Barkers Hill, SHAFTESBURY, SP7

This is one of those rare property finds that combines an unbeatable countryside location with all the necessary requirements for modern day life.

The home itself offers a generous array of comfortable living accommodation, all perfectly orientated to provide views across the mesmerising grounds. Modest and modern from the outside, Madrigal has been comprehensively reimagined internally, creating versatile, light and flowing accommodation for this multigenerational family. The home can be used as one, but at present acts as a three bedroom home with an attached one bedroom annexe. The kitchen/dining room forms the heart of the home providing a central meeting ground for both homes. In addition, there are two sitting rooms, a principal bedroom with an adjoining, en-suite shower room, family bathroom and a wet room/utility/cloakroom.

Complimenting the main home are a selection of discreet, perfectly positioned outbuildings including a glorious timber frame studio with glazed elevations framing the grounds and valley beyond and providing an idyllic and inspirational workspace. There is a detached studio/ music room to the front and a transformed workshop nestled within the grounds.

The ‘Fairy House’ is a particular feature and a key element of the home that has featured heavily in our sellers work and story. The subterranean den is invisible within the landscape with glazed elevations again offering a new perspective at ground level of the grounds. This wonderfully unique space is a creatives dream, ideal for quiet contemplation or fun entertaining.

Outside

To say the garden and grounds of Madrigal are the star of the show is an understatement. They are incredibly rare and special, and one of few truly rewilded gardens in the area. The gardens are well documented in many publications and are a testament to the enduring passion and environmental consciousness of the sellers.

The time, dedication and knowledge poured into creating the re-wilded, Butterfly Garden of Madrigal cannot be underestimated. When Madrigal was purchased in 2001, the grounds, that extend to 2.5 acres, were predominantly repurposed agricultural land, once growing crops such as Maize and grass pasture with an ancient tree lined boundary. Basic lawn surrounded the home with unloved abundantly weedy paddock land beyond. Over the last 18 years, with the guidance of acclaimed artist and wild garden designer Andrew George, the exceptional oasis that you find today was painstakingly created. The grounds have been sculpted and contoured providing a tirelessly ever-changing backdrop of colour and texture with no visual boundaries separating it from the farmland that borders it on three sides. Today, the grounds are alive in every aspect. It is home to countless species of perennial wildflowers in the meadow, a Buddleia Barrow, approximately 36 fruit and specimen trees and several wildlife ponds. A self-sustaining eco-system for wild birds, butterflies and alike is now harmoniously established, and a joy to behold.

Situation

The property is enviably positioned, commanding an elevated, west facing views towards Pyt House and the rolling Cranborne Chase countryside. Barkers Hill is a much sought after, quiet hamlet perfectly positioned within easy reach of Semley, Tisbury and the Donheads.

Semley boasts a community run shop and café and a primary school. The highly regarded public house, The Forester, is found in Donhead St Andrew. Tisbury and Shaftesbury both provide a range of amenities, including independent shops, Delis, boutiques and eateries with amenities including sports centres and medical facilities. Tisbury also has a station with direct rail services to London (Waterloo) and is home to Messums Wiltshire, a contemporary art centre housed in a historic thatched tithe barn. Sherborne, Warminster and Wincanton are accessible via the local road network as is the South Coast whilst the West Country, London and motorway network are reachable via the A303/M3.

Barkers Hill is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty awarded the coveted status of an International Dark Sky Reserve. There is an endless network of footpaths and trails to explore, perfect for a variety of rural pursuits such as walking, riding and cycling. Racing is at Salisbury, Bath and Wincanton with golf at Tollard Royal and Salisbury.

The area boasts a superb selection of schooling in both the state and private sectors, including Bryanston, Clayesmore, Godolphin, Downside, Milton Abbey and Sherborne. There are also two highly regarded grammar schools in Salisbury. There are also a number of excellent prep schools including Sandroyd, Port Regis, Hanford, Knighton House and Hazelgrove.