Powerstock, Bridport, Dorset, DT6

Most handsome listed Grade II former farmhouse, with converted barn providing ancillary accommodation on the edge of this most sought after village.

Description

Lower Townsend Farm was last on the open market in 1957 and has remained in the same family since - given its charm and character that is no surprise. The property is nestled off Dugberry Hill, just a short distance from the centre of the village. The main house is listed Grade II and thought to date back to the early 17th century, with typically early Georgian elevations of dressed stone, with stone mullion windows now under a slate roof, but most likely thatched at one point. The accommodation is arranged over two floors and has been extended in later years now providing spacious accommodation and retaining some attractive period features.

On the ground floor is a spacious sitting room with stone fireplace and wood burning stove, a splendid large family kitchen with part vaulted ceiling and AGA range cooker, a dining room with flagstone floor, fireplace and doors to the terrace, a boot room and large bathroom complete the ground floor accommodation. On the first floor there are five bedrooms, one with en suite and a further shower room.

The Barn
In 2016 listed building consent was approved for the conversion of the old barn at Lower Townsend which now provides superb ancillary accommodation incorporating a charming well-appointed kitchen with characterful white washed stone walls, beyond which is a fabulous double height sitting room, again with stone walls, minstrels’ gallery and wood burning stove. Double doors open into a garden room used for dining with lovely views out over the garden. Steps lead up from the kitchen to a double bedroom with en suite. On the first floor is a further double bedroom, a shower room and the gallery.

Outside
The house is approached from the lane where a private drive leads down to the front of the house and provides parking together with access to the stable yard. A wisteria climbs up the front elevation of the main house and a stone wall encloses a southerly facing terrace. In front of the barn is a level lawn with mature shrubs and trees and a Beech hedge screens the lower paddock with access from the yard. To the rear of the house is a large terrace with stone retaining wall and steps leading up to a large area of lawn with maturing specimen trees and a mature hedge screens the lane, to which there is access at the top of the garden. On the opposite boundary a panelled fence provides a screen from a private area of garden for the barn, itself being mostly laid to lawn and with an area of hardstanding for parking. A pair of tall wooden gates provides the boundary between the garden and the stable yard in which there is a useful area of hardstanding, traditional and modern buildings incorporating five stables (including foaling box), store room, feed shed, wash room with plumbing, heated tack locker, covered wash down area and up the track a horse walker. This track continues to the top of the property, where there is a mature Copse with glorious southerly views over the village towards the church tower and past the bulk of the land, currently divided into four enclosures. The Barn Conversion and Stables benefit from their own separate access which could also provide a secondary income if required. On the northern boundary of the property lies the manege (40m x 20m) and an independent private access higher up onto Dugberry Hill.

Location

Lower Townsend Farm is in an enviable edge of village position in what is undeniably one of Dorset’s loveliest villages.

Powerstock is just five miles from the vibrant Georgian market town of Bridport, but does feel delightfully rural, being surrounded by glorious countryside that has changed little for centuries and falling within a formally designated National Landscape owing to its beauty and character.

Within the village are many attractive period stone cottages and houses, together with the historic church of St Mary the Virgin and the renowned Three Horse Shoes public house.

On a hill at the edge of the village are the Motte and Bailey earthworks of an old Norman castle.

Two miles to the south-east is the great Iron Age Hill fort of Eggardon from where there are breath taking views over to the sea.

Bridport has a twice weekly market and an excellent range of facilities including many independent shops, coffee houses and supermarkets including Waitrose, Morrisons and Co-op.

A short drive away is Burton Bradstock on the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage site.

The county town of Dorchester has a mainline railway station to London Waterloo.

There is State schooling at Powerstock Primary school and Sir John Colfox, Bridport. Private schools include Bryanston, Canford, Milton Abbey, Clayesmore, Leweston, Sherborne and Sherborne School for Girls. Prep schools include Port Regis, Sandroyd, Hanford, Bryanston Prep and Clayesmore Prep.

Square Footage: 2,787 sq ft


Acreage: 4.88 Acres

Directions

From Bridport take the A3066 road signposted to Beaminster. After approximately one mile turn right, signposted to Powerstock. Bearing left proceed through Mangerton and West West Milton, towards Powerstock. On reaching the village drive up school hill and bear left into Dugberry Hill. Lower Townsend Farm is on the left hand side after about 150 yards.

Additional Info

Council Tax Band Farmhouse E
Council Tax Band Barn D

Mains electricity. Mains drainage. Private water system. Oil fired central heating. Please note that the working condition of any of the services or kitchen appliances has not been checked by the agents but at the time of taking particulars we were informed they were all in working order.