Studland, Dorset

Styled with contemporary imagination and tailored to an exacting standard, this hidden gem sits within private gardens while enjoying rural views and, from some rooms, glimpses out to sea. Tucked away within one of Studland’s most sought-after locations, the house combines elegant entertaining spaces with practical family living, all wrapped within beautifully landscaped grounds.

Stepping through the front door, an airy PORCH provides ample space for guests to remove coats and shoes before entering the impressive HALLWAY. Light and airy, with a dramatic double-height ceiling, the hallway curves gently around the heart of the home, creating a wonderful sense of space and flow between the principal rooms. There is extensive built-in storage including fitted wardrobes, a useful plant room and a guest W.C.

Straight ahead lies the magnificent ORANGERY and KITCHEN / LIVING SPACE, undoubtedly the heart of the home. A dream kitchen for enthusiastic cooks and, equally, the perfect place to linger with a glass of wine for those less inclined towards culinary activity, this remarkable room was crafted by David Salisbury and is exceptional in both scale and design.

The KITCHEN occupies one end of the orangery, with extensive cabinetry, generous preparation areas and a substantial entertaining space beyond. Integrated appliances include a Bosch™ dishwasher beside the sink; induction hob with extractor above and Neff™ oven beneath; and a second Neff™ microwave / grill / oven positioned above an additional full-size Neff™ oven and warming oven. There is also an integrated, full-height Bosch™ fridge and matching freezer. Nearby, the utility room provides a further sink and additional AEG™ fridge, ensuring the house is exceptionally well equipped for large-scale entertaining.

Beyond the kitchen, the ORANGERY opens into a magnificent LIVING SPACE beneath a glazed roof, currently arranged with large comfortable sofas and a sizeable dining table. Underfloor heating creates warmth and comfort throughout the year, while the sunny southerly aspect floods the room with natural light.

Double doors connect effortlessly with the gardens. To one side, they open onto a sheltered terrace ideal for morning coffee, while to the other, they lead to an outdoor dining area perfect for summer entertaining. To the front, further doors open directly onto the rolling lawns, creating a seamless year-round relationship between inside and outside living.

Returning to the hallway, the relaxing SITTING ROOM provides a more intimate retreat. A fireplace with modern wood burner forms a cosy focal point during the winter months, while French doors connect directly with the outdoor dining terrace.

Adjacent is the STUDY, a wonderfully peaceful room with windows on two aspects. Currently arranged with a desk positioned before a large picture window, it enjoys charming views across the paddock where ponies occasionally wander past.

Also on the ground floor is BEDROOM FIVE, a bright, sunny room overlooking the gardens and benefitting from plentiful space for storage. Across the passage lies a surprisingly spacious BATHROOM complete with underfloor heating, walk-in rain shower and sculptural Agape-style bath, creating something akin to a private spa within the home.

Returning to the dramatic double-height hallway, stairs rise to a spacious galleried LANDING, a delightful seating area in its own right. A bespoke fitted airing / linen cupboard lines one wall.

To the left lies the PRINCIPAL BEDROOM, a beautifully proportioned room enjoying a dual aspect. The larger window overlooks the gardens, while a second offers glimpses across the surrounding countryside. Extensive fitted wardrobes run along one wall, with matching double wardrobes (mirrored within bedroom two) opposite.

Towards the front of the house is BEDROOM TWO, another generous double with windows on two elevations. Filled with natural light, it enjoys attractive views through the trees towards Studland Beach and Poole Harbour.

Returning to the landing, the FAMILY SHOWER ROOM is fitted with a walk-in rain shower, wash basin and W.C., all finished in a contemporary style.

Beyond are two further bedrooms, both of excellent proportions. BEDROOM THREE enjoys pleasant views across the gardens and offers ample space for visiting family and guests, while BEDROOM FOUR continues the theme of light-filled accommodation and, with double fitted storage, could equally serve as a hobby room, children’s bedroom or additional study.

Throughout the first floor is a wonderful sense of calm and space. Large windows frame views of gardens, countryside and distant coastline, while the thoughtful use of fitted storage and high-quality finishes creates accommodation that is both elegant and practical for modern living.

Outside
Approaching along School Lane, it would be easy to pass The Old Vicarage tucked quietly away behind its mature trees and established banks. Hidden from view, the property enjoys a remarkable sense of privacy yet, beyond this leafy frontage, the house occupies an elevated position, enjoying sunshine throughout the day and delightful views across its gardens and the surrounding landscape.

