Eccliffe Equestrian, Gillingham

A substantial equestrian holding extending to approximately 27 acres, incorporating an established livery yard with extensive facilities and full planning permission for two rural workers' dwellings

Eccliffe Equestrian occupies an accessible yet peaceful rural position on the outskirts of the small hamlet of Eccliffe, approximately two miles from Gillingham and five miles from Shaftesbury.

Extending to approximately 27 acres, the property comprises an established and fully operational equestrian facility, currently run as a successful livery yard. The holding provides an extensive range of equestrian infrastructure, including two arenas, one indoor 20x40 with viewing gallery and mirrors while the second is a 20x60 outdoor floodlight arena with full mirror surround, a horse walker, lunge pen, tack and feed stores, ancillary buildings, extensive parking individual paddocks.

Of particular significance is the existing planning consent for the construction of two detached dwellings, providing an exceptional opportunity to establish a substantial equestrian holding with dedicated residential accommodation.

The consent provides for a four-bedroom detached house, intended as a manager's dwelling, together with a three-bedroom detached bungalow intended as a worker's dwelling. Both properties have been carefully positioned within the existing equestrian complex and would create the opportunity for a buyer to combine a substantial private residence with staff accommodation, subject to the relevant planning conditions.

Planning reference: P/FUL/2025/01180.

The existing equestrian enterprise provides an immediate opportunity for continuation of the current livery operation, although the facilities would equally lend themselves to a private competition yard, training establishment or other equestrian enterprise, subject always to any necessary consents.

The equestrian facilities have been developed to provide a comprehensive and well organised yard, with the various stable blocks and ancillary buildings arranged around a series of accessible yards.

The principal facilities include two substantial arenas, extensive stabling, a horse walker, lunge pen and approximately 24 paddocks, together with generous areas for vehicle and horsebox parking.

The land surrounding the buildings is predominantly laid to pasture and has been divided into a number of paddocks, much of which is enclosed by a combination of post and rail, hedging and electric fencing. The arrangement provides considerable flexibility for grazing and individual turnout.

The holding benefits from particularly good access, including ample space for larger horseboxes and lorries, with generous turning areas.

The principal indoor school measures approximately 40m x 20m and has a sand and fibre surface.

The arena benefits from lighting and incorporates a viewing gallery, together with a substantial storage area. Its size and all-weather nature provide an excellent facility for schooling and training throughout the year.

A further international sized outdoor arena measures approximately 60m x 20m and also has a sand and fibre surface.

The arena benefits from floodlighting and mirrors and provides an excellent facility for schooling, training and competition use.

Additional Equestrian Facilities

Further facilities include:

* Horse walker
* Sand-based loose schooling/lunge pen
* Approximately 24 paddocks
* Extensive horsebox and lorry parking
* Generous turning areas
* Enclosed muck storage area
* Tack and feed storage
* Workshop facilities
* Multiple stable yards
* Floodlighting
* Viewing gallery
* Ancillary office and staff facilities

Stable Block 1 comprises a substantial barn incorporating 10 large stables.

Stable Block 2 provides a further eight large stables together with a dedicated tack room.

Stable Block 3 comprises seven stables of varying sizes, together with a further tack room.

Stable Block 4 is arranged around an enclosed yard and provides seven timber-built stables and an additional tack room.

Stable Block 5 comprises a further barn with three stables and associated tack facilities.

A substantial ancillary building close to the entrance provides a riders' lounge/day room with adjoining kitchen, office and cloakroom. The building also provides access to a workshop, tack room, feed room and three additional storage rooms.

A further workshop building provides useful workspace together with a large store area to the rear.

Two additional detached stable units complete the range of equestrian buildings.

The overall arrangement provides an impressive level of accommodation for an established equestrian business, while also offering considerable scope for alternative equestrian uses, subject to any required planning consents.

The land is principally pasture and has been divided into a number of individual paddocks, providing extensive grazing and turnout immediately adjoining the equestrian

The planning permission is subject to an agricultural/equestrian occupancy condition. In broad terms, occupation of the approved dwellings is restricted to persons solely or mainly employed, or last employed prior to retirement. Prospective purchasers are advised to make their own enquiries with the Local Planning Authority and to satisfy themselves fully in respect of the planning permission, conditions and permitted uses.

Planning reference: P/FUL/2025/01180.

Eccliffe is a small rural hamlet situated between Gillingham and Shaftesbury, surrounded by attractive countryside and farmland.

Despite its rural setting, the property enjoys excellent communication links. Gillingham is approximately two miles away and provides a comprehensive range of everyday amenities together with a mainline railway station offering direct services to London Waterloo.

Shaftesbury, approximately five miles away, is an historic market town positioned on the Dorset/Wiltshire border and provides a good range of independent shops, restaurants, public houses and everyday services.

The A303 is approximately four miles from the property, providing access towards London and the West Country, while the A350 provides convenient north-south communications.

Yeovil is approximately 17 miles, Salisbury 25 miles, Bath approximately 31 miles and London is approximately 114 miles on.

Gillingham mainline station provides direct rail services to London Waterloo, with journey times of approximately two hours.

Bournemouth International Airport is approximately 35 miles away, with Bristol International Airport approximately 40 miles.

Independent schools within the wider area include Sandroyd, Port Regis, Bryanston and Clayesmore, while a number of primary schools are available in the surrounding towns and villages.

Gillingham provides secondary education, with further educational establishments available in Shaftesbury and the surrounding area.

Gillingham provides a useful range of everyday amenities, including supermarkets, independent shops, public houses, restaurants and professional services, together with its mainline railway station.

Shaftesbury offers a broader selection of independent retailers, cafés, restaurants and cultural facilities and is particularly well known for its historic character and elevated position overlooking the surrounding Blackmore Vale.

For a more extensive range of shopping, leisure and cultural facilities, Salisbury and Bath are both readily accessible.

The surrounding countryside provides an excellent setting for riding, walking and cycling, with numerous quiet lanes and bridleways in the wider area.

The Dorset and Somerset countryside is also well suited to a variety of country pursuits, while sailing and water sports are available along the Dorset coast.

Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with the selling agents.

Tenure: Freehold