pond, popular with the resident ducks. The barns are set nicely away from the main house, forming a courtyard and enclosed on all sides, accessed via a five bar gate. The courtyard provides ample parking, both open and covered.

The Land
There are three main enclosures at Scoles Manor which lie to the South, the North and the East. In permanent pasture, the land protects the boundary of the property, providing privacy and amenity. The top field, in particular, is a fabulous place to take in the view. Inside the eastern boundary and running its entire length, is Scoles Lane Copse, an unspoilt strip of woodland which becomes carpeted in bluebells each Spring.

Agents Notes
The vendors are seeking a lifetime tenancy on The Dairy, for which they are willing to pay an open market rent (further information on request).

Location

Scoles Manor is situated to the north-east of Kingston, a village renowned for its beautiful main street, its imposing church and the popular Scott Arms public house.

The surrounding countryside is spectacular. Just a short walk away lies the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Corfe Castle village offers a range of amenities, including a well stocked village store, several pubs and a bakery.

Tourist attractions include the Castle itself, one of the National Trust's best-known sites, and the steam railway with a line to Swanage.

Swanage is a charming seaside town, with a range of supermarkets, cafes and shops; up the hill is Durlston Castle and Durlston Country Park.

Also nearby is the historic Saxon town of Wareham on the River Frome, which provides access to Poole Harbour and a mainline rail service to London Waterloo.

The larger nearby towns of Poole and Bournemouth offer a greater variety of facilities and services.

Poole is home to a cross-channel ferry terminal and Bournemouth has an international airport, making domestic and international travel accessible.

Sporting amenities in the area include golf at the Isle of Purbeck and The Dorset Golf Resort. Tennis is available at Beach Gardens in Swanage. Watersports can be enjoyed around Poole Harbour and at Weymouth and Studland. Sea swimming, coasteering and climbing are popular at Winspit, Seacombe and Dancing Ledge. The area offers phenomenal walking and riding including along the Dorset coastal path and on a local network of trails.

State schooling at Corfe Castle Primary, senior at The Swanage School, private schools include Sherborne School, Sherborne Girls, Leweston, Bryanston, Canford, Milton Abbey and Clayesmore. Preparatory schooling at Bryanston, Dumpton, Perrott Hill, Port Regis, Sandroyd and Sherborne.

Square Footage: 3,196 sq ft


Acreage: 27 Acres

Directions

What3Words (teamed.dragonfly.backup)

From Wareham take the A351 and after about five miles, you will reach the village of Corfe Castle. Drive through the village and turn right onto the B3069 signposted to Langton Matravers and Kingston. Proceed along this road for about 0.7 miles, turning left a short way up the steep hill. Proceed past Lynch Farmhouse and along the track passing Lower Scoles Farm on the right hand side. Scoles Manor is located directly ahead at the end of the track.

Additional Info

Council Tax Band G

Mains electricity. Private water and drainage. Oil fired central heating (Manor House). Electric Heating (Barns). There are solar panels on the Dairy (details on request).

Agents Note
The vendors are seeking a lifetime tenancy on The Dairy, for which they are willing to pay an open market rent (further information on request).