A DRIVEWAY rises gently to a generous parking area which looks out across a charming paddock, creating an immediate sense of openness despite the secluded setting.

A particularly admired feature is the impressive CAR BARN, constructed in a traditional timber-frame style and providing covered parking alongside an EV charging point. To one side is a substantial STORE ROOM and, above, a useful ATTIC STORAGE SPACE offers further practical storage and flexibility.

The GROUNDS surrounding the house are wonderfully varied, combining colourful gardens, woodland glades and areas of pasture to create a landscape that constantly reveals new corners to explore. There are sunny terraces for entertaining, shady seating areas tucked among mature planting, productive fruit and vegetable gardens, and a charming network of winding paths connecting the different spaces.

To one side of the house, a gate opens into a practical STORAGE AREA currently used for golf clubs, buggies, bicycles and beach equipment, alongside a separate log store. From here, a rose-covered archway leads through to the principal south-facing lawn, bordered by mature shrubs, specimen planting and colourful flower beds.

Positioned on either side of the orangery are two well-arranged terraces. One serves as an outdoor dining area directly linked to the orangery and sitting room, while the other occupies a more secluded position, creating a sheltered sun trap ideal for morning coffee or quiet afternoons.

A further rose-covered arch leads into the KITCHEN GARDEN, where mature fruit trees stand alongside raised beds used for vegetables and flowers supplying the house. From here, there are charming views across Studland’s thatched rooftops towards Ballard Down, a perspective that few are fortunate enough to enjoy.

A gate opens to a neighbouring woodland copse, where winding paths meander gently towards the village and, perhaps fittingly for a former vicarage, to the beautiful 11th-century church.

Location
The beaches are undoubtedly a major draw. Studland Bay stretches for miles, offering safe sandy beaches ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and family days by the sea. Children can spend hours exploring rock pools, building sandcastles and spotting wildlife, while adults can enjoy beach cafés, coastal walks and spectacular sunsets over Old Harry Rocks.

Walking opportunities are exceptional. Direct access to the South West Coast Path provides miles of spectacular cliff-top and coastal walks, while the surrounding National Trust heathland offers gentler routes through woodland, dunes and open countryside. Popular walks include Old Harry Rocks, Ballard Down, Agglestone Rock and Corfe Castle, all within easy reach.

For golfers, there are several highly regarded courses nearby:

- Isle of Purbeck Golf Club is less than five minutes away and enjoys some of the finest coastal views of any course in Britain.
- Parkstone Golf Club and Broadstone Golf Club are both within approximately 30 minutes and are consistently ranked amongst England’s leading heathland courses.

Sailing enthusiasts are equally well served:

- Studland Watersports provides sailing, paddleboarding and watersports opportunities.
- Swanage Sailing Club offers an active sailing community.
- Parkstone Yacht Club and Royal Motor Yacht Club provide access to Poole Harbour, one of Europe’s largest natural harbours and a superb cruising destination.

Horse riding remains popular throughout Purbeck. Studland offers direct access to bridleways and open countryside, while nearby liveries and riding facilities provide opportunities for both casual riding and horse ownership. Beach rides and coastal hacking routes are available in the wider area and considered some of the most scenic in southern England.

For visiting family and friends, the area offers an exceptional range of activities and attractions. The historic ruins of Corfe Castle are just a short drive away, while steam train journeys on Swanage Railway provide a wonderfully nostalgic way to explore Purbeck. There are also numerous adventure parks, cycling routes and watersports opportunities nearby. Boat trips (perfect for dolphin-spotting) depart from both Poole and the seaside town of Swanage, which also offers theatres, galleries, independent shops and an excellent selection of cafés and restaurants

The social life in Studland and Purbeck is often underestimated. There is a strong village community, with clubs, events, church activities, gardening groups and seasonal gatherings. The nearby villages of Corfe Castle, Harmans Cross and Langton Matravers also host village fêtes, arts events and local markets throughout the year.

For those with cultural interests, Purbeck Art Weeks, Purbeck Valley Folk Festival and Purbeck Film Festival provide a programme of exhibitions, performances and events that attract visitors from across the country.

Ultimately, what makes Studland so appealing is the balance it offers. It combines the peace and beauty of a coastal village with easy access to golf, sailing, walking, riding, restaurants, culture and family activities, all within one of the most celebrated landscapes in Britain..

Directions
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