Richmond Road, Sherborne, DT9

With all the Victorian period features you could wish for, Ashbourne is a fabulous, three storey townhouse with a private garden on a quiet, no through road in Sherborne. The light and airy hallway, with classic Victorian tiling, leads into a generously sized drawing room with bay window, original wood flooring and an open fireplace with marble surround and painted wooden mantel. A second sitting room adjacent, also with open fire and windows onto the garden, provides a very comfortable, less formal space which could be used as a playroom or TV room. The capacious and triple aspect kitchen/dining room spans the length of the house, featuring a woodburner in a fireplace flanked by fitted bookshelves and plenty of room for a large dining table and chairs. The well-appointed kitchen comprises an array of painted units under wooden worktops with a range featuring four gas rings and a wok burner, along with a double electric oven plus space for a wide full size fridge-freezer. A cloakroom and utility room, with space and connection for a washing machine and tumble dryer, leading to the back door, complete the downstairs accommodation.
On the first floor, the large principal bedroom benefits from fitted wardrobes, an ensuite bathroom with separate shower cubicle and a useful door closing off the rooms from the rest of the house. There are two further, dual aspect, large double bedrooms, one with a lovely bay window, plus a family bathroom, separate cloakroom and airing cupboard. The top floor comprises two double bedrooms and a third, smaller bedroom with built-in shelves which is currently used as a study and sitting room, and a further airing cupboard. The light and neutral décor throughout the house, along with its high ceilings, generous proportions and period details in tiling, dado rails and fireplaces create a classic interior on three floors, with plenty of locations for different members of the family to relax, entertain and study.

Outside
As with most Victorian town houses, the south east facing garden is fairly large and mostly laid to lawn, bordered by mature trees, shrubs and long hedges. A magnificent walnut holds sway at the bottom of the lawn, where there is a little apple orchard with some pretty Himalayan birch trees and a vegetable patch. There is a terrace looking out onto the garden for entertaining and relaxation in the warmer months. At the back of the house are three useful brick store rooms, in addition to a large shed in the garden. Offering a spacious and welcoming family home, Ashbourne offers a fabulous opportunity to live in a quiet area and yet be within easy reach of Sherborne town centre.

LOCATION
Dominated by its ancient Abbey and school, Sherborne is arguably one of the most attractive towns in Dorset. Numerous musical and cultural events occur throughout the year and there is a superb range of traditional shops and boutiques. The beautifully refurbished Sherborne House is a landmark destination for the arts. The two castles, one of which was home to Sir Walter Raleigh, reflect the historic nature of the town, the centre of which is designated a Conservation Area in which a policy of strict planning control operates to preserve its special character. West Dorset is well known for its unspoilt landscape and there are many pretty villages and countryside walks nearby. The Jurassic Coast is a mere twenty-five miles away at Weymouth. This stretch of coastline from Portland to Lyme Regis, with its spectacular cliffs, has recently been designated a World Heritage Site. Communications to this part of the country are excellent. From Sherborne there is a regular train service to Waterloo (approx 2 hours 15 minutes); the station is within walking distance. The A303 - linking the M3 and the M5 - is dual carriageway almost all the way, thus putting London and the West Country within a reasonable drive.

SPORTING AND RECREATION
The area is well known for its beauty and there is a network of bridleways and footpaths which cross the countryside making it ideal for walking, cycling and riding. Water sports can be found at Sutton Bingham Reservoir (near Yeovil) or on the south coast, as well as racing at Wincanton, Salisbury, Bath or Exeter and golf at various courses including Yeovil, Sherborne and Dorchester.

EDUCATION
The area is noted for its independent schools with the Sherborne Schools Group, Leweston, Perrott Hill and Hazlegrove all within easy reach. The Gryphon secondary school is highly regarded and very easily accessible.