Rew, Martinstown, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2

An exquisite family home tucked away on the edge of a picturesque and much sought-after village which has been sympathetically upgraded, set in the most delightful gardens and grounds (of approximately 5 acres) with a separate bothy and three bedroomed lodge.

THE PROPERTY
Tucked away on the fringe of the most picturesque village of Winterborne St. Martin, Rew Manor is one of the most beautiful family homes that this part of West Dorset has to offer.
Approached through a wooden gate and winding gravelled drive, first glimpses of this magical property are most impressive with its newly lime rendered facade under a pitched slate roof, with original chimneys, sash windows, and the most attractive original cast iron veranda. Justifiably Grade II listed of historical and architectural importance, the property was built by William Hawkins who owned a substantial amount of farmland and employed many of the local workers. The property does in fact sit in the remains of a medieval village, Rew referring to the ancient name for an orchard. The author Thomas Hardy stayed at Rew Manor and even painted a watercolour of the house and chestnut tree.
On first entering the property it is almost impossible not to smile, the present owners having undertaken a fastidious programme of works, with much of the hard work being discreet and retaining the character and charm of the property. It is now a perfect juxtaposition of old and new having been thoughtfully brought up to modern standards and is now ideal to suit most families' requirements.
One is immediately greeted by a large hall with pretty wooden flooring and an inglenook fireplace at the far end, a perfect welcome for guests on a cold winters' day. The hall leads into the most elegant drawing room, ideal for entertaining on a large scale, with high ceilings, original cornicing, tall French windows with original shutters, and a pretty central fireplace. This room is flooded with natural light with double doors to the far end opening out to a conservatory, the most idyllic spot for a morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine whilst taking in the beautiful countryside and watching deer trotting by, even the chance of a kingfisher hovering above the river.
To the other side of the hall is a majestic dining room, perfectly proportioned, again with a beautiful French window with original shutters and a central ornate fireplace and ornate cast iron radiator.
Just off the main hall through a beautiful archway is a further hallway with flagstone floors leading into a further reception room. This is the most lovely room and an ideal TV/snug room, with a log burner and again with high ceilings, a perfect hideaway. Alongside is yet another magical room currently used as a library and study with a wood burning stove, ornate marble fireplace, and Egyptian tiled flooring, so effective in this type of property and used for much of the ground floor. There is also a cloakroom, and many ways of accessing the beautiful gardens.
The real surprise however, especially for a house of this ilk, is the most fantastic open plan family kitchen incorporating a number of bespoke wooden units, an Aga (cream) sitting perfectly in the original fireplace, with a window seat, and plenty of room for a kitchen/breakfast table. There are attractive marble surfaces and an extra electric hob and oven. There is also a huge larder and a separate wooden staircase to the first floor. This then leads very cleverly into a fabulous breakfast/garden room, with a large roof light and plenty of room for a dining table. This exemplifies modern living, with two sets of French windows opening out to the garden and paved terrace, ideal for al fresco dining. Alongside this room is also a large utility room with access to the gardens.
The principal bedrooms are situated on the first floor with a large open landing, with an ornate wooden balustrade and tall sash windows boasting views over the gardens. The main bedroom is superb with its own pretty Victorian fireplace, an en suite bathroom and tall sash windows. Alongside is a guest bedroom, again with Victorian fireplace, fitted wardrobes, and even a secret door leading through to the family bathroom. There are three further double bedrooms, one with an en suite bathroom, and a dressing room/bedroom six. There is also a large linen cupboard, and wooden staircase down to the kitchen, ideal for children throwing down their washing after a long walk in the countryside! The accommodation does not get much better, and has been very cleverly renovated with a huge amount of flair and attention to detail.

OUTSIDE, THE BOTHY, THE LODGE
The newly laid crunchy gravelled driveway quickly alerts owners of the postman's arrival and passes the Lodge on the right-hand side. This leads up to the main house, with ample parking for guests, and a large coach house and stable block which provides garaging with two original loose boxes.
To the front of the Manor there is a pretty lawned area which is a former grass tennis court, with steps up to the driveway, and bordered by mature trees and the South Winterborne river.
A gate leads into a magical garden, a perfect suntrap, and this leads up to the most wonderful Bothy restored to a very high standard with tiled flooring, open plan kitchen and sitting area with wood burning stove, a bedroom, and shower room. This would be ideal for guests or as a holiday rental, and almost too good for teenage children. It even has its own terrace with wonderful far-reaching views. The present owners happily lived here whilst renovating the main house and found it rather difficult to leave!
At the bottom of the drive is the Lodge, a truly superb building in its own right, which is also vacant. It has a lovely kitchen and dining area, and a ground floor bedroom with a shower room. There also a sitting room with a wood burning stove. There are two bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor. Both these properties are far enough away from the main house not to encroach, and both have easy access and walks to the village and the countryside beyond, a true delight.
To the rear of the property there is a lovely walled orchard garden, awash with fragrant blossom in the spring, and in the autumn dripping in fruit; apples pears, plums, cherries, blackcurrants and peaches. The walls have trained fruit trees on them; fans and espaliers. There is an area of woodland to the west of the house, reached by a door in the walls of the orchard, and a separate building ideal for storing garden machinery. The main garden extends to approximately 1.9 acres. The paddocks lie to the east and are split in two by hedging and extend to approximately 3 acres. In total approximately 5 acres.

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

LOCATION
Rew is nestled in the beautiful Dorset countryside between the villages of Martinstown, also known as Winterborne St Martin, and Winterbourne Steepleton. Martinstown is without question one of the more favourable villages in the area, retaining an excellent range of facilities including The Brewers Arms public house, a village shop, the fine Parish Church of St Martin, and a village hall.

On the edge of Dorchester a couple of miles away is Poundbury, with a variety of independent shops & cafes, two public houses, The Poet Laureate, and The Duchess of Cornwall Inn, Poundbury garden centre and café, a small Waitrose, and the luxurious Monart Spa. Everyday life is supported with a veterinary surgery, pharmacy, a doctors' surgery and exercise studios.

The County Town of Dorchester town centre is 4 miles, with an excellent range of facilities including shops, restaurants, public houses, and Dorset County Hospital. Of particular note is the vibrant Conran-designed development at Brewery Square with its cinema, bars, restaurants and leading shops. There is a Waitrose, Tesco, and Lidl in Dorchester for everyday shopping and two railway stations with a fast regular service to London Waterloo and Bristol.