Cocknowle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20

Quintessential thatched Dorset property in a glorious elevated rural setting with breathtaking views over the valley below.

Description

Cocknowle House is likely to date back to the 17th century, with later additions and is built of Purbeck Stone elevations under a thatched roof. This charming house is typical in style of the area and has been sympathetically extended and in the last 20 years refurbished and improved whilst retaining many of the original character features. On the ground floor is a good size kitchen with flagstone floor, hand-built kitchen units and an AGA range cooker. Adjacent to that is a characterful sitting room with part exposed stone walls, flagstone floor and an impressive inglenook fireplace with Bresumer beam and open fire. Stairs from here lead to the first floor. A downstairs double bedroom or study, boot room and rear hall with a quirky timber spiral staircase complete the ground floor accommodation.

Upstairs is a splendid principal bedroom with stripped wood floor and vaulted ceiling together with an en suite bathroom. There are two further double bedrooms and a family bathroom. Owing to the topography and making best use of the fabulous views is a cosy first floor sitting room with exposed stone fireplace and wood burning stove, Oak floor and vaulted ceiling. Double doors from here open to the Sunroom from which there is access to the terrace and garden beyond.

Outside
The setting of Cocknowle House is undoubtedly a major attraction and the gardens and landscaping have been arranged to make best use of it. From the lane is a discreet accessway leading to an area of parking for several cars, opposite that is a timber framed garage and store. A style provides access directly onto the footpath towards the village. A pedestrian access from the lane, through an old iron gate with stone steps leads to the front porch. The front garden is mostly laid to lawn, with mature fruit trees and hedging providing privacy. The bulk of the plot lies to the east with a spacious stone terrace pushing out from the side of the house providing several dining and seating areas. The views from here over a patchwork quilt of fields, dotted with farmhouses, barns and cottages are fabulous, southerly and uninterrupted. Stone steps from the terrace lead up to the main lawn where the views become even more dramatic. The backdrop to the plot is wooded with some fine trees offering complete privacy.

Location

Cocknowle House is in a glorious rural position on a ridge facing south and overlooking a stunning valley about 0.7 miles north west of the pretty village of Church Knowle.

This sought after Isle of Purbeck conservation village lies within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has the popular New Inn public house and the pretty church of St Peter.

The property is close to the Jurassic coast which has been accorded World Heritage status.

The nearby village of Corfe Castle provides a variety of amenities including the National Trust administered Castle ruins, shops, hotels, restaurants and public houses.

Other villages of note within the Purbecks include Kimmeridge, West Lulworth and Worth Matravers.

The towns of Wareham and Swanage both provide a good variety of shopping, educational and recreational facilities with Swanage having a Heritage Steam Railway line to Corfe Castle.

Other towns of note include the County town of Dorchester, Poole and Bournemouth with access to Poole available from Studland via the car ferry.

Sporting facilities in the area include water sports along the Dorset coastline at Studland, Swanage and West Lulworth.

There is also the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club at Studland and Wareham Golf Club near Wareham.

This area is particularly well served with independent schooling including Bryanston, Milton Abbey, Canford, Clayesmore, Leweston and the Sherborne Schools. State schooling in Wareham and Swanage.

Square Footage: 2,518 sq ft



Directions

Head South from Wareham or North from Swanage and into Corfe Castle. Take the turning to Church Knowle opposite the National Trust car park in Corfe Castle. Proceed through and out of Church Knowle and after about ½ mile turn right at the grass triangle signposted to Stoborough & Wareham.

Additional Info

Council Tax Band G

Mains water and electricity. Private drainage. Oil fired central heating. Please note that the working condition of any of the services or kitchen appliances have not been checked by the agents but at the time of taking particulars we were informed they were all in working order.