Hermitage, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2

Unlike anything that has come to market in the area in recent times, this eye catching, design led and highly energy efficient house really is one of a kind. Using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), clad with cedar and forest marble and double glazed throughout, the A-rated low energy credentials of this property are enormously impressive. A mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system (MVHR) combined with integrated roof panels with battery storage, ensure the running costs of this house, completed in 2019, are about the best they can be. However, it is not just the stats and data that are eye catching here; the space has been brilliantly conceived to meet the demands of modern day living. A large living/dining Room/kitchen is the real heart of the house, with a wood burner serving as a comforting focal point and drawing one into the space. The bucolic views from here to the unmanaged neighbouring fields beyond the beautiful garden are perfectly framed by the floor to ceiling windows. An ideal space for entertaining as much as relaxing, sliding doors open seamlessly to a rear terrace allowing guests to spill out and further take in the captivating gardens. The kitchen is extremely well appointed with a large central island with wooden worktop, a range of painted units, integrated fridge, freezer, Neff ovens and dishwasher, drinks fridge, four ring induction hob with extraction, double sized stainless steel sink with boiler tap and plenty of atmospheric under cabinet lighting. The layout for the rest of the ground floor is exceedingly versatile, with an option for a guest bedroom, shower room, office, study, entrance hall and boot room.

The open staircase, providing plenty of space for hanging works of art, leads one up to the first floor galleried landing, off which a further five double bedrooms are to be found. The principal bedroom is a masterclass, set at the back of the property with the best views, dual aspect, a walk-in wardrobe and further complemented by a beautiful ensuite bathroom with twin basins, generously sized bath and shower. There is a family bathroom, shower room and a conveniently positioned laundry room. Storage throughout is excellent and access to a very large loft space is ripe for those who may wish to further extend the property or simply fill with treasures.

GARDENS AND OUTSIDE
Gravelled driveway parking for several cars leads through to a paved pathway, flanked by richly filled, deep borders and clipped Bay trees up to the front door. Curated by a highly acclaimed garden designer, the outside has been divided using various hedging, pleached trees and stone walls, into a number of rooms, providing year round colour and interest. Along with a profusion of colourful beds, highlights include a Mediterranean garden with raised summer pool, a kitchen garden providing bountiful fruit and veg, a boule court, shaded with espaliered hornbeam, and a croquet lawn. Dotted around the garden are various seating areas to make the most of the generally south-westerly orientation. A large timber shed with steel roof marries into the space well and whilst ideal simply for storage, it equally makes an excellent events space, studio, teenage hang out or party barn complete with power, water and drainage. With views to the wildflower meadow and open countryside, this really is a triumph of design and a real sanctuary to be enjoyed all year round.

LOCATION
With beautiful surrounding countryside, Hermitage is an attractive village with church, village hall and thriving community. Nearby amenities that include shops, a public house, primary school and doctors surgery can be found in the neighbouring villages of Leigh and Yetminster.
Hermitage lies between Dorchester and Sherborne. The latter with its impressive Abbey, excellent range of shops, schools, restaurants and supermarkets including Waitrose. Dorchester, the county town, has a further excellent range of facilities including the redeveloped brewery. Both towns have mainline railway connections to London Waterloo. Within about a 35-minute drive is the Dorset Jurassic coast, a World Heritage Site with the resort of Weymouth, its marina and award-winning beach and access to the picturesque south west coastal path.

SPORTING AND RECREATION
West Dorset is a beautiful area and is well known for its sporting and leisure pursuits which include golf at Bridport, Dorchester and Sherborne. Horse racing at Bath, Wincanton, Salisbury and Taunton. Art centre in Bridport with theatres in Poole, Salisbury and Bath. Water sports on the south coast at Weymouth. There are an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways from which to enjoy the surrounding countryside.

EDUCATION
Dorset is well served for schools. As well as various local primary schools there is an excellent secondary school at The Gryphon School in Sherborne and Thomas Hardy in Dorchester. Private schooling includes preparatory schools at Sherborne, Sandroyd, Perrott Hill and Sunninghill School in Dorchester. Senior schooling at The Sherborne Schools, Canford, Milton Abbey, Bryanston and Leweston.