Fifehead Hill, Fifehead Magdalen, Dorset, SP8

A charming, extended period cottage with a lovely garden and far reaching views.

Property Built of stone and block elevations under a mainly thatched roof, Keepers Cottage is an attractive and beautifully maintained rural property. It is believed to date originally from the mid eighteenth century and conveys that certain period charm, while unusually having ceilings of a good height and plenty of light from large double glazed windows. Many of the doors are oak with iron straps and latches, the inglenook fireplace is a feature of the sitting room and the cottage appeals in terms of both character and practicality. On the ground floor a flexible layout provides the potential for a fourth bedroom with shower room close by, while the inner hall could be incorporated into the sitting room to provide a larger space. The kitchen is well-fitted, and opens out into the conservatory which has a wonderful aspect over the garden with views beyond. There is a small office space off the inner hall, while upstairs are two delightful double bedrooms, one with an ensuite, and a large single bedroom.

Outside The garden is filled with season round interest, specimen trees, planted beds, fragrant shrubs and plenty of space for entertaining. At the top of the parking area is the vegetable plot, with raised beds and a fruit cage, while steps then lead down to a yard with a circular planted bed and access to the lane via double gates. To the front of the cottage is a good sized terrace with steps down to the lawn, at the far end of which is a white wisteria clad pergola and a shed tucked away in the corner. The double garage has power and light, with windows overlooking the house and there is parking for several vehicles.

Situation Keepers Cottage is located in the small rural village of Fifehead Magdalen, lying in the heart of the Blackmore Vale. Comprising a mix of period sandstone and a few newer properties, the village is most attractive and is dominated by the Church of St Mary Magdalene which dates from the 14th Century, while the village hall is an invaluable venue for community events. Close by is the much larger village of Marnhull, named Marlot in Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urberville and offering more amenities in the form of two primary schools, a village shop/post office, doctor’s surgery and even a hairdresser.

Gillingham is the local town, some 4 miles away, and has a mainline railway station (London Waterloo 2hrs), a well-regarded secondary school and sixth form, and a variety of shops, suppliers and supermarkets, including Waitrose and Mole Country Store. There is also a popular leisure centre with a swimming pool and the town is the home of North Dorset Rugby Club. The local road network gives ready access to the other main towns in the area including, Shaftesbury and Sherborne via the A30, and Bath further afield. The nearby A303 trunk road links with the M3, making London accessible for motorists, while the South Coast is also within easy reach. Many people are drawn to the area by the quality of life and the many excellent state and private schools.

Located in beautiful, gently rolling countryside, this is an ideal base to explore the attractive surrounding countryside which offers a variety of pursuits such as walking, riding and cycling, as well as traditional field sports. Golf courses are to be found at Tollard Royal, Salisbury, Sherborne, Warminster and Wincanton and there are regular race meetings at Bath and Wincanton. The area is spoilt for excellent country pubs, and there are many places of interest such as Sherborne Castle, the Longleat Estate, Stourhead Gardens, Wilton House and the World Heritage site of Stonehenge.

Services Mains water and electricity, private drainage, gas hob, oil fired central heating.

Local Authority Dorset Council Tax Band F

EPC Energy Efficiency Rating D (Please refer to the Agents for the complete EPC)

Internet speeds BT Upload 13 mb/s Download 46 mb/s
Mobile signal Variable depending on network