Dunns Lane, Iwerne Minster, Blandford Forum, DT11

AN OUTSTANDING NEW HOUSE THAT BLENDS CLASSICAL STYLES WITH ULTA-MODERN TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION IN A GLORIOUS VILLAGE SETTING Surely ranking among the finest new homes built in Dorset for some years, Long Acre is a gracious and elegant house constructed to a classical design but using contemporary technics and a truly impressive specification. The authentic Regency design by Peter Thompson Architects has been executed in hand made brick and hand knapped flint under a typical shallow pitched slate roof with wide eaves, that among other things incorporates 7kwh of unobtrusive recessed solar panels. The classical design theme is continued inside where tall locally made hardwood sash windows let light into beautiful reception areas with equally tall 11' ceilings. The magnificent entrance hall features a unique cantilever staircase and wherever possible local craftsman and materials have been used to complete this fabulous project. Although the design and feel of the house is classical, when it comes to technical specification, it is everything but restrained. For heating, lighting and insulation the designers have incorporated leading-edge technology and the latest systems. The house has an energy rating of 93 (max.100). Dual air source heat pumps are complemented by a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system, integral solar panels and the highest levels of insulation possible. Which all go to make this large and very comfortable house, surprisingly efficient and economical to run. Inside the architect's classical themes are obvious, the graceful entrance hall has its own fireplace and opens into a generous drawing room on one side and two smaller reception rooms on the other side that are currently a bar and a study but could easily be merged back into a second formal reception room. The magnificent open plan kitchen is a nod to more current design with a breakfast area and a dining or living area. Brookmans by Smallbone of Devizes designed and built the kitchen and the separate utility room. Upstairs there are four generous double bedrooms including a master bedroom suite with a spectacular bathroom with a copper slipper bath and walk-through shower, a guest bedroom suite and two further bedrooms with a large family bathroom. Again, the design and specification of the bathrooms is of the highest quality. We have provided separate specification schedule to give you a proper overview of the structure of the house, services, kitchen and bathrooms etc. and the attention to detail and thought processes do not stop here. Beyond the kitchen there is a fabulous pool room, shower room and gym (or another office/study) which also incorporates the technical plant room for the whole house. Outside, a clever landscape design with some thoughtful early planting means the gardens around Long Acre are already starting to mature and provide an attractive setting for the house. To the front a short tarmac drive leads up onto a gravel forecourt which is a lovely approach to the house and continues round to an oversize double garage with automatic doors and a secure workshop and storage area. Beyond the drive the garden is largely south facing so enjoys the sun throughout the day and has the most lovely view over the village roof tops with Preston Hill to the east and Hambledon Hill to the west. An already maturing hornbeam hedge provides shade across the terrace which has French doors from the kitchen and a walkway across to the swimming pool. Beyond this a large area of gently sloping garden has recently been planted as a wildflower meadow and is surrounded by a rebuilt garden wall. The garden extends to just over an acre, and for a central village location it is very private and there is still plenty of opportunity for the new owner to exercise their landscaping and garden design skills. Surrounded by lovely Dorset countryside straddling two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Iwerne Minster is the model of a picturesque English village with a fascinating history. It still retains a busy pub The Talbot, an excellent village shop, café and post office, an historic church, and a memorial hall and village club which between them host many well supported associations and events. Further afield there are plenty of opportunities to watch sport, play tennis or golf and enjoy water sports, the south coast being less than ½ hour away at Poole Harbour, Studland and along Dorset's famous Jurassic Coast. All the other amenities you need including doctors, dentists and a local hospital are nearby in Blandford, which also boasts an M&S food hall, Tesco and Lidl superstores. Wider communication links around Iwerne Minster are excellent. The business centres along the coast from Poole and Bournemouth through to Southampton are all within reasonable driving distance via the A31, which links to the M27 and M3 up to London. The A303/M3 provides an alternative route to London and the most convenient railway station is probably Gillingham, which has a regular service to London Waterloo. Southampton and Bournemouth airports are also close by. This part of Dorset has become popular because of a number of independent schools; Clayesmore, Bryanston and the prep schools at Knighton House, Hanford and Sandroyd are all on the doorstep. Canford, Sherborne, Milton Abbey and Port Regis (prep) are all nearby. Services: Mains electricity, water and drainage are available at the property. Underfloor heating throughout with dual air source heat pumps and a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system. Broadband service is excellent (full fibre connection by Wessex Internet ).