Swanage, Dorset

If you’re looking to live in a magnificent 18th Century country hotel style home in heart of Swanage, then this apartment definitely is the place for you. Approaching the property from a magnificent vantage point on Church Hill, the gate opens into the beautifully manicured gardens that lead up to the front door.

Stepping into an attractive storm porch, the doorway we believe to be the original to the rather grand Church Hill House. It sets the tone for what lies beyond. A LOBBY, perfectly designed for dropping off coats and boots is decorated with original panelling that flows through much of the rest of the apartment. You then step through a beautiful, glazed door into a light and spacious KITCHEN / BREAKFAST ROOM recently refurbished by local craftsmen. Original panelling and plasterwork are preserved and integrated into the recently refurbished kitchen with Quartz worktops, Belfast sink, surrounded by elegant, fitted units which include integrated fridge/freezer, oven and a microwave, induction hob, dishwasher, washing machine & tumble dryer. Our favourite part of this room is the eating area, set before towering sashed windows with cosy window seats (doubling up as additional storage) looking out across the garden.

Prepare to have your breath taken away as you step into the SITTING ROOM which is of stately proportions, high ornate ceilings, a central fireplace with stone surround and the end wall with mullioned windows reaching the full height of the room and more window seating below, a perfect vantage point to enjoy the garden, no matter the weather. The current owners have furnished it with large sofas surrounding the fire, a separate office area and a 6-seater dining table set in front of the windows. In many ways it is the detailing and finish of this home that emanates pure luxury…. the original panelling, the Farrow & Ball™ paint finishes, even the door furniture is magnificent.

From the rear of the sitting room, you enter a smart CENTRAL HALLWAY from which all sleeping areas lead off. To the left is the PRINCIPAL BEDROOM again with high ceilings and large sash window flooding the room with natural light and another perfectly designed window seat which doubles up as additional storage. Beautifully crafted built-in wardrobes offer further storage space.

From here is a contemporary ENSUITE with a walk-in shower, W.C, wash hand basin & heated towel rail, and a beautiful stained-glass window crafted specifically to replicate the one that was original here. Next to this is the SECOND BEDROOM / DRESSING ROOM. The previous owner had used this as a single bedroom for visitors, but the current owners use it as a dressing room having used the same craftsmen to install fitted wardrobes that again reflect the original features of the property. In addition to a dressing table there is another large window looking out to the rear garden. To the far end of the central Hallway is the BATHROOM which has a spacious spa like feel with large corner bath with traditional shower fittings, plenty of in-built vanity units with granite surface, W.C, radiator and additional storage cupboards.

Outside
The Purbeck stone paved path from the garden gate leads to the front door but the eyes are drawn to the scale and beauty of this historical house.

The main garden, created by a garden designer who previously lived here, is towards the front of the house, nestled below street level, and afforded privacy by established trees and planting. The design of the garden reflects the history of the house with topiary and low hedging giving structure and framing lawns and a year-round display of shrubs and flowers. There are plenty of spots to sit and drink in the warmth of the sun or sheltered nooks to avoid the hottest part of the day. A particular favourite spot to welcome each day is beneath the Tulip tree where you can look over stone rooftops towards St Marks Church below. The Purbeck stone path wraps around the apartment’s walled garden where there are two garden sheds.

A few strides from the apartment there is designated parking in a private and secure space, with the comforting sound of shingle as you drive in…even the parking has a sense of the opulence of this home.

Location
The property is on a quiet charming road that meanders down to St. Marys Church at the foot of the hill, it is just a short walk to the beach and all of the entertainment of the town. Swanage is known for the yearly calendar of festivals and an active theatre, offering live shows as well as an independent cinema. Swanage has the lovely seaside charm which harkens back to days gone by, but with the contemporary twist of superb restaurants, independent coffee houses and shops. The Purbeck Golf Club is not far, with its stunning views out across Poole harbour and the steam train from the heritage station is a great way to travel.

A favourite circuit walk from the front door is to Townsend Reserve, Durlston, the Pier and home up the High Street, with amazing coastal views along the way. In the evening the owners often walk down to the beach for fish and chips sometimes followed by an evening at The Mowlem Theatre.

Directions
Use what3words.com to navigate to the exact spot. Search using: caged.structure.buzzer