Whitcombe Road, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8

One of West Dorset's most beautiful and historic properties commanding a prominent position on the edge of the most sought-after town of Beaminster, with delightful gardens, parking, and a separate three bedroomed cottage.

THE PROPERTY
Situated on the edge of the much sought-after town of Beaminster, Hitts House is one of the most historic and beautiful properties in this part of West Dorset. First glimpses are most impressive with its attractive ham stone elevations under a slate roof, with original mullion windows. The property is justifiably Grade II* listed and is recorded in the authoritative architectural series Pevsner's Buildings of England, denoting a building of genuine architectural and historical significance. The house is fondly referred to by many locals as the beautiful 'shell house' due to the 18th Century carved wood shell canopy over the doorway to the front of the house.
Hitts House was originally built in the early 1600's as a farmhouse and dairy, forming part of a group of prominent houses constructed in Beaminster during this period when the town prospered through the wool and linen trades. In the early 19th century the house was remodelled reflecting changing tastes, and has been lovingly looked after by the same family for three generations offering a most incredible family home in such a sought-after location with views to the south over the garden and Coombe Down Hill beyond.
The property is currently very well presented but completely untainted by inappropriate modernisation, and offers a purchaser a rare opportunity to own one of West Dorset's finest family homes. The property thankfully retains much of its original character and architectural embellishments such as its original oak staircase, stone mullion windows, flagstone flooring, original cornicing, and traditional yet very flexible layout.
Like many properties of this ilk, the property is most easily accessed via the rear due to easy off-street parking which is worth its weight in gold in Beaminster. One is immediately greeted by a most light and sizeable family kitchen, so rare for this type of property, with the sunshine streaming in from the east in the morning. It has beautiful flagstone floors, and a breakfast area with plenty of room for another kitchen table, along with a window seat and views over the delightful gardens. The kitchen incorporates a number of attractive wall and base units, and an Aga perfectly placed under the original ham stone fireplace. Alongside the kitchen is a cloakroom and space for coats and boots after a long country walk, something that this area in and around Beaminster is so well known for.
The house is wonderfully light with all principal rooms having south-facing windows. On the ground floor is a perfectly proportioned dining room that would also make a very good TV / snug room, with a separate door leading into a fabulous sitting area with a large bay window looking directly over the delightful south facing gardens. There are few better places to sit in the morning with a cup of coffee, or in the evening with a glass of wine, contemplating how lucky you are to live in such a majestic spot! This then leads into the drawing room, again perfectly proportioned with a beautiful ham stone fireplace and wood burning stove, a window seat, and again views over the garden.
To the far end of the house is a study, boot room, and direct access to the gardens. Many of the rooms have original shutters which are all still used.
The incredible oak staircase leads up to the first floor and the principal bedrooms, with three exquisite bedrooms on this floor. The main bedroom is a very good size with an adjoining washroom that could easily transformed into a lovely and sizeable bathroom. The views over the gardens are stunning, with most also having views over the hills to the north of Beaminster, and the two guest bedrooms are a very good size, and there is also a family bathroom and separate WC.
The far bedroom has a door with its own rather magical spiralling wooden staircase leading down to the kitchen, quite easily forming an annexe as there is also a wooden staircase leading up to the attic bedroom, ideal for children, with wooden beams and windows to either side. This is one of those rooms that very quickly puts a smile on your face and has quite obviously housed many naughty grandchildren!
To the other end of the house is yet another attic bedroom with the most lovely views of the gardens, and large loft currently utilised to house old school trunks and tuck boxes. This does offer huge potential to be developed subject to planning consents. Many similar properties in and around Beaminster have managed to navigate these planning laws with terrific results, with local planners fully appreciating that planning laws are not put into place to prohibit modernisation and enjoyment of the property.

OUTSIDE & COTTAGE
The most delightful gardens lie to the south and rear of the property, a true utopia for children and animals where it is easy to forget that you are a stone's throw away from all the incredible amenities and restaurants that Beaminster is so proud of. A large lawn below two majestic beech trees is perfect for croquet and is a fabulous place for a marquee having hosted numerous family parties and weddings. A yew hedge divides the garden perfectly with a lovely partly walled kitchen garden and even a potting shed.
There is ample parking to the side of the property and a large garage and studio above.
Alongside the main property and offered on a separate title is a fabulous three bedroomed cottage with a very good sized sitting room and its own private and sizeable garden. This is in immaculate condition.
All in all, this is a truly special property in an idyllic yet most convenient location.

LOCATION
Beaminster is justifiably one of the most sought-after towns in the area. This vibrant, attractive market town has an excellent range of facilities including a butcher, baker, post office, chemist, hardware store, convenience stores, greengrocers, two doctors' surgeries, veterinary surgery, independent gift and tea shops, restaurants, public houses, hotel and leisure facilities. There is a wide variety of clubs and societies to choose from and Beaminster Festival, an annual event, hosts local and national artists, writers and musicians. Nestled in the countryside surrounded by hills, woodland and rolling pasture, much of it designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is a short walk to nearby footpaths and a vast network of routes.

The Georgian town of Bridport and the coast at West Bay are within 20 minutes' drive and Crewkerne with a main line railway service to London Waterloo is approximately 7 miles, both with a further range of facilities and supermarkets, including Waitrose.