Dash Hayes, Kington Magna, Dorset

Once a 16th-century barn, this four-bedroom house in Dorset's Blackmore Vale retains much of its early character. The building's timeless material palette was brilliantly preserved during its conversion, with contemporary interventions sensitively woven between its period bones. Four acres of grounds surround the house, comprising swathes of lawn, an orchard brimming with productive apple trees and a variety of outhouses ripe for refurbishment, totalling over 5,000 sqft. Dash Hayes is a 10-minute drive to Gillingham station, which runs a train service to London Waterloo in under two hours.

Setting the Scene

The medieval village of Kington Magna was thought to date from the 12th to the 14th centuries, judging by archaeological records. The site at the top of the hill was abandoned during the Black Death, and over the succeeding centuries, Kington Magna settled itself in the lea of this hill in Blackmore Vale.

At the end of a long, private driveway, this 16th-century farmhouse is protected by a studded, arrow-proof front door. A selection of mullioned windows at the rear of the house are thought to have been sourced from Shaftesbury Abbey.

The Grand Tour

The glazed gable porch is a light, welcoming entry to the house, perfect for kicking off muddy boots and hanging up coats. Beyond the porch, a weathered and studded solid timber door establishes the period material palette.

From here is an open-plan kitchen and dining room, atmospherically set beneath exposed beams. A bright, triple-aspect space, this is the heart of the house with strong visual connections to the rambling country garden. Timeworn flags ground the kitchen, while oak floorboards run underfoot in the adjoining dining space. Wooden countertops run above cream-coloured kitchen cabinetry, and there is a large range within a former fireplace. A Belfast sink has been placed in front of a shuttered sash window with pretty tree views.

There is a snug off the kitchen, cocooned by green walls and dark exposed beams. A bressummer beam frames the large fireplace, which contains a wood burner on top of a stone hearth. A window with a deep sill is perfect for perching on or for arranging favourite objects. Playfully concealed behind a bookcase is a doorway to a room currently used as a workshop.

There is a ground-floor bedroom that could instead be used as a quiet study, if desired. A playfully pink cloakroom sits adjacent and there is a generous utility room at the opposite end of the plan.

Situated on the first floor, the primary bedroom is a bright, restful space, with sold oak beams run overhead. Through an archway, there is a magnificently spacious en suite bathroom. Blue-patterned twin sinks sit atop slatted wooden cabinetry with mullion casement windows above. Through another archway, a wet-room houses two side-by-side walk-in showers. A porthole looks through a stepped platform where a free-standing bathtub sits in the lea of a window.

The two remaining bedrooms on the first floor have excellent storage and peaceful views out over the garden; both are served by a green-painted family bathroom. There is a large attic too, with plenty of potential.

The Great Outdoors

The house sits within four acres of grounds, providing leafy views from every aspect. The gardens have been thoughtfully considered, divided naturally into a series of landscaped rooms for all manner of rural activity. There is also a well-established orchard, where 18 apple trees bear fruit every harvest, and plenty of space to develop a vegetable garden.

The outhouses comprise a barn at the foot of the drive which started life as an apple barn, a garage, and a series of red-brick stables. A well conserved red brick building is set within the tall ewe hedging, which would lend well to use as a creative workshop or overflow accomodation with its own garden. There is also an external wood store that can be easily accessed from the sitting room.

Out and About

Kington Magna is nestled in the rolling green pastures of the Blackmore Vale in Dorset. The area is known for its exceptional countryside, fitting for those keen to embrace the outdoors. Kington Magna is a historic village with a 14th-century church and a village hall that still functions as a centre for community activities. Nearby, you can walk between the medieval villages of Mells and Nunney, taking in the spectacular flora and fauna.

Nearby local pubs include The Stapleton Arms and The Ship, both known for their seasonal menu and rolling views out over the surrounding hills. The local towns of Frome, Castle Cary and Bruton all provide various shopping, educational, recreational and cultural facilities. Bruton is possibly the most popular local town, home to the members-only Newt hotel restaurant and gardens, Michelin-starred Osip restaurant and internationally acclaimed Hauser and Wirth art gallery, with surrounding gardens by Piet Oudolf.

There are several highly regarded independent schools in the area, including Sherborne, Canford and Port Regis, as well as plenty of Ofsted "Good"-rated state schools.

There is a rail service from Gillingham to London Waterloo taking about two hours and from Castle Cary to Paddington in about 90 minutes on the fast train. Bristol, Bournemouth and Exeter Airports are all just over an hour’s drive away offering connections within the UK and to many international destinations. Southampton Airport is also accessible.

Council Tax Band: G