Piddlehinton, Dorset

Welcome to The Old School House. A character residence with a rich tapestry of history and modern comforts. Believed to have been built in the 1870’s for the head of the adjacent village school which continued until 1981, the school then becoming as it is now the village hall.

This three-bedroom home is stepped in literary history having housed in 1875 Thomas Hardy’s sisters, Mary and Kate Hardy. Mary was the headmistress. It is said that Thomas Hardy himself brought manuscripts to the School House for his sisters’ approval, adding a narrative to this charming brick and flint home.

Enjoying a delightful, secluded location between the village hall and the church of St Mary (dates to 1299). Upon entering the home, the character is immediately apparent: the small ENTRANCE HALLWAY has stairs rising to the first floor while doors lead to the sitting room or the kitchen.

The convivial SITTING ROOM is perfect for cosy evenings by the woodburning stove. Twin windows fill the room with light, a window seat overlooks the pretty garden, the other with far reaching views over the church grounds. The KITCHEN/DINING ROOM has an array of solid oak units and timber counter tops. A window frames the view of the garden, additional natural light comes from the courtyard. Pride of place: the Oil-fired AGA™ while integrated appliances include two fridges, separate freezer, Bosch™ dish washer, and Hotpoint™ electric oven and hob. The room accommodates a sizeable dining table, ideal for both everyday meals and entertaining with a pantry offering ample further storage.

The clever and sympathetic 2017 extension introduces a practical COURTYARD ENTRANCE and a BOOT ROOM - flooded with natural light and perfect for boots and coats after that walk. The extension also includes BEDROOM THREE a comfortable double room with Velux™ window and French doors out to the courtyard, further enhanced by generous storage the length of one wall. A stylish SHOWER ROOM, has a vanity unit with countertop basin, shower cubicle with both rainfall and hand shower attachment, the W.C. has a concealed cistern. Lying off the shower room is a UTILITY CUPBOARD with space for a washing machine together with the Grant™ boiler.

On the first floor there is a spacious landing with storage cupboard. The PRINCIPAL BEDROOM offers delightful views over the garden, and the Church, both windows having window seats. BEDROOM TWO a charming twin room, features a built-in wardrobe and enjoying expansive views. The first floor concludes with a spacious BATHROOM offering a bathtub and corner shower cubicle with rainfall and hand shower, together with a basin and W.C.

Outside
Approached from Rectory Road, enter through a rose-clad archway, a white gate reveals a south-westerly, sunlit garden that enchants at every turn. The garden is predominantly laid to lawn, framed by well-stocked beds that offer a delightful array of shrubs and plants: Sweet mock orange, Canadian service berry, holly olive, winter daphne, are just a few of the displays that grace this space.

A paved patio provides an idyllic seating area, perfect for relaxing and taking in the picturesque views of the church, village scape, and surrounding countryside.

To the side of the School House, a paved courtyard offers a further secluded and sheltered seating area, complete with raised planted borders with blackcurrant and star jasmine. This versatile courtyard also includes practical elements such as an outside tap, a small timber tool shed, and the oil tank, ensuring functionality without compromising on charm.

Location
Piddlehinton is known for its predominantly period properties within the well-regarded Piddle Valley. The village itself has a quaint and popular public house, The Thimble, and a microbrewery the Dorset Piddle Brewery. This charming village, and the larger neighbouring village of Piddletrenthide derive their names from the river on which they sit – the River Piddle. They have a wonderful network of footpaths and bridleways crossing unspoiled countryside. Popular, not only for its convenient location but also for its array of facilities, including a modern first school, Village Hall, and public houses together with a welcoming and active community.

Dorchester lies approx. 8 miles south with mainline stations accessing London (Waterloo 2.5 hours), a wide range of shops and supermarkets, restaurants, cinemas, and various cultural activities, plus The County Hospital. The historic town of Sherborne lies some 25-minute drive away and has a fast direct train to Waterloo in 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Directions
Use what3words.com to navigate to the exact spot. Search using: festivity.wooden.idealist