Toller Porcorum, Dorchester

An excellent residential farm set in a tranquil hamlet surrounded by unspoilt West Dorset countryside. A charming Victorian 2 bedroom cottage with a detached 2 bedroom barn conversion set in pretty gardens. Organic pastureland with a flexible barn and fishing rights on the River Hooke. In all 40.40 acres (16.35 ha).

Situation - Sunnyside Farm is tucked away in the small hamlet of Lower Kingcombe in the lovely Hooke Valley surrounded by the Dorset National Landscape (formerly an AONB). Nearby the village of Toller Porcorum has a post office and parish church. The thriving community of Maiden Newton is within easy reach, offering an inn, garage/convenience store, a doctor’s surgery and a railway station on the Dorchester to Bristol line. The county town of Dorchester provides a wide range of shopping, business and recreational facilities. Only a short drive from the property is the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site with the popular coastal settlements of Burton Bradstock and West Bay, offering excellent opportunities for walking, fishing and swimming. Bournemouth Airport is within an hour’s drive offering connections around the UK, Europe and beyond.

The Property - Sunnyside Farm was originally part of the Lower Kingcombe Estate which was granted to Lord Sandwich by Henry VIII and was sold on the open market for the first time in 1987. The area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and over 400 acres were acquired by the Dorset Wildlife Trust to create Kingcombe National Nature Reserve. Over centuries the estate land had been farmed traditionally providing for an abundance of flora and fauna. Our client has continued to manage the land organically, valuing the conservation heritage of this special corner of West Dorset. This flexible property will appeal to a range of lifestyle interests, as a smallholding or equestrian property with excellent outriding on the doorstep. Additionally income can be generated from The Old Barn and the office allows easy working from home.

Lot One - The charming Victorian cottage dates back to 1888 and is built of mellow local stone with brick quoins and dressings under a decorative tiled roof. Today the property offers a rare opportunity to acquire a quintessential Arts and Crafts cottage sympathetically restored by our client to create a welcoming and light filled home. Downstairs the main living area features an open plan sitting room, with a cosy woodburner, which flows into the dining area with underfloor heating. Upstairs the accommodation features a main bedroom with a generous ensuite bathroom as well as a second bedroom and separate shower room. If required the master bathroom could be converted into a third bedroom. Many of the rooms have bucolic views over the gardens to the countryside beyond. The property offers the rare opportunity to stroll through your own wildflower meadows or alongside the river. There is conservation and ecological appeal with a variety of habitats and a profusion of wildflowers, including native orchids. The land offers protection and utility to this versatile rural retreat.
See floorplan for accommodation and measurements.

The Old Barn - The traditional stone barn, with brick quoins under a tiled roof, has been converted into a detached two bedroom dwelling with accommodation arranged over two floors with a discrete terrace tucked away beyond the stables. At the end closer to the lane there is a useful office with a tack room below, this could be easily converted to provide further accommodation if required (STPP).

Outside - The property is approached from the lane through double wooden gates to a gravel drive between the farmhouse and the cottage. To the front of the farmhouse is a small garden, whilst the main garden lies to the side and rear of the property creating a private setting filled with roses and an abundance of cottage garden favourites. A level lawn is bordered by raised beds filled with a variety of ornamental plants, herbs and vegetables. There is a stone terrace to the side of the house, ideal for enjoying the garden with the views over the countryside. At the end of the garden a bridge crosses a pretty stream giving to access the pastureland beyond. The organic pastureland is bounded to the west by the River Hooke, a chalk stream tributary of the River Frome, and divided into paddocks previously used by the vendor for her horses. There is independent access from the lane. In all 4.77 acres (1.93 ha)

Lot Two - Contained within a ring fence and set largely to the south and east of the farmstead is a block of organic, level to gently sloping permanent pastureland bordered by the river. The land is well sheltered, with mature trees, hedgerows and well fenced for livestock. In the north-west corner of the lot is a versatile timber Livestock/Stable Building (19.82m x 6.64m) and livestock handling area. The land and livestock building are accessed from the farm track which leads from Butts Lane. In all about 35.63 acres (14.42ha).

Services - Main electric, private water and drainage. Telephone and broadband connected. Electric heating. Solar panels on the barn roof.

Tenure - All freehold with vacant possession upon completion.

Agricultural Schemes - The farm is currently entered into an Environmental Stewardship Organic Higher Level scheme until November 2028, purchasers will be requested to take over this scheme from the vendor. Delinked Basic Payment Scheme payments will be retained by the vendor.

Designations - The property is situated with in the Dorset National Landscape, a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone, and Lot 2 forms part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (Toller Porcorum SSSI).

Sporting - All rights are understood to be owned and included in the sale. Fishing rights on the River Hooke are in hand and included in the sale. Hunting with the Cattistock. Racing at Taunton or Wincanton. Golf at Dorchester. Sailing on the coast at Weymouth or Lyme Regis.

Rights Of Way - Public footpaths and bridleways cross the property, well screened from the farmstead.

Education - Primary schooling at Maiden Newton. State secondary school at Beaminster School. Independent schools in the area include Sunninghill, Perrott Hill, Leweston, Sherborne, Milton Abbey and Bryanston.

Local Authority - Dorset Council Tel: . Council Tax Band: D