Long Street, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2

A most attractive Grade II listed period property, recently upgraded to a very high standard, situated in the heart of the most picturesque village of Cerne Abbas

THE PROPERTY
Situated in the heart of one of West Dorset's most picturesque and popular villages, first glimpses of The Old Manse are most impressive with its most attractive façade constructed of red brick under a mansard slate roof.
The property is perfectly set back from the main high street and approached via an ornate metal gate and rail and pretty stone path. This wonderful property is very much pride of place within the village and is often referred to as the prettiest house in the village which is quite an accolade! Dating back to 1740 and justifiably Grade II listed of architectural and historical importance, the property is a perfect juxtaposition of old and new. On first entering the property there is a real sense of charm, space, and light, the property having undergone a fastidious programme of works by the present owners during their 13 years of occupancy. You are immediately greeted by a beautiful reception room with wooden flooring, high ceilings, and a pretty central fireplace and wood burning stove.
Alongside is a lovely drawing room, perfectly proportioned, with a central wooden fireplace with wood burning stove, and large sash windows with views over the delightful front garden.
The real surprise however, and so rare for a property of this age and type, is the most incredible open plan family kitchen which is quite simply ‘as good as it gets.’ To one end is a dining area with plenty of room for a large dining table. There is a large and most attractive island with a wooden surface along with a breakfast bar. There are a number of attractive wall and base units with built-in appliances, and an electric range cooker with an induction hob. To the far end is a very comfortable window seat, an ideal place to sit and read the morning papers. The kitchen has modern bi folding doors opening out to the incredible garden and large paved terrace.
At one side of the kitchen is a laundry room, cloakroom and large pantry cupboard. At the other end is a very good sized utility/boot room with direct access to the front and rear gardens, ideal for kicking off boots and coats after a long walk with the dogs.
The principal bedrooms are situated on the first floor, with two beautiful bedrooms including a very good-sized main bedroom with a superb en suite shower room. It has a very attractive Georgian fireplace and tall sash windows boasting stunning views over the village and countryside beyond. Also on this floor is a large family bathroom, designed with a huge amount of flair and attention to detail even with the exposed stone wall which is such a lovely feature.
On the second floor are two further double bedrooms and a WC, ideal for children and guests. The views from up here are worth a special mention.

OUTSIDE
To the front of the house is a lawned area with metal railings and well stocked borders, and to the rear is the most magical garden which has been lovingly and very cleverly landscaped by the present owners. It is the pride of the village Open Garden Scheme, and it is not difficult to see why. There is a large paved terrace and stone steps leading up to the main gardens with a lawned area interspersed with well and carefully stocked borders. There is also a greenhouse and stone outbuilding. A very productive Bramley apple tree sits alongside a carefully placed paved terrace, ideal for al fresco dining and even with views over one of West Dorset's prettiest churches. The garden is a true utopia for children and animals and is an absolute delight.
There is convenient on street parking to the front of the house and a separate garage with an EV charger.

All in all, this is a truly fantastic property in an idyllic yet very convenient location.

LOCATION
The conservation village of Cerne Abbas lies within the unspoilt Dorset Downs within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village itself has a vibrant community feel and an excellent range of facilities including a village shop and Post Office, three public houses, a first school, and doctors' and dispensing surgery. It also has the fine parish Church of St Mary, medieval abbey ruins and its famous Cerne Abbas Giant carved into the chalk hillside. There is a regular bus service to both Sherborne and Dorchester.

The village of Cerne Abbas lies just east of the A352, and is just under 8 miles north of the county town of Dorchester with its excellent range of facilities. Of particular note is the Conran-designed development at Brewery Square with its cinema, bars, restaurants and leading shops. There is a Waitrose and Tesco in Dorchester for everyday shopping, as well as the Dorset County Hospital.

Up the valley in the other direction is the busy abbey town of Sherborne. Both towns have mainline railway stations with a fast regular service to London Waterloo.