Stoke Abbott, Beaminster, DT8

A rare opportunity to buy a truly magical cottage in an idyllic setting, and in addition offering huge opportunity to improve an 1800 sq. ft flax mill, surrounded by delightful gardens and grounds of 7 acres.

THE PROPERTY
Tucked away in a magical position down a no through road, and approached by a winding gravelled track, first glimpses of Horsehill Cottage are most impressive with its brick and rendered façade under a pretty slate roof. It is difficult to find a property in a more idyllic situation only 1.5 miles from the picturesque market town of Beaminster.

Justifiably Grade II listed and of architectural and historical importance, this wonderful property offers huge potential to improve (subject to planning) with the last undeveloped flax mill in West Dorset. It offers any purchaser the rare opportunity to own a wonderful property nestled in its own grounds and woodlands, with a tributary of the River Brit meandering through the 7 acres of grounds.

On first entering the property there is a real sense of charm and space, and you are immediately greeted by a fantastic open plan sitting room and dining area with a wood burning stove and roche maron limestone flooring set in a 22 flag cathedral pattern. There is underfloor heating throughout the ground floor, and it is immediately obvious that there has been a considerable investment by the present owner who has recently undertaken this very clever and fastidious programme of works. Limestone steps lead down to the lovely bespoke Chalon kitchen with Norwegian granite worktops and an Esse woodburning range cooker with plenty of room for a breakfast/kitchen table. There is also a door giving direct access to the garden. Also on the ground floor is a large utility room, with plenty of room for an additional fridge/freezer.

The main bedrooms are accessed by a reclaimed pitched pine staircase and situated on the first floor, with three beautiful bedrooms, including a perfect sized master bedroom and en suite shower room. There is also a large family bathroom. The only sounds that can be heard are the birdsong and running water; it really is the most magnificent location.

GARDENS & GROUNDS
Alongside the house is the last undeveloped flax mill in West Dorset, which again offers huge potential to create further accommodation, or a number of other uses (subject to the necessary consents.) It is an incredible and substantial building steeped in history, the owner having a number of old photographs of the mill and its occupants in the 1920's in this truly magical spot. A particular feature of the property are the grounds with some absolutely incredible woodland walks. There are a number of places to sit and take in this ever so tranquil position, including a lovely paved terrace overlooking the river, an ideal place to sit on a summer's evening with only the company of kingfishers and the odd deer. It is a paradise for children and animals.

All in all, this is a truly wonderful property in an idyllic yet very convenient location.

LOCATION
Horsehill Cottage lies less than a mile from the picturesque village of Stoke Abbott, one of the prettiest villages in the area, which has a pub, the ever popular New Inn and a splendid 12th Century Parish Church.

Just 1.4 miles away is Beaminster, one of the most sought-after locations in the area. This vibrant, attractive market town has an excellent range of facilities including a butcher, baker, post office, chemist, hardware store, convenience stores, greengrocers, two doctors' surgeries, veterinary surgery, independent gift and tea shops, restaurants, three public houses, a hotel and leisure facilities. There is a wide variety of clubs and societies to choose from and Beaminster Festival, an annual event, hosts local and national artists, writers and musicians.

The Georgian town of Bridport and the coast at West Bay are within 20 minutes drive and Crewkerne with a main line railway service to London Waterloo is around seven miles, both with a further range of facilities and supermarkets, including Waitrose.