Woolland, Blandford Forum, Dorset

THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE

Located in the picturesque Blackmore Vale, which forms part of the Stour valley and the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this stunning six-bedroom Grade II listed home set in seven acres is nothing short of idyllic. Occupying a central position in the small village of Woolland the accommodation consists of an 1854 built schoolhouse, connecting barns and Stable Lodge, a detached two-bedroom, self-contained holiday cottage. Having moved here just over two years ago the current owners have lovingly rescued the Lodge from dereliction and given the main living space a complete makeover including new bathrooms, a stylish hand-built kitchen and underfloor heating. Rurally located the village is positioned in the second highest point in Dorset, a merit which brings with it breathtaking far-reaching views, the best of which can be seen from the property’s wildflower meadow.

KEY FEATURES

Nestled on the lower slopes of Bulbarrow Hill, on the edge of the Blackmore Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, sits the historic archetypal village of Woolland. Created as a model village for Montague Scott Williams in the mid 19th century, it subsequently became home to the late renowned sculptress Dame Elisabeth Frink in the late 20th century. The Old School House presides over an enviable position within the village, located directly opposite Woolland church, which was designed and built by Sir George Gilbert Scott and is also home to one of the UK’s oldest and most historic yew trees, reputedly being over 2,000 years old. Set in grounds of approximately 7 acres, comprised of a formal garden as well as a wild flower meadow and woodland – a haven of tranquillity and seclusion, coupled with spectacular views across the heart of the Dorset countryside.

The property affords the opportunity to acquire a truly unique piece of Dorset heritage and comprises of a collection of buildings dating from circa 1854, with the main house and part of the ancillary buildings being Grade II listed. With mellow stone elevations and stone mullion, leaded light windows this former school house and adjoining chapel now provides a superb, six bedroom home with detached double garage and workshop, as well as a two bedroom detached cottage (not listed) – ideal as a guest suite or home business opportunity (Airbnb).

The house itself offers superbly presented accommodation with a wealth of original character features. The current owners have extensively enhanced the property with tasteful décor and stylish finishes throughout including a bespoke, handmade kitchen, luxuriously appointed bathrooms and en-suite throughout.

Upon entry to the Old School House through a solid oak door you will find a large reception hallway that once served as the headmaster’s quarters, with feature fireplace and windows to both the front with views of the church and the rear overlooking a charming courtyard and dining terrace, and staircase leading up to the first floor.

To the left of the main entrance you will find the generously sized, dual aspect drawing room which once acted as the children’s classroom. The warmly inviting space features a bay window to the front and wide aspect windows to the rear which provide ample sunlight. An original stone fireplace houses a large woodburner for cosy winter gatherings. Adjoining the drawing room is a small ante-room and separate cloakroom, all recently updated to include limestone flooring and underfloor heating.

SELLER INSIGHT

Buying the The Old School House was a wild card move as an escape from London during lockdown, one we simply couldn’t avoid having fallen completely in love with the place. While the property burst with character and offered a huge amount of versatile space the views and area completely captivated us.’

‘It’s a large and comfortable home with a warm and welcoming cottage/farmhouse feel which is steeped in history. We love how we can enjoy different parts of the house in different ways, from hosting parties in the barn to utilising the great amount of office space.’

‘The village of Woolland was essentially built by a squire who owned the former Woolland House, his vision was to create a perfect village. The church, which is opposite The Old School House, was designed by English Gothic Revival architect and designer of the iconic red phone box, Sir Gilbert Scott. It’s a very beautiful place.’

‘We haven’t had to do much to the grounds – a mix of formal gardens, courtyards, and meadows – as it was all in good order. We’ve found the land to be relatively easy to manage with employing a gardener for two hours a week being adequate to keep things in order.’

‘We have wonderful neighbours – a mix of locals and those who have relocated from London – all of whom are very friendly and sociable.’

‘We love the peace and quiet and sense of space and would be making this our forever home had work not pulled us away. This is a very reluctant sale of a truly unique property.’*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

Crossing through the hallway there is access to a generously sized kitchen with breakfast snug, laid throughout with limestone flooring and underfloor heating. The recently installed solid wood handmade kitchen includes a combination of granite and locally sourced Sycamore wooden worktops, large bespoke made double sized brass Belfast style sink and electric Aga, all complimented by a number of unique antique pieces such as Parisian theatre lighting. Adjoining the kitchen area is a utility/boot room housed within lower part of a former chapel. This provides plenty of practical storage and a Belfast sink for washing muddy paws. The space also has a separate entrance door providing both access to the village lane and leading up sweeping steps to a delightful sunny terrace and gardens laid to formal lawn.

From the rear of the kitchen you will step through into a bright glazed sunroom/atrium, which provides both a warm and inviting space to enjoy an ideal spot to quietly sit and relax or enjoy a leisurely reading spot as well as a link back to the wine room, second staircase to family/guest bedrooms and also on to the dramatic dining room.

Returning to the reception hallway and leading off the main staircase, the master suite is housed within the upper part of the original classroom and provides a generous bedroom space with dramatic vaulted ceiling comfortably accommodating a super king-sized bed. There is an adjoining en-suite bathroom which overlooks the handsome church, all framed by the backdrop of outstanding countryside views beyond.

