Belchalwell, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11

Charming listed Grade II farmhouse with glorious long range views and an excellent range of outbuildings ideal for equine use or a smallholding.

Description

Littlebrook Farm is centred around a quintessential Dorset cottage, likely to date to from the mid 17th century which was sympathetically extended by the current owners in circa 2005. This charming, attractive country property has characterful accommodation arranged over two floors and whilst part of the property would now benefit from appropriate refurbishment/extension, given its listed Grade II status, the setting and views certainly justify it. A covered thatched porch opens into the hall with wood burning stove, stairs to the first floor and a cloakroom. From the hall is access to a charming sitting room with impressive inglenook fireplace with Dovre wood burning stove and attractive ceiling beam. On the opposite side of the hall is the dining room with double doors to outside and attractive exposed ceiling timbers. Beyond that, the newer part of the property provides a kitchen with AGA and a pretty bay window. From the kitchen is access to a utility room and the outside. On the first floor are three bedrooms, the principal having an en suite bathroom and a dressing room/nursery or occasional bedroom four and there is a family bathroom.

Outside
The gardens around the house at Littlebrook Farm are a splendid feature. A spacious lawn with attractive beds and borders slopes gently down to a post and rail fence with paddock beyond, from which there are fine, distant and uninterrupted views to Blackmore Vale and long distant sunsets. This paddock has a field shelter and separate access to the lane. To the east, from the lane the driveway to the property splits providing access to parking by the house as well as access to the yard. In the spacious yard is a good size tractor shed (hay barn), three/four stables, tack room and store and a substantial timber framed garage block providing a large store room, garage, double open bay covered parking, as well as first floor accommodation in the form of a spacious home office. Behind the stable block is a covered Claydon horse walker. A gate from the yard leads to a smaller paddock which slopes gently down to a copse. Beyond that is a secluded wildlife garden with large pond at its centre and a pretty timber gazebo on one bank. To the east of the house and yard, with Bell Hill as the backdrop is the remainder of the land, fenced and divided into three enclosures. Close to the lane are two additional stables and there is access to water. In all the whole extends to about 7.65 acres.

Agent’s Note
The owners are not able to confirm that the septic tank is compliant with current legislation. Prospective purchasers are advised to make their own investigations and reflect this in any offers they make.

Location

Belchalwell is a pretty, rural hamlet at the foot of Okeford Hill, about two miles from the larger village of Okeford Fitzpaine to the north and Ibberton to the south.

Okeford Fitzpaine has a shop, pub and village hall, Ibberton also has the Ibberton Arms public house.

Belchalwell is situated in a designated National Landscape with access to a vast network of footpaths and bridleways that lead into the Dorset countryside.

The nearby market town of Blandford Forum has an excellent range of facilities including shops, pubs, restaurants and both Tesco and Marks & Spencer supermarkets.

The larger centres of Dorchester, Sherborne, Poole and Bournemouth are all within commuting distance.

Mainline railway services to London Waterloo run from Dorchester, Gillingham and Tisbury.

The A303, north of Shaftesbury provides access to London and the Home Counties.

Golf is available at Ashley Wood, Blandford and Rushmore Park. Sailing and water sports are available at Poole and Weymouth and along the glorious Dorset coast. Racing is at Wincanton, Bath and Salisbury. Hunting with the Portman and Blackmore Vale.

Education
The area is extremely well served for both state and private schools. Shillingstone has a primary school. Senior schooling at Sturminster Newton High School. Public schools include Sherborne School, Sherborne Girls, Leweston, Bryanston, Canford, Milton Abbey and Clayesmore. Preparatory schooling at Sunninghill (Dorchester), Hazlegrove, Perrott Hill, Port Regis, Sandroyd and Sherborne Preparatory School.

Square Footage: 1,987 sq ft


Acreage: 7.65 Acres

Directions

From Blandford Forum, take the A350 towards Shaftesbury, turning left towards Durweston, on to the A357 towards Sturminster Newton. Proceed through the village of Shillingstone, turning left into Okeford Fitzpaine shortly after the petrol station. Continue into Okeford Fitzpaine and past the church, bearing left at the junction. Take the left turn onto the higher street. Proceed up the hill ignoring the turning left to Turnworth and Winterborne Stickland, but continuing straight on. Littlebrook Farm is the first house on the right on Belchalwell Street which is on the left hand side after about 2 miles.

Additional Info

Council Tax Band E

Services
Mains electricity. Private water. Private drainage. 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.

Agent’s Note
The owners are not able to confirm that the septic tank is compliant with current legislation. Prospective purchasers are advised to make their own investigations and reflect this in any offers they make.