Higher Clatcombe, Sherborne, DT9

''Just you and the view' is what springs to mind when you enter Ambrose Hill Lodge. The panoramic views over open countryside to the hills beyond, are extraordinary and can be enjoyed from all the principal rooms, providing the most peaceful and idyllic setting for this five-bedroom detached house. Situated in an elevated position, just a few minutes' drive from Sherborne, Ambrose Hill Lodge affords much privacy and has the benefit of a south facing garden, a paddock and a heated outdoor swimming pool. Built in the early 1930s, the house has been extended over the years and now comprises spacious, well-proportioned accommodation, which is double-glazed, and provides plenty of light, and space, ideal for the growing family. During the current owner's tenure, a programme of improvements has been carried out; the windows to the front of the house have been replaced. Solar panels have been added, generating an average income of £759.00 per annum. The kitchen and utility room were separated creating a more useable space. The electricity circuit board was updated, the loft insulated and the garden room redesigned. Outside, the gardens were completely landscaped. The pool area was repaved and enclosed, plus a new pool heating system added. Additionally, planning permission was sought and granted for a double carport, shed and second driveway. The house is entered via an enclosed porch which opens to the entrance hallway, off which are the principal downstairs rooms, all of which benefit from the fabulous views. Of particular note is the impressive sitting room with French doors to the paved terrace. A working fireplace provides a central focal point and ensures a cosy atmosphere. Either side are recessed, back lit alcoves, one of which is shelved, with cupboards below. This lovely room is just perfect for entertaining, yet light the fire and draw the curtains and it becomes a welcoming retreat. To the west side of the house and accessed from the sitting room, is the garden room, the ideal place to while away the afternoon with a book. French doors lead to the garden. Back to the hallway, off which is the snug/dining room with recessed arched shelved niches with cupboards below. Glazed doors lead to the kitchen/breakfast room, with a canted bay and window seats affording the most spectacular views. This room is very much the heart of the home, where everyone will want to gather. There is even a two oven Aga (oil) to keep you warm. A good range of base and wall mounted painted timber cabinetry, including a central island provides excellent storage. Integrated appliances include a Hotpoint ceramic hob and Neff oven, plus an under counter refrigerator. In addition, there is ample room for a large table and chairs, perfect for family suppers. French doors lead to the terrace. Further doors lead back to the hallway and also to the spacious double aspect utility room with front and rear doors. Floor mounted boiler, and ample space and connection for a refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer. A further range of wall and base units with inset butler sink provide additional storage space. Off the hallway is a discreet cloakroom and a useful shelved store with built in wine rack. Stairs rise to the first floor, where there are five bedrooms, all of which have super far-reaching views. The principal bedroom is particularly spacious with its walk-in wardrobe, dressing room, currently with a built-in bed with storage cupboards beneath, and ensuite bathroom. Bedroom two, which is double aspect, also with an ensuite, has the benefit of a roof terrace from which to enjoy the impressive views. Also on this floor are three further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Ambrose Hill Lodge is approached from the lane to a driveway with private parking and single garage with up and over door. The gardens, which are completely enclosed by mature native hedging and fencing are to the south west of the property. Immediately abutting the rear of the house is a paved terrace which runs the entire length, and is ideal for outside entertaining whilst taking in the commanding views. Steps lead down to a lower terrace, providing the perfect spot for evening drinks and to catch the last of the sun. Adjacent are raised beds bordered by a low stone wall, planted with an array of flowering plants and shrubs, including alliums, lupins, choisya and weigela to name but a few, which provide colour and cover for much of the year. From here an area of lawn extends down to the outdoor pool area, where there is an impressive magnolia tree, a pool house with filtration system and timber changing room. Indian sandstone paving surrounds the pool, the whole of which is enclosed by timber trellis fencing, adorned with climbing roses and entered via double gates with timber pergola over. A strip of lawn continues alongside the pool area through a further gate to the lower lawned garden where there is a selection of mature, carefully curated trees, including a copper beech, acacia, wild cherry and a horse chestnut which provide definition and shade. Additionally, there is a substantial timber shed with planning permission granted for an open fronted two bay carport and shed, plus a second driveway, where an existing timber gate leads to the lane. See reference, Dorset Council WD/D/14/002745. Adjoining the bottom of the garden is a paddock, with water trough, the whole being completely fenced. To the rear of the garage is a discreetly sited oil tank. Adjacent is a timber side gate which leads to the front of the house. There is outside lighting, power sockets and tap. The lasting impression is of a peacefully situated family house with the most fabulous uplifting views in a very convenient location. Ambrose Hill Lodge is quietly set in an elevated position, off a country lane just beyond Sherborne Golf Club. Close by is the village of Sandford Orcas, which has the Mitre Inn public house, a village hall and church. Just a few minutes' drive away is the Abbey town of Sherborne, arguably the most attractive town in Dorset. Numerous musical and cultural events occur throughout the year and there is a superb range of traditional shops, boutiques and amenities. The two castles - one of which was home to Sir Walter Raleigh - reflect the historic nature of the town. West Dorset is well known for its unspoilt landscape and there are many pretty villages and countryside walks nearby. The Jurassic coast is a mere twenty miles away at Weymouth. This stretch of coastline, from Portland to Lyme Regis, with its spectacular cliffs, has been designated a World Heritage Site. Communications to this part of the country are excellent. From Sherborne there is a regular train service to Waterloo in about 2 hours 15 minutes. The A303 (linking with the M3) is a dual carriageway almost the whole way to the M3, thus putting London within about two hours' drive. Bristol and Exeter Airports are both within an hour's drive, offering connections to international destinations. The area is noted for its independent schools including Sherborne Prep School, Sherborne Boys' and Girls' schools, Hazlegrove at Sparkford, The Bruton Schools and Millfield in Street. The Gryphon School (secondary) in Sherborne, and Trent Primary School are both highly rated and are within easy reach. Racing at Wincanton, Bath, Taunton and Salisbury. Water sports on the Dorset coast or on Sutton Bingham reservoir just south of Yeovil. Walking and riding in the attractive surrounding countryside.