Old Ham Lane, Wimborne

The Lodge, Little Canford.
Asking Price: £1,100,000 | Freehold
A Rare Opportunity to Acquire One of Dorset's Finest Historic Riverside Homes

Originally constructed during the 1800s as the original Royal entrance lodge to the historic Canford Manor Estate, now home to the prestigious Canford School, The Lodge is an exceptional residence that effortlessly combines historical significance with outstanding contemporary living.

Having remained within the same family ownership since the 1950s, this remarkable home is offered to the market for the first time in over seventy years.

The current owners have sympathetically transformed and substantially improved the property, including the complete replacement of the roof structure with new felt, battens and roof coverings, while preserving the charm and character that make this home so special.

Occupying an enviable riverside position with far-reaching panoramic rural views across protected floodplain countryside, the selling agent considers the outlook to be amongst the finest in Dorset.

Whilst the River Stour forms part of this idyllic setting, it is important to note that the designated floodplain lies on the opposite side of the river, and this side has never flooded. Local knowledge suggests Bournemouth Airport's runway would have to flood before this property would ever be affected—something that has never occurred.

The property enjoys approximately 170 metres of private fishing rights, together with a private concrete landing point and steps leading directly to the river, allowing the current owners to enjoy canoeing, boating and riverside living from their own garden.

The original bridge serving the Canford Estate is now closed to through traffic, resulting in an exceptionally peaceful setting with remarkably little passing traffic.

Within approximately 250 yards is the beautifully refurbished and highly regarded Fox & Hounds public house, a favourite amongst local residents, while the historic market town of Wimborne Minster is only a short drive away.

The detached annexe has recently been granted a Certificate of Lawfulness, creating superb flexibility for multi-generational living, elderly relatives, independent family members, guest accommodation or a potential holiday let. Constructed using highly insulated SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) construction with an attractive timber-clad exterior, the selling agent believes the annexe could potentially achieve around £175 per night as holiday accommodation, subject to any necessary licensing or consents.

Accommodation

A contemporary powder-coated uPVC entrance door opens into an impressive reception hall finished with quality tiled flooring and tasteful décor. A built-in utility cupboard provides space and plumbing for both a washing machine and tumble dryer, together with an additional integrated freezer.

A stylish cloakroom features a circular granite-mounted wash hand basin, contemporary fittings and a heated towel rail.

Double opening doors lead into the magnificent principal sitting room, centred around an impressive wood-burning stove. Beautiful multi-toned timber flooring flows throughout, while full-width concertina doors open onto the rear gardens, perfectly framing the spectacular countryside beyond. A generous understairs storage cupboard provides practical storage, whilst a private staircase rises exclusively to the principal bedroom suite.

The principal suite enjoys complete privacy with its own landing area leading to a spacious bedroom fitted with an extensive range of wardrobes and enjoying breathtaking far-reaching rural views. Double opening doors with a Juliet balcony overlook the original Canford Bridge, the River Stour and surrounding countryside.

The luxurious en-suite shower room has been finished to a high standard and comprises a walk-in double shower, vanity wash hand basin with storage beneath and quality contemporary fittings.

Returning to the entrance hall, the second wing of the property begins with an elegant dining room featuring herringbone parquet flooring with decorative border, a box bay window incorporating a window seat and stunning countryside views.

A separate study provides an ideal home office and enjoys direct access onto the rear patio through powder-coated glazed doors.

The dining room flows effortlessly into the beautifully appointed kitchen, fitted with an extensive range of base and wall-mounted units incorporating pull-out storage solutions, granite work surfaces, integrated dishwasher, built-in fridge and CDA microwave. There is designated space for a Range Master-style six-burner gas cooker, whilst attractive timber flooring continues throughout.

Beyond the kitchen lies a cosy second sitting room/snug featuring a striking stone fireplace with marble hearth, inset wood-burning stove and matching timber flooring. A bay window overlooks the historic bridge, whilst the original entrance porch preserves another reminder of the property's fascinating history.

A second staircase rises to the first-floor accommodation serving the remaining bedrooms.

The beautifully appointed family bathroom comprises a Victorian-style bath with mixer tap, separate walk-in shower, marble wash hand basin and traditional heated towel rail.

Bedroom Two is an exceptionally bright double bedroom positioned within the eaves, benefiting from dual-aspect windows and magnificent countryside views.

Bedroom Three is another generous double bedroom featuring exposed timber beams and an attractive Victorian-style dormer window.

Outside

The Lodge occupies magnificent mature grounds which have been thoughtfully landscaped to complement its idyllic riverside setting. Beautiful formal lawns surround the property, interspersed with a variety of seating and entertaining areas designed to maximise the exceptional outlook.

Multiple patios together with raised timber-decked terraces provide outstanding spaces for outdoor dining and entertaining whilst enjoying uninterrupted far-reaching rural views across the River Stour and surrounding protected floodplain.

A charming feature well, established raised planting beds and beautifully maintained borders provide colour and interest throughout the seasons.

The gardens benefit from approximately 170 metres of private river frontage, complete with fishing rights and a private concrete landing point with steps leading directly to the water's edge, allowing the current owners to enjoy canoeing, boating and riverside living from their own home.

Several substantial timber-built outbuildings provide excellent storage and workshop space, whilst a dedicated parking area is currently occupied by an all-weather temporary garage. Importantly, this area has already been prepared with a substantial base designed to accommodate the construction of a large double garage, subject to any necessary consents.

To one side of the grounds lies a delightful thicket of mature woodland containing an abundance of established trees, creating an exceptional degree of privacy whilst attracting an array of local wildlife.

The detached annexe is positioned away from the principal residence, enjoying open rural views with glimpses towards the river. The property benefits from two independent vehicular entrances, allowing the annexe to operate separately from the main house if desired, making it ideal for independent family occupation or holiday accommodation.
Positioned along a picturesque country lane with exceptionally little passing traffic, The Lodge enjoys an enviable balance of peace and convenience. The renowned Fox & Hounds public house is just a short stroll away, whilst the thriving market town of Wimborne Minster offers an excellent range of independent shops, cafés, restaurants and everyday amenities within easy reach.

In the selling agent's opinion, opportunities to acquire a home of such historical importance, immaculate presentation, outstanding versatility and breathtaking riverside surroundings are exceptionally rare.