East Orchard, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7

A modern country house of exquisite style, built by renowned building firm Mouldings, standing in an elevated rural position, with far-reaching bucolic views.

Description

SITUATION AND AMENITIES
Set in a stunning rural location between East Orchard and Hartgrove, Swainscombe Farm sits in the heart of the Blackmore Vale. The market towns of Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton are both nearby and provide an extensive range of everyday amenities and the area is also home to a selection of gastropubs and restaurants.

Further shopping and recreational opportunities can be found in Sherborne, the Cathedral City of Salisbury or in Bath. Closer to home, there are local farm shops, Messum’s Art Centre near Tisbury, Hauser & Wirth, The Newt and the vibrant market town of Bruton.

The surrounding area is renowned for its selection of well-regarded preparatory and public schools including Port Regis, Sandroyd, Hazelgrove, Bryanston, the Sherborne Schools, Clayesmore, Millfield and King’s Bruton.

Transport links provide access to destinations around the country including rail services to London Waterloo from Gillingham, arriving in approximately 2 hours and to Paddington from Castle Cary arriving in approximately 1.5 hours. The A303 is 12 miles away, providing an east/west link to the M3 for London and the M5 at Taunton (via the A358). Four airports (Southampton, Bournemouth, Bristol and Exeter) are just over 1 hour away offering connections to International and UK wide destinations.

THE PROPERTY
Swainscombe Farm is a striking and immaculately presented modern country home design and created in conjunction with the owners by Jane Taylor Design and PWCR. The property was built in 2018 by the highly regarded builders, Mouldings and the gardens carefully designed by Georgia Langton.

This exceptional property seamlessly blends the comfort and efficiency of a contemporary build with the charm, proportions and rural setting typically associated with a traditional property.
Occupying an elevated and generous plot, the house enjoys panoramic views over the rolling Dorset countryside. The layout has been thoughtfully designed to create a strong connection between the house and its surrounding gardens, offering both impressive open plan living and more intimate, functional spaces throughout. High quality finishes, abundant natural light and a wonderful sense of flow define the interiors, which extend to approximately 5,328 sq ft, arranged over two floors.

On entering, the entrance hall offers an immediate sense of space and welcome, leading the eye through to the heart of the home, an impressive galleried staircase hall topped with a striking glazed lantern. From here, access is given to the principal ground floor rooms. A cloakroom sits conveniently just off the entrance hall.
The expansive kitchen/dining room is a real centrepiece, expertly designed with a large central island, extensive bespoke cabinetry, a walk-in larder and high-spec integrated appliances. Cleverly, the main kitchen area can be concealed behind a bank of bi-fold doors when entertaining. A hidden door leads to a well appointed utility and boot room, with additional storage, a wine room and access to the rear.

A central fireplace cleverly divides the kitchen/dining room from the drawing room, allowing both spaces to be open yet defined. Each enjoys access to the terraces and gardens, making this an ideal home for entertaining. Adjacent to the drawing room is a bar, complete with a sink and refrigerator, also accessible from the inner hallway.

Off the main hall, the sitting room offers a more relaxed setting with doors opening to another garden area. A wood burning stove provides a cosy focal point and integrated and adjustable shelving includes space for a study area, ideal for working from home.

Also on the ground floor are two generous en suite bedrooms, both offering lovely views across the gardens. Upstairs, the principal bedroom suite has a walk-in wardrobe and a luxurious en suite bathroom, all enjoying superb countryside views. There is another spacious walk-in wardrobe off the en suite which is plumbed ready should an additional shower room be required.

A further double bedroom suite on this floor also benefits from stunning views over the drive and surrounding landscape.

SECONDARY ACCOMMODATION AND OUTBUILDINGS
Discreetly positioned away from the main house is a versatile detached outbuilding. This includes a one bedroom annexe and separate garden room with its own private garden, ideal for guests, staff or as a holiday let (subject to consents). A studio space, currently used as an art room, could equally serve as a home office or be incorporated into the annexe. The building also houses a garden store and plant room.

GARDENS AND GROUNDS
Swainscombe Farm is approached via a five bar electric gate and cattle grid, with a private drive dissecting the field that surrounds the house, setting a beautifully rural tone from the outset.

The gardens wrap around the house and are predominantly laid to lawn, thoughtfully divided into ‘garden rooms’ accessed from various parts of the home. Near the kitchen, a large outdoor fireplace provides a superb cooking area and evening focal point.

The lower garden features a productive vegetable garden with raised beds, a fruit cage, and greenhouse. The surrounding pasture provides further amenity space, while a belt of woodland adds privacy and natural beauty. In total, the grounds extend to approximately 14.3 acres.

Location

Shaftesbury 4.2 miles, Sturminster Newton 5.3 miles, Gillingham 7.9 miles (London Waterloo 2 hours), Tisbury 12.3 miles, Sherborne 16.2 miles, Bruton 18 miles, Castle Cary 20.5 miles (London Paddington 1.5 hours), Salisbury 26 miles. (Distances and times are approximate)

Square Footage: 6,942 sq ft


Acreage: 14.3 Acres

Directions

DIRECTIONS (SP7 0LE):

Note: The what3words coordinates take you to the top of Church Lane, a no-through road. Please follow the track south from Parsons Lane down to the cattle grid and entrance gates to the property.