Immediately to the left of the staircase you will find a useful cloakroom WC, which in turn then provides access to 4 double bedrooms and a newly updated guest/family bathroom. Following through these provides access to a secondary staircase which leads down to the rear part of the original chapel which now acts as a wine room or stylishly and characterful appointed home office area again with limestone flooring and underfloor heating.

Stepping through the wine room provides both access to the right through glazed external French doors to a well appointed terraced area with firepit and views up to the formal garden area or to the left you can enter the sun room which in turn immediately provides access back to the kitchen or on to the impressive dining room.

The dining room is housed within an original barn with vaulted ceiling and French doors and window overlooking the rear courtyard. Recently updated and featuring a large full length mural effect wall from the award-winning designer Kit Kemp, the room is very well proportioned and whilst providing ample room for family dining, can comfortably seat 14+ guests for entertaining.

Housed within the same barn and adjoining the dining room is a good size study/ office also incorporating a useful bed deck/storage area. Leading on from the office through a glazed link, which provides a perfect spot for enjoying a peaceful read, you will enter a separate converted barn building, being the former art studio used by the British artist Norman Battershill.

With impressive vaulted ceiling and painted floorboards, this light filled room offers plentiful floorspace and opportunity to utilise as a studio/family room/ hobbies room or further large reception room. There is potential too to create a separate suite with the barn also incorporating a stylishly appointed bathroom and double bedroom above.

A formal private garden is set to the side of the property. Laid to a central lawn and surrounded by established planting and mature trees, steps lead down to a large paved terrace.

The rear aspect of the property provides access to a wide sweeping gravelled driveway accessed between the main house and Stable Lodge that comfortably provides parking for multiple vehicles whilst also offering a Mediterranean feel courtyard and stone terrace. This mature and well landscaped areas provides the perfect space for outdoor entertaining – and is a lovely sun trap in the summer months. In addition, across the courtyard driveway you will find a generous double garage and separate workshop.

Stable Lodge, originally the coaching stables for the property, is a delightful, two double bedroom cottage which has been completely renovated by the current owners and is currently operated as a highly successful holiday cottage and having recently been listed by The Guardian as one of the UK’s Top 10 Cosy Cottages. The property also provides the opportunity for a fully independent dwelling alongside the main home, with its own parking space and private cottage style courtyard garden with walkway access up to the meadow and woodland areas which overlook the stunning countryside all around.

The property has oil fired central heating throughout the main house, along with electric underfloor heating to a number of ground floor rooms, mains water, electric and mains drainage. Stable Lodge has recently been upgraded to provide electric underfloor heating throughout.

Out and About:

The property itself is set on the fringes of the far reaching and picturesque Blackmore Vale and the rolling hills of North Dorset.

Conveniently located around 10 minutes to the north is the quaint market town of Sturminster Newton, which provides access to all required amenities. A few miles further to the east is the Georgian Market town of Blandford Forum with its Market Square and a good selection of independent retail outlets and cafes, as well as an M&S Food Hall, Tesco superstore, and several other national supermarket brands.

The outstanding town of Sherborne, home to the stunning Abbey, and medieval Sherborne Castle & Gardens built by Sir Walter Raleigh is around 20 minutes from The Old School House and offers an excellent range of both independent and national retailers, including Waitrose & Partners.

Given the central location between several of North Dorset’s most prominent towns there is access to a wide range of well regarded public and state schools incuding the highly respected Bryanston, Hanford, Sherborne Girls and Sherborne International.

Local dining and eating options include a number of independent pubs serving good quality home cooked food as well as the outstanding The Clockspire whose head chef previously worked and trained at several Michelin starred restaurants. In addition the multiple award winning Langham Vineyard is a short drive away and offers a fabulous selection of wines as well as serving delicious meal options and running regular weekend music events throughout the season Other highly regarded options which are still within easy reach include the enchanting, Pythouse Kitchen Garden, The Newt in Somerset and Soho House’s Babington House.

Other amenities within easy reach include Ashley Wood Golf Course and the National Trust Estate of Kingston Lacy, whilst a few miles to the east is the Cranborne Chase – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and further to the east lies the truly idyllic New Forest National Park. The world renowned Jurassic Coast to the south is just a short drive by car.

It is an easy commute to the Bournemouth/Christchurch/Poole conurbation for those working in the area. The main road network links to the A31 and M27/M3 to London are easily accessible and the express train from Poole to Waterloo ensures the city is within reach in a couple of hours. Rail links are also available from Gillingham & Tisbury stations via Salisbury to London Waterloo, again within a couple of hours. For wider travel, there are airports at Bournemouth, Southampton and Bristol alongside a ferry terminal at Poole.

Edwards Estate Agents Ltd is a limited company registered in England and Wales with registered number 700667 Registered office, 7 & 8 Church Street, Wimborne, Dorset, UK, BH21 1JH. VAT number 979 2455 65 copyright © 2022 Fine & Country Ltd.

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 26.03.2023

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