Rimpton Road, Marston Magna, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22

Ashe House is probably one of the oldest houses in the area, with parts believed to date from the 16th century. Built of stone under a thatched roof with leaded windows, the Grade II listed cottage retains a wealth of original character with exposed beams, wood panelling, window seats, deep hearths and cottage latch doors.
The impressive, arched, oak front door leads into a hall and on through a glazed door which cleverly mirrors the shape of the entrance and opens into the large and historic drawing room. This impressive space features a fine inglenook fireplace, oak panelling, exposed beams and plenty of room for sofas, occasional tables and a piano. Beyond is a study with a brick fireplace and glazed door opening to the terrace, while adjacent is the equally splendid dual aspect dining room with a large inglenook fireplace, exposed beams, leaded windows and a recessed window seat.

A side entrance leads into a lobby and through to the dual aspect kitchen/breakfast room, with tiled floor, fitted pine units offering generous storage. An oil-fired two oven AGA (cream) provides both cooking and hot water, supplemented by an oil-fired boiler, while there is a fitted eye level oven and space for a dishwasher, fridge freezer and a dining table. Cleverly hidden behind large cupboard doors is a utility area with space and connection for a washing machine and tumble dryer. Off the kitchen lies a small ground floor bedroom offering potential to enlarge the kitchen, subject to planning consent, together with a cloakroom and storage. A shower room and cloakroom off the entrance hall complete the ground floor layout.

Stairs rise to the first floor where the landing area provides good storage space in the fitted cupboards. The large and distinctive principal bedroom enjoys a triple aspect with views over the gardens and there are three further bedrooms, all with exposed beams and period detail. The bathroom includes bath, shower attachment, basin and WC, with scope to update.

OUTSIDE
The house is approached by a tarmac drive with space for several cars, leading to a double garage built of stone under a clay-tiled roof. The garage has light, power, water, an inspection pit and eaves storage. Beside it are further stone sheds and storage outbuildings along with a compost area.

The gardens are mature and beautifully arranged, with terraces, lawn, pond and an orchard. A stone terrace adjoins the house, offering a sheltered spot for entertaining. Steps lead up to the lawn from the terrace and a stone path leads to a charming sunken pond, edged in stone. Beyond is a further lawn with productive apples, bay trees and bordered by rambling roses and spindle. A shrubbery with conifers, heather, lilac and yew topiary line the drive while the front of the cottage is particularly pretty, with wisteria, lonicera hedging and dormer windows enhancing the façade.
Ashe House presents a fabulous opportunity to acquire an historic house with the potential to be upgraded to create a wonderful home in a village with a thriving community and great communication links.

LOCATION
The small village of Marston Magna comprises at its heart, mainly period houses and cottages. Community life centres around the church, village hall which hosts weekly cafés, the pub, The Marston Inn and groups such as a gardening club and WI. Nearby, Queen Camel offers a shop, café and pub, the Mildmay Arms. The surrounding area is mainly unspoilt, rolling farmland and Marston Magna is well-placed for easy access to the full range of facilities available in Sherborne or the larger commercial centre of Yeovil, as well as excellent access to the A303.

Communications have improved markedly in recent years with the upgrading of the A303 to a dual carriageway almost the whole way to London. In addition, there are mainline stations at Sherborne on the Waterloo to Exeter line or at Castle Cary on the Paddington to Penzance line. Thus, despite the rural nature of the area, London is a little over two hours away by both road and rail.

EDUCATION
The area is well served by schools. Local primaries are available in Rimpton and Queen Camel, with state secondaries in Yeovil. Independent schools are particularly strong in the area, with the Sherborne Schools Group (Sherborne School, Sherborne Girls and Sherborne Prep), Leweston, Hazlegrove, Millfield, Perrott Hill and Bryanston all within reach.

SPORTING AND RECREATION
The countryside surrounding Marston Magna provides excellent walking, cycling and equestrian opportunities. Golf is available at Yeovil and Sherborne, whilst racing is held at Wincanton, Salisbury and Bath. The Jurassic Coast lies within an hour’s drive, offering beaches, sailing and coastal walks.