Upwey, Weymouth, Dorset

Dating from the late 17th century, FRIARS COTTAGE is a Grade II Listed village home whose charm lies in the way its historic character has been retained while the accommodation has evolved for modern life. Inglenook fireplaces, exposed timbers, and parquet flooring provide an immediate sense of age, while a later kitchen extension introduces light and volume to the rear.

The solid timber front door opens directly into the DINING ROOM, an atmospheric introduction with exposed ceiling beams, parquet flooring and a substantial Inglenook fireplace. Alongside, the SITTING ROOM continues the theme, with a second impressive Inglenook, further beams and windows to front and rear.

A further SITTING ROOM looks towards the surrounding countryside and provides additional reception space, while the STUDY/BEDROOM FOUR gives the ground floor flexibility. Presently arranged as a study, its proportions allow it to serve equally well as a double bedroom. A rear lobby provides garden access and is complemented by a CLOAKROOM.

In contrast to the older rooms, the extended KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM has a wonderfully light, open character. A vaulted ceiling and extensive glazing make the most of its orientation towards the garden, while exposed structural timbers provide a pleasing visual link with the original cottage. There is ample room for dining and informal seating, with French doors allowing life to spill naturally into the garden. The kitchen is fitted with cabinetry and solid work surfaces, together with a Rangemaster-style cooker, extractor, dishwasher and fridge/freezer.

Upstairs, exposed beams continue across the landing. There are THREE BEDROOMS, two with fitted wardrobes, together with a family BATHROOM. The principal bedroom has extensive fitted storage and an adjoining BATHROOM/EN-SUITE, which can either be used privately with the bedroom or independently as an additional bathroom.

GARDEN COTTAGE

Set apart from the main house, GARDEN COTTAGE adds another dimension. Previously successfully used for holiday letting, this detached one-bedroom cottage offers potential for an income stream, but could be equally valuable for visiting family, independent accommodation or simply as additional space alongside the main house.

The ground floor includes a CONSERVATORY/DINING ROOM, positioned to enjoy the countryside outlook and with a door opening directly into the garden. A separate KITCHEN has a built-in electric oven, sink and work surfaces, while a SHOWER ROOM provides a walk-in shower, wash-hand basin and W.C.

Fixed timber stairs rise to the first-floor BEDROOM, where the vaulted ceiling creates character beneath the roofline, with some restricted head height. A rear-facing window captures attractive views across the surrounding countryside. There is also a separate W.C., with wash-hand basin.

Its physical separation from Friars Cottage is an advantage, allowing the two properties to work independently when required without compromising the privacy of the main house.

Outside
The gardens are an integral part of the appeal, extending in all to approximately 0.44 acres and rising away from the cottage in a series of established tiers. Lawns, mature trees and shrubs create different areas in which to sit and enjoy the setting, with patios providing further opportunities for outdoor dining and entertaining.

The elevation becomes increasingly rewarding towards the upper reaches of the garden, from where there are far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside towards St Laurence's Church - a lovely reminder of the property's position within this historic village.

Two sheds and a greenhouse provide useful garden storage. Gated off-road parking for approximately two to three vehicles is approached separately from Gould's Hill, from where Garden Cottage is also accessed.

Location
Upwey is one of Dorset’s prettiest, most unspoilt villages. The property is nestled quietly within this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the valley of the Dorset Ridgeway. The River Wey meanders gently through this picturesque village, most well-known for the romantic setting of Upwey Wishing Well at The Spring Head, a favourite place of King George III. Whilst enjoying ‘village living’, it is also a practical location within proximity of the wide-ranging facilities of the seaside resort of Weymouth and the county town of Dorchester, both with good transport links. There is also a regular bus service locally and a popular cafe, The Wishing Well.

Directions
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