Swanage, Dorset

If you are seeking gracious living in a larger period family home close to the sea, this is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a light-filled house ready for the next family to make their own.

Stepping through the front door, an impressive and spacious RECEPTION HALL welcomes you. With a large window to one side and a grand staircase tucked to another, this is the heart of the home from which all rooms lead. It is easy to imagine a grand hall table at its centre, with plenty of space to tuck coats and buggies neatly around the corner.

The SITTING ROOM is large in scale, one window to the side and floor-to-ceiling glazed doors looking out to the garden that rises beyond. A period Minster fireplace forms the heart of the room, and it is easy to imagine generations of families gathered here on winter evenings. In summer, the family would have spilled outside to the gardens where children played beneath the apple trees.

To the right of the hallway, the DINING ROOM offers another generously proportioned space with its own working fireplace. This elegant room is beautifully proportioned for family dinners and benefits from double doors opening into a light-filled CONSERVATORY, stylishly doubling this space for entertaining larger gatherings or simply relaxing in the sunshine away from the hustle of the family home. The conservatory has an additional set of exterior double doors that open directly to the front garden, creating an alternative opportunity to enjoy the gardens and also a less formal entrance for guests.

Returning to the hallway, a short corridor leads to further rooms. A door opens to the GUEST CLOAKROOM, fitted with W.C. and wash hand basin, and naturally lit by a window. Also just off the passage is the BREAKFAST ROOM, which retains many original features including a chimney breast, a traditional ceiling-hung clothes airer, and the charming bell system once used to summon household staff. This room in turn leads through to the KITCHEN — a large, bright space with ample room for a kitchen table, generous work surfaces, and windows that fill the room with natural light. From the kitchen sink, there are delightful views toward the fruit trees, and an arched door opens directly into the garden. Branches of the fig tree are almost with grasp of the kitchen sink!

Returning to the hallway, a wide staircase flooded with natural light leads up to a spacious landing from which all rooms radiate, and again a large picture window floods this space with natural light. The PRINCIPAL BEDROOM is of impressive proportions and still retains a sense of opulence, fitted with ample wardrobes and featuring a run of windows overlooking the garden. BEDROOM TWO, accessed via its own short passage, and is another large double enjoying garden views. The FAMILY BATHROOM retains traditional styling and offers excellent proportions, with a separate W.C. alongside.

Toward the front of the house, BEDROOMS THREE AND FOUR are both double in size, each with its own character and charm. Bedroom Four has a distinctive round porthole window offering another unique outlook. The generous landing provides enough space to accommodate an additional staircase if future owners wished to convert the very large loft area for further accommodation.

Outside
To the front of the property there is PLENTIFUL PARKING for several vehicles, framed by attractive lawns and established planting. Steps lead up to the double doors that open into the conservatory, and a wide driveway runs along the side of the house to the original GARAGE, providing easy access and additional storage.

The mature rear garden is a particular feature of the home, beautifully laid out with established fruit trees, flowering shrubs and lawns. A GREENHOUSE sits tucked to one side, making the most of the sun, while at the top of the garden a large SHED enjoys views across the lawn towards the house.

Location
Merrileas is within easy walking distance of the beach, town centre and well-regarded local schools, including St Mary’s Primary School and The Swanage School.

The town, just a few minutes’ stroll away, offers not only blue flag beaches and access to the Jurassic Coast, but also an impressive variety of pubs serving traditional Sunday roasts, fresh fish and chips, artisan bakeries, pastry shops and chocolatiers. Add to that a smorgasbord of galleries, antique shops and independent retailers, and it’s easy to see why Swanage is such a beloved coastal destination. At the heart of the town stands The Mowlem Theatre, offering cinema screenings and live performances throughout the year.

For those seeking activity, Swanage Bay provides a wide range of water sports, including sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding. The tennis courts, bowling green, pitch & putt and rugby, cricket and football grounds are all just a stroll away.

For longer walks, the proximity to Ballard Down offers stunning countryside routes to Corfe Castle and Studland. Alternatively, a regular bus service from just outside the house provides easy access to Poole, Bournemouth and Studland.

Set slightly back from the town’s vibrant summer activity, Merrileas offers the convenience of a seaside location with peace and privacy year-round.

Directions
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