Description
A beautifully presented, extended Grade II listed townhouse with a walled garden, double garage, and private parking.
The Property - Chimes House is an exceptional Grade II listed townhouse, nestled on the edge of Fordington and backing directly onto Salisbury Field. Perfectly positioned, it is just a short walk from the town centre, Brewery Square, and the train station. The property has been completely renovated during the current ownership and combines period character with modern convenience, offering generous and stylish accommodation arranged over four floors.
Accommodation - On the ground floor, the welcoming entrance porch and hallway includes a practical coat cupboard. The elegant sitting/dining room features wooden flooring, original windows and shutters, an open fireplace with cupboards flanking the chimney breast. French doors with bespoke shutters open onto the walled garden, creating a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors.
The kitchen is thoughtfully designed with ample storage, granite work surfaces, a ceramic sink, an electric AGA, and a separate built-in oven, hob, and extractor. There is also space for a dishwasher, pantry cupboard and upright fridge/freezer. The tiled flooring flows into the striking garden room, which showcases a vaulted ceiling, exposed beams, and French doors, making it a versatile living, dining and entertaining space.
A utility room provides plumbing for laundry appliances, while a convenient cloakroom/WC completes the ground floor.
On the first floor, to the rear of the property, a double bedroom with vaulted ceiling and exposed beams forms part of a more recent extension. This wing also incorporates fitted cupboards and a bathroom with period-style white sanitary ware, freestanding bath, vanity basin, WC, and shower. A further double bedroom completes this level along with the traditional Georgian use of the front room as a main reception room, presently used as a library/study and snug. This room also boasts an open fire and bespoke shutters.
The second floor offers two additional double bedrooms, while the third floor is home to a superb principal suite with dramatic vaulted ceiling, walk-in wardrobe, and en-suite shower room with contemporary fittings.
At the rear, accessed via a private lane, is a substantial double garage (erected in 2018) with EV charging point, power, and light, with additional parking in front. The garage also provides direct access into both the main and upper gardens.
There is extant planning permission for a coach house in place of the existing garage with space above and pitched roof with rear lean-to.
(LPA Refs: 1/D/08/000155 & P/HOU/2021/03816)
Outside - The rear garden is enclosed by brick walls, ensuring both privacy and character. A sheltered courtyard adjoins the house, enhanced by raised planters, while steps lead up to a mature, well-stocked garden predominantly laid to lawn and bordered by colourful shrubs and flowers. A patio provides an inviting space for outdoor dining, and a brick-built garden room offers versatile storage.
Additional features include a small ornamental pond, fruit trees, and a further brick-built shed. Beyond, a gated access with substantial bifold gates leads to the garage and parking. The property also benefits from an additional parcel of enclosed garden land, offering elevated views across Salisbury Field.
Situation - Chimes House occupies a sought-after position on the eastern fringe of Dorchester, within the popular Fordington area. Local amenities include a convenience store and Fordington Green, home to a traditional fish and chip shop and a welcoming café. The area is also well placed for countryside walks, with Salisbury Field close at hand.
The property lies within catchment for several highly regarded schools, making it an appealing choice for families. Dorchester's historic town centre offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities, including the vibrant Brewery Square development. Dorchester South and Dorchester West train stations provide direct rail links to London Waterloo and Bristol Temple Meads, while Dorset County Hospital is also nearby.
The town boasts a variety of sports clubs catering for cricket, rugby, football, tennis, and golf. The surrounding countryside is ideal for walking, cycling, and horse riding, with numerous footpaths and bridleways to explore. Just a few miles south lies the renowned Jurassic Coast, celebrated for its sandy beaches, dramatic scenery, and opportunities for sailing and water sports.
Directions - What3words///depths.attaching.shopping
Services - Mains electricity, gas, water and drainage are connected.
Gas central heating.
Broadband - Ultrafast speed available
Mobile - There is mobile coverage in the area, please refer to Ofcom's website for more details. (https://www.ofcom.org.uk)
Council Tax Band: F (Dorset Council - 01305 251010)
Agent Notes - Please note that the parking area at the front of Chimes House does not fall within the legal boundary of the property. However, when the current owner purchased the property in 2002, and because the legal ownership was unknown, formal confirmation was obtained via Statutory Declaration confirming that the area in front of the house had always been used for parking by the previous owners of Chimes House and their visitors since the 1960s. That use has continued uninterrupted, with the present owner replacing the (then) existing concrete and grass with gravel in 2013, which was renewed in Spring 2025.
The owner of 10 South Walks Road has a right of way over a small section of the rear garden, running from an overgrown gate in their boundary wall to the door that opens onto the access lane leading to Salisbury Field. However, this right of way has never knowingly been exercised.
The property falls within a conservation area.
