Dorchester Hill, Winterborne Whitechurch, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11

A charming well maintained Character Cottage offering versatile accomodation including a SELF-CONTAINED ANNEX.

The Old Forge

Although the precise age of this pretty cottage is unknown, it was as its name suggests, the village forge in times gone by. The original forge is still there and is now part of the internal fabric of this enchanting home.

Stepping through the broad stable front door into a large hallway with flagstone floor, you can feel the history and immense character of this lovely cottage. Just off the HALLWAY is a W.C., understairs utility cupboard and a small cupboard currently used as a wine store!

Then step into the KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM. The slate floor perfectly complements the extensive work surface, so much space for preparing and creating culinary delights. The oak units are attractive and sensibly designed for ease of access and a large 6 gas hob, double oven range sits in pride of place within an inglenook, clearly the original heart of the home. Although there is a lovely farmhouse kitchen feel, it is fitted with an integral dishwasher and fridge freezer, and space for a washing machine and tumble dryer. The pretty view from the kitchen window is across the top garden and there is a characterful original, internal window that opens onto the dining room.

The DINING ROOM, another good-sized room, is a pretty venue for formal or family meals, a window seat just adds to its charm and patio doors allow you to spill out onto the decked terrace.

The SITTING ROOM is spacious and light, a double-fronted, multifuel stove sits centre place between the sitting room and dining room and is open to both, giving a wonderful warming glow on chilly winter nights.

An inner HALLWAY leads you around the original forge to a ground floor SHOWER ROOM and then up 3 steps to the ground floor BEDROOM 4, a large light room at the front of the property, perfect for visitors, family or even as a study.

The stairs rise from the main hall to the FIRST FLOOR, which quirkily split 3 ways. To the left is BEDROOM 1, a lovely double room that overlooks the top garden and benefits from an ensuite W.C. BEDROOM 2 is to the right, and overlooks Dorchester Hill.

The FAMILY BATHROOM also sits on this level and is contemporary, yet in keeping with the style of the cottage, a large modern oval bath, W.C., and wash basin; a rather tranquil spot for soaking away the cares of the day. Straight on, and to your right is a large area of EAVES STORAGE. To the left is BEDROOM 3. This really is a unique room, split cleverly in two by original beam rafters. To one side is the EN-SUITE shower and DRESSING ROOM with an internal window and roof dome to maximise the natural light, and to the other, over a step is the double bedroom. Windows and Velux™ windows draw in light from outside into this most unusual and charming space.

All bedrooms in the Old Forge have their own character and benefit from original beams.

The Garden is cleverly and neatly split into two. A side gate leads down a stone step to the path which takes you to the front door and gates to the top and bottom gardens. The BOTTOM GARDEN, is the main garden which is mostly lawn with a SUMMER HOUSE, presently used for storage, and large decked TERRACE. Very private, and not overlooked, this is a fabulous spot. Opposite the front door are stone steps up to the TOP GARDEN, which is laid to shingle and is a bit of a sun trap and provides parking for four/five cars as well as somewhere for the guests to sit and relax. Also private, it has the most glorious view over pretty thatched cottages and rose bushes to the Norman church tower of St Mary. On this level is the ANNEXE, formerly a successful Holiday Let Studio apartment known as the Garden Room, with a KITCHEN and a separate WET ROOM, it has a unique flexibility and potential to be used for commercial purposes or as additional accommodation. There is a separate access via double gates from the HARD STANDING AREA at the front of the house.

This cottage lies just on the edge of the village of Winterborne Whitechurch. This pretty village is located between the county town of Dorchester, with its mainline railway station (London Waterloo), famous weekly market and reputable schools, and Blandford Forum, with its boutique-style shops, tea rooms and riverside walks. The riverside market town of Wareham (Gateway to the Isle of Purbeck and the Jurassic Coast is just under 14 miles away. Winterborne Whitechurch has an historic church, and an incredibly versatile Village Hall. It is also actively used by the villagers for Bingo,Curling, Dancing and Afternoon Teas, to name but a few activities! The well regarded Dunbury infants school is opposite the village hall.