Cat Lane, Stourton Caundle, Sturminster Newton, DT10

Larkrise is tucked away towards the edge of the much sought after village of Stourton Caundle. The original cottage was built over 200 years ago and has been the subject of many improvements by the owner in recent years to transform the original cottage into a wonderfully warm and inviting three bedroom home. This, together with the added benefit of a substantial two bedroom, two bathroom annexe, provides a unique lifestyle opportunity with spacious and flexible accommodation. The front door of the cottage opens into the dining room which is filled with light thanks to the wrap around windows and doors that allow guests to spill out onto the south facing terrace on those warmer days. The beautiful limestone and oak flooring with underfloor heating seamlessly tie in the dining area with the kitchen and sitting room. The kitchen itself is particularly well appointed with a range of wall and base units under a granite worktop, integrated double oven and ceramic hob, double American style fridge/freezer, 1½ stainless steel sink and space and connection for a dishwasher. Double doors lead from the kitchen into the study which is part of the original cottage. It is a charming room with a period herringbone oak floor, built in bookshelves and windows looking out onto the lane. To the rear of the house is an open-plan sitting room with a wood burner providing a focal point and French doors which open out onto the terrace and garden. A utility room with storage, ensures that this property is not only charming, but also practical and functional. The downstairs shower room is adjacent to the utility room. Stairs rise to the first floor with the principal bedroom benefitting from dual aspect windows enjoying views over the rear garden and fields beyond. Also on this floor are two further good size double bedrooms and the family bathroom. A significant feature of this property is a substantial detached two bedroom annexe with private enclosed garden, offering a double bedroom, a single bedroom/study, an open-plan kitchen/sitting/dining room, two shower rooms, a useful laundry cupboard and underfloor heating. A large upstairs room, currently purposed as an art studio, provides an incredibly versatile space for any number of uses or hobbies. This would make an ideal place for dependant relatives/guests to stay or as a potential revenue stream/rental investment. OUTSIDE Turning into Larkrise from the lane, through a timber five bar double gate, the gravel area in front of the garage and annexe is spacious enough for several vehicles. At the rear of the house are mature, delightful south facing gardens, with stone steps leading from the terrace. There is a Gingko, Acer and Oak, as well as climbing roses and clematis which provide year round interest. Towards the fields, the lower part of the garden is currently fenced for chickens and houses a large wooden shed which provides further useful storage. From the garden to the south, the Dorset Downs rise up with views over the fields towards Bulburrow Hill. LOCATION Stourton Caundle lies in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, tucked away from main roads, it is a particularly pretty, thriving Dorset village midway between Sherborne and Sturminster Newton. It is at the heart of Hardy country and is surrounded by wonderful landscape, which has changed little for centuries, comprising mainly of dairy and arable farms with hedges and small woodland coverts. This gently undulating countryside is well known for its beauty and was immortalised by Hardy in his Wessex novels, since which time it has remained unspoilt and free from motorways. The heart of the village, which is a Conservation Area, embraces mainly period stone houses and cottages and has a church, village hall and public house - The Trouper Inn. Although semi-rural, the nearby small towns of Stalbridge and Bishops Caundle offer various local amenities such as a butcher, newsagent and pharmacy, post office/stores, service station and a primary school. The market town of Sherborne, renowned for its Abbey, schools and two castles, is approximately 6 miles away. Other accessible towns in the area include Blandford, Sturminster Newton, Shaftesbury, Yeovil, Dorchester and Wincanton. Communications to this part of the world have improved markedly in recent years with the upgrading of the A303 which links London (via the M3), Bristol (via the M5) and Exeter (via the M5). SPORTING AND RECREATION There are numerous golf courses within easy motoring distance including Sherborne and Yeovil. Racing at Wincanton, Salisbury, Bath and Exeter. The Dorset coast is approx. 30 miles and sailing on Sutton Bingham Reservoir. Reservoir near Yeovil. Riding and walking on an extensive network of bridleways and footpaths. Theatres at Sherborne, Shaftesbury, Bath, Taunton, Salisbury and Bournemouth. The Newt country estate and Hauser and Wirth in Bruton provide further cultural opportunities. EDUCATION The area is particularly noted for the high quality of its schools, including Independent schools such as Sherborne Boys', Sherborne Girls', Sherborne Prep and Port Regis as well as Stalbridge Primary, Bishops Caundle Primary and The Gryphon Secondary School.