Stourton Caundle, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10

Situated in a popular village with far reaching views over surrounding fields to the Dorset Ridgeway and Shillingstone Quarry, The Old Vicarage is set in about ½ an acre of beautiful, mature gardens. The house dates from the early 18th century and is a lovely example of a property of the period. It has been the home of the current owners for the past 16 years and has clearly been well cared for and improved over the period. Shortly after moving in, the house was completely renovated; this included a total rewire, replumb and a fabulous kitchen/dining extension that exudes elegance and charm at every turn. Great care was taken to ensure that work - designed and overseen by an architect - was undertaken sympathetically, ensuring that the house is suitable for modern living. The bespoke Cuffs Joinery kitchen, with underfloor heating and tiled floor, has a range of painted wall and base units under a granite worktop, as well as a commercial quality Falcon cooker, integrated Neff dishwasher and space and connection for a fridge/freezer. The kitchen boasts a large island with a beech worktop, creating a central hub for gatherings and culinary delights. The double-glazed extension with an expansive area for table and chairs, as well as a cozy sitting area, is extremely light and provides the perfect backdrop for memorable meals and engaging conversations. Doors out to the terrace and gardens also permit flexibility for indoor/outdoor dining. The sitting room/snug leads off the kitchen and is lined with fitted bookshelves, a wood burner and a walk-in drinks cupboard where you can store your most prized bottles. The opulence continues in the 24" drawing room with its large windows out to the gardens and an impressive fireplace with bressummer beam over, stone surround and a Jetmaster fire, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The fitted and lit alcoves add a touch of sophistication to this wonderful room. At the other end of the house is a generous study with a large painted Hammonds built-in desk and cupboards that effortlessly blend functionality and style. With broadband connection, this room is the perfect space for those who work from home. The large utility room offers ample space and connection for a washing machine, tumble dryer and large freezer. There is a conveniently located cloakroom beyond as well as hanging space for coats and boots and a back door to the outside. Stairs, with attractive balustrade, rise to the first floor landing where three bedrooms, all with built-in wardrobes, can be found. The dual aspect principal bedroom, with views over the garden and the nearby church, includes a large ensuite bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower. There are two further double bedrooms and a family bathroom on this floor. Stairs rise to the second floor and to three double bedrooms and a bathroom. This is the perfect space for extra guest accommodation or perhaps a teenage den. OUTSIDE As you approach through wooden gates, the gravel parking area is spacious enough to accommodate several vehicles and the double carport, with attached woodstore and large workshop, supports solar panels (and a battery), which provide a welcome element of sustainability. The mature gardens are a delight and have been planted with a variety of fruit trees which include pear, plum and crab apple. There is a walled garden boasting three greenhouses and vegetable patches. As you explore further, you will encounter the impressive presence of oak trees and borders that are brimming with a variety of plants and shrubs as well as magnolia and wisteria that entwines itself along the back walls of the property. The far-reaching views of the downs and countryside further enhances this home, making it a very special place to live. The gardens extend to approximately 0.5 acres in total. Without a doubt, The Old Vicarage is a true testament to refined living in a fabulous village. LOCATION Stourton Caundle lies in the heart of the Blackmore Vale and is a very pretty village tucked away from main roads. This wonderful landscape, which has changed little for centuries, comprises mainly dairy farms and thus the area is predominantly grassland, broken up with hedges and small woodland coverts. This gently undulating landscape is well known for its beauty and was immortalised by Thomas Hardy in his Wessex novels, since which time it has remained unspoilt. To the south, the Dorset Downs rise up with the majestic heights of Bulbarrow in the distance. The heart of the village, which is a Conservation Area, embraces mainly period stone houses and cottages and has a public house and church. The nearest shops are 3 miles away in the small town of Stalbridge (including an award winning independent supermarket, ''Dikes'), as well as in Bishops Caundle where one can find a post office/stores and a primary school. The pretty town of Sherborne, renowned for its Abbey, schools and two castles, is approximately 6 miles away and offers a range of traditional shops, boutiques and supermarkets. Other accessible towns in the area include Blandford, Sturminster Newton, Shaftesbury, Yeovil and Dorchester. Communications to this part of the world have improved markedly in recent years with the upgrading of the A303, to the M3 and London. To the north of the village, the A30 gives access to Shaftesbury and Salisbury and there are main line railway stations in Sherborne and Templecombe, serving London Waterloo in a little over two hours and Exeter to the West. SPORTING RECREATION There are numerous golf courses within easy motoring distance including Sherborne and Yeovil. Racing at Wincanton, Salisbury, Bath and Exeter. Water sports on the Dorset coast (about 30 miles) or on Sutton Bingham Reservoir near Yeovil. Riding and walking on an extensive network of bridleways and footpaths. Theatres at 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 School for Girls, Sherborne School for Boys, Sherborne Preparatory School, Hazelgrove, Port Regis, Leweston and Bruton Schools as well as Bryanston School in Blandford Forum, along with highly regarded state schools at Sherborne and Gillingham. The local primary school is also well regarded.