Corfe Castle, Dorset

SCOLES MANOR is arguably set in one of the most magical locations in England, with views down the valley towards Corfe Castle, rolling countryside, and the steam train en route to Swanage.

The imposing stone doorway opens to a hallway with a flagstone floor and exposed Purbeck stone walls. To the right is the DINING ROOM, with a walk-in inglenook fireplace, windows facing West, East, and North, and ample space for grand dinners. To the left is THE SNUG, featuring another ancient inglenook, a curved staircase to the first floor, and an internal window into the inner hallway.

A door leads into the KITCHEN, centred around a traditional Aga™ and framed by exposed stone and beams. Windows look out to the gardens, duck pond, and paddocks, with a stable door to the flower-filled front garden. A door leads to a UTILITY area with a walk-in PANTRY and a sink, ideal for preparing flowers and veg. A separate W.C. is next door.

At the other end of the inner hall, artisan steps lead to THE CHAPEL — a vaulted-ceiling room with a timber floor over medieval cobbles, an ancient window, and exposed stone. A large window here perfectly frames Corfe Castle. A log-burner makes this light-filled space the principal sitting room.

Back in the snug, the original stone staircase rises past deep-set windows to a split-level landing from which all bedrooms radiate. The PRINCIPAL BEDROOM, traditionally a children’s room, features windows on three sides and is large enough to divide. A ‘Jack & Jill’ SHOWER ROOM also serves BEDROOM THREE, which has mullioned windows with countryside views. BEDROOM TWO, currently the main bedroom, enjoys views from two sides and has exposed stone from an old fireplace. At the landing’s end is the FAMILY BATHROOM and a step down to enchanting BEDROOM FOUR, another double room with spectacular views.

Next to the house is THE BOTHY, guest accommodation with a SHOWER ROOM, KITCHEN / LIVING SPACE, and SUNROOM with doors to a terrace and views of lawns, the kitchen garden, and orchard. From the kitchen, stairs rise to a SLEEPING LOFT with valley views to Corfe Castle.

Outside
Scoles Manor comes with established gardens and sits within approximately 30 acres of wider estate land comprising paddocks and bluebell woods. To say the setting is impressive is an understatement of Jurassic proportions.

The views are unencumbered by fencing or hedges, but by herds of deer. Rolling lawns frame the house and are the perfect setting for family parties and early morning coffees while breathing in the landscape that stretches before you. To the front of the Manor, a WALLED GARDEN houses an established collection of roses and cottage plants. Beyond that there is access to a charming DUCK POND. Rising behind the house are more ornamental gardens surrounded by neighbouring paddocks. The raised beds of the KITCHEN GARDEN provide cut flowers and a plentiful supply of fruit and vegetables for the house. Beyond this is the established ORCHARD, where a perfectly situated swing seat affords more birds-eye views. Scoles is not short of secret little seats perfectly positioned for hiding away for a quiet hour or two.

Location
Scoles Manor is the central gem in the crown of Purbeck and, as such, has easy access to all this peninsular has to offer. Wareham, the local market town, is unspoilt and sits on the River Frome, with two trains an hour to London Waterloo. Swanage is a thriving seaside town with gently shelving beaches, a theatre, independent shops, galleries and restaurants, and a steam train connection to Corfe Castle.

Sailing options are varied, with East Dorset Sailing Club (Poole Harbour); Swanage Sailing Club for boats up to 40 feet; and Redclyffe Sailing Club (Wareham). For mooring only, the recommendation is Lake Yard Boat Club (Poole).
Keeping horses at Scoles is perfectly feasible, but among the many local livery options is Lulworth. For spectacular coastal riding, Studland can’t be beaten.

Annually, Purbeck Art Weeks tends to run for more than a month, and Purbeck Film Festival offers the opportunity to see movies in unique locations such as the grounds of a castle, an outdoor amphitheatre, or the magnificent ‘Cathedral of Purbeck’ just minutes from Scoles Manor. In times past, Scoles has hosted ‘Jazz under the Stars’ evenings in addition to many private parties. Add to this restaurants on the waterfront or set among lakes, or even public barbeques on Studland Beach, and there are plenty of options for entertaining visiting family and friends.

Directions
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