Henley, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2

A captivating Grade II listed thatched, former farmhouse presented with much style and flair, set within delightful, secluded gardens of circa one acre.

Henley Old Farm, which is detached, is thought to date from the 18th century. Originally built as a pair of cottages, it is now a supremely comfortable home just bursting with period features, exuding considerable old-world charm and character.
The front door opens to a central hallway with flagstone floor, off which is the welcoming sitting room with cross beamed ceiling and an impressive open inglenook fireplace with bressummer beam and intact bread oven. Following on is the south facing study with fitted bookshelves and French doors to the garden.

Of particular note is the atmospheric dining room with an early plank and muntin panelled screen, inglenook fireplace (not in use) and window seats. Adjacent is the snug/TV room with direct integral access to the impressive former threshing barn, with mezzanine level, arrow slit windows, power and light, offering a multitude of uses including games room, workshop, garaging and storage.

The kitchen/breakfast room is to the west of the property and has a good range of fitted base and wall units including a two-oven electric Aga. A south facing breakfast area provides plenty of space for a table and chairs. French doors open to a sheltered terrace. Also on this floor is a cloakroom and a well fitted utility room with butler sink and tall Samsung fridge/freezer. A stable door opens to the rear garden.

There are two staircases, reminiscent of the property’s origins as two dwellings. Worth a mention is the spacious principal bedroom with recessed wardrobe and ensuite bathroom. There are three further bedrooms sharing the family bathroom. Bedroom four, which can also be accessed from the principal bedroom, could be utilised as a dressing room if required.

Brick built Little Barn, which is detached, provides a further bedroom, shower room and mezzanine level.

OUTSIDE
The property is approached from the road via a timber five-bar gate which leads to a private driveway and ample turning and parking space. A further five-bar gate leads to a substantial area of lawn which wraps around the house on all sides. Paved pathways lead to a private terrace, accessed from both the breakfast area and study. This secluded suntrap, is the perfect place for outside entertaining, soothed by the sounds of cascading water from the adjacent raised pond and water feature.

At the top of the rear garden, which backs onto open farmland, is another secluded terrace giving a further vantage point with views across the valley and beyond. A wide range of mature shrubs, well stocked flower beds and mixed borders ensure the garden has colour and cover for much of the year. A variety of established trees including an ancient Yew, provide shade and form.

Opposite the threshing barn is a covered area, with access both to the barn and the former piggery, perfect for storage or as a games room. A pedestrian gate leads to the front of the house and the detached Little Barn. A further gate opens to the side and rear garden where there is a vegetable patch, a timber greenhouse and a small woodland garden with a mass of spring bulbs and flowers.

SITUATION
The property is picturesquely located within the hamlet of Henley, at the top of the Piddle Valley, surrounded by beautiful countryside and within a justifiably designated area of outstanding natural beauty. Agriculture dominates this part of the world and the scenic countryside with a vast network of footpaths and bridleways is made up of rural pastures, undulating chalk downland, coppices and woods. Buckland Newton, just half a mile away, has an active community, village shop, church, pub, first school and playgroup.

Henley lies between Dorchester and Sherborne. The latter with its impressive Abbey, excellent range of shops, schools, restaurants and supermarkets including Waitrose. Dorchester, the county town has a further excellent range of facilities including the recently redeveloped brewery. Both towns have mainline railway connections to London Waterloo. Within about a 35-minute drive is the Dorset Jurassic coast, a World Heritage Site with the resort of Weymouth, its marina and award-winning beach and access to the picturesque south west coastal path.