Whitchurch Canonicorum, Bridport, DT6

A wonderful Grade II listed period four bedroom farmhouse nestled in a magical rural location with outbuildings and a barn, set in approximately 1 acre. THE PROPERTY Tucked away in a magical location nestled in the Marshwood Vale surrounded by superb countryside, first glimpses of Vale House Farm are most impressive with its attractive facade constructed of local stone under a thatched roof. Justifiably Grade II listed and of architectural importance, this fantastically authentic house has recently undergone a sympathetic refurbishment retaining its 17th Century period features, that include exposed timber beams, a plank and muntin partition, window seats and blue lias stone floors. The opportunity to own a house like this is rare indeed. The house is laid out in a traditional Dorset longhouse format. You enter the property through an elegant arched stone doorway, and immediately there is a sense of real charm and space, and when moving through the house it is impossible not to feel some elation for the plentiful character. A lovely hallway with flagstone floor immediately greets you, that runs from front to rear with views through to the gardens beyond. On one side of the hall is a well proportioned dining room with an inglenook fireplace, exposed beams and very original panelling. This leads to a perfectly charming living room with a woodburning stove set in another large fireplace, with views over delightful gardens and countryside beyond. The real surprise however is the truly superb family kitchen, recently upgraded with a perfect blend of old and new fit-out, with a generous feeling of space incorporating a breakfast table and sofa, and windows overlooking the gardens to three aspects. It incorporates an Aga (white), a freestanding electric oven, integrated fridge, dishwasher and washing machine. A generous purpose made stainless steel sink completes a very functional working kitchen. Additionally to the rear of the property, which are in a later addition, are second hallway useful for coats, boots etc, and a good sized study and cloakroom with shower. To the first floor there is a large high ceilinged hallway with four bedrooms (one used as a dressing room) and a family bathroom. All bedrooms have their own lovely views of the gardens and surrounding countryside. There are some beautiful exposed elm floors. OUTSIDE The boundaries form a secluded haven of approximately one acre in total. It is far from road noise down a no-through-road and surrounded by dark skies away from any light pollution make this a very unusual property. To the front boundary is a gateway to a large gravelled parking area with one side flanked by a long stone building with tiled roof, divided into stables and useful storage. The formal gardens lie to the front of the house are for the most part laid to lawn, ideal for croquet, edged by mature borders and a hedge running along the boundary. To the rear, the garden is more wild punctuated by mature trees and accessed by meandering paths which pass by apple and pear trees, and including a mature Mulberry and Walnut tree, and with a large pond with bulrushes, this is a haven for wildlife. There is a large stone thatched barn beyond, and behind this, approached through an arch in a hedge there is an orchard which has a very different feel to it with far reaching views across the Marshwood Vale to Pilsdon Pen and Lewesdon Hill. In the summer this is a wildflower meadow. A perfect location for a shepherd hut. LOCATION Vale House Farm is set within an Area of Outstanding National Beauty in the Marshwood Vale, and around 4 miles inland from the World Heritage Jurassic Coastline. The property is 1.2 miles from the village of Whitchurch Canonicorum which has a church, village hall and public house. Other local amenities are available in the nearby village of Morcombelake, with a popular farm shop, or Charmouth, with a general store, bakery, doctors surgery, library, restaurants and pubs. The attractive Georgian market town of Bridport is just under 6.7 miles and has an excellent number of independent shops and restaurants, a thriving twice weekly street market, supermarkets including Waitrose and Morrisons, cottage hospital, large medical centre, popular leisure centre, successful Arts Centre, two theatres, and a number of independent festivals involving the arts held throughout the year. In the other direction, 6.7 miles to the west is the most picturesque and popular coastal resort of Lyme Regis, noted for its attractive period buildings, the Cobb, and harbour, with many independent shops and restaurants including Mark Hix's Oyster & Fish House. Axminster is just under 9 miles away with a mainline railway station to London Waterloo. The larger city of Exeter lies 36 miles away, with an international airport and large range of facilities and high street shopping with department stores including a large John Lewis.