Middle Ridge Lane, Corton Denham, Sherborne, Somerset, DT9

Old Chapel is an attractive stone-built former Wesleyan chapel, converted to residential use in the early 1970s and one of three former chapels in the village. In 2024, the house was the subject of a significant programme of refurbishment and extension, sympathetically combining its ecclesiastical origins with beautifully presented contemporary interiors and a particularly versatile layout. The entrance hall, with parquet flooring, leads to a dual aspect sitting room with working fireplace, whilst a separate family/dining room has French doors opening directly onto the garden, capturing the evening sun. From the hall you can also access a cloakroom and useful understairs storage. A particular highlight is the impressive kitchen/garden room extension to the rear. Flooded with natural light from a lantern roof, dual aspect windows and French doors, this superb space enjoys an immediate outlook over the landscaped gardens. The kitchen features an extensive range of units, Corian worktops and a large L-shaped island, together with integrated appliances and space for an American-style fridge/freezer. Adjoining is a well-equipped utility room with independent access to the driveway, particularly practical for dogs and country living. Beyond are two highly adaptable rooms, currently used as a studio/study and gym. Together with the utility, these offer considerable versatility and potential for creating a self-contained annexe, subject to any necessary consents, with the existing independent access and utility offering scope for a small kitchen. An open staircase rises past a striking feature window with heritage wallpaper providing a subtle nod to the building’s chapel origins. Upstairs are three double bedrooms, including a generous principal bedroom with excellent storage and Victorian-style ensuite bathroom, together with a family bathroom and further landing storage. The loft is partially boarded. Throughout, the interiors have been thoughtfully and sympathetically styled, creating a comfortable home that sits particularly well within its peaceful village setting.

GARDENS AND OUTSIDE
The gardens are an outstanding feature of Old Chapel and have been extensively landscaped to provide year-round interest and wonderful views from within the house. Designed as a garden to explore rather than take in at a glance, a series of more secluded areas, pathways and places to sit create a delightful sense of discovery and privacy. The richly planted borders include anemones, euphorbia, ornamental grasses, persicaria, salvia and lavender, complemented by apple, plum, pear, hazel and birch trees, currant bushes and a grapevine. A wildlife pond attracts abundant birdlife, whilst a productive area towards the rear incorporates a greenhouse, fig trees and further fruit planting.
From the upper garden there are lovely views back towards the timber-clad extension and house, with the countryside of Beacon Ridge rising beyond. The overall atmosphere is wonderfully peaceful and quiet, with the planting, wildlife and numerous hidden corners creating a genuine sense of escape. To the front, iron gates open onto a recently gravelled driveway providing parking for several cars, together with a useful store.

LOCATION
It is easy to understand why Corton Denham is one of the most popular of the many pretty villages around Sherborne. Nestled in the lee of Corton Beacon in a dramatic and historic Somerset landscape, much of which has been in the careful stewardship of large estates for many centuries, the village is nevertheless superbly positioned approximately midway between the A303 and the delightful Abbey town of Sherborne. The centre of the village is designated a Conservation Area, and thus stringent planning controls are in place to preserve its special character. Corton Denham has an extremely good public house, The Queens Arms, an active church, village hall and weekly email updates on village activities. The full range of facilities are available in Sherborne, including Waitrose and Sainsbury’s along with a wide selection of high street and independent shops and arts venues, with further facilities in the larger commercial centre of Yeovil. Communications have improved markedly in recent years with the upgrading of the A303 to dual carriageway almost the whole way to London. In addition, there are mainline stations at Sherborne on the Waterloo to Exeter line, or at Castle Cary on the Paddington to Penzance line. Thus, despite the rural nature of the area, London is a little over two hours away by both road and rail.

SPORTING AND RECREATION
The area is well provided for with bridleways, quiet lanes and footpaths suitable for cycling, riding and walking. Within half an hour lies the town of Bruton, which plays host to a plethora of attractions, cafes and restaurants, including recently opened Briar at No1 Bruton and the Michelin-starred Osip. The Hauser & Wirth gallery, garden, Da Costa restaurant and farm shop, are within a short drive. The Newt, now well renowned for its many first-class attractions, is also nearby. There are sailing and water sports on the Bristol Channel, Dorset coast or Sutton Bingham and Chew reservoirs. Nearby racing is at Wincanton, Salisbury and Taunton. The are also numerous golf courses in the area and theatres are at Bath, Yeovil, Bristol and Salisbury.

EDUCATION
The area is noted for its independent schools with the Sherborne Schools Group, Leweston, Bryanston, Clayesmore, Millfield and Bruton schools within reasonable driving distance. There are preparatory schools at Sherborne, Blandford and Sparkford, along with primary schools at nearby Charlton Horethorne and North Cadbury and state schools in Sherborne, Wincanton, Castle Cary and Bruton.