Description
A traditional Dorset smallholding with income stream and land
Introduction - A 17th century farmhouse and land purchased in 1990 and thoughtfully renovated, and outbuildings converted and upgraded, by the current owner to now present a diversified traditional Dorset smallholding in an enviable rural position.
Bowden Farmhouse - A traditional natural stone elevation under clay tiled roof Dorset farmhouse which was sympathetically renovated in the 1990's and now provides very spacious accommodation extending to over 3,400sq.ft. The farmhouse exhibits a host of character features including exposed beams, a brick and stone inglenook fireplace with inset woodburner in the living room and an original brick well inside the rear entrance hall. Undoubtedly one of its main assets are the sheer size of some of the rooms, including the 26 ft sitting room and master bed suite above, and all the main rooms on the ground floor. An added advantage is that the farmhouse is not listed.
The farmhouse enjoys a large west facing lawned garden accessed from the sun room and sitting room to a patio with pergola and tree border.
The Holiday Cottages - Converted in 2007 from former farm buildings are Cobble Cottage and Wagon Cottage, two one-bedroom cottages adjoining the farmhouse, and The Milking Shed which is an impressively spacious detached three-bedroom cottage arranged over two floors enjoying its own private west facing patio garden with views to Duncliffe Hill and Shaftesbury.
The holiday cottages are advertised solely through www.holidaycottages.co.uk. The annual turnover is regularly over £40,000 with scope to increase by opening all year round. Further information is available on viewing.
Approach - Bowden Farm is approached over a private tarmac drive to a large, cobbled courtyard providing plentiful parking and turning for the farmhouse and cottages.
Outbuildings - Triple garage and Workshop - Forming one side of a courtyard is this substantial building measuring 70' x 22'6" and constructed of block and brick and stone facing cavity wall under a tiled roof.
Beyond are three farm buildings constructed of steel portal frame with steel box profile elevations and rooves, roller shutter doors and concrete floors, covering in total over 6,800 sq.ft. These comprise:-
Main Barn - 4 bays, 60' x 70' erected 1990's including an internal partition area
Workshop - 4 bays, 60' x 30' erected 2013
Tractor Shed - 40' x 20' erected 2005
The Land - The farmstead sits centrally within three fields of level permanent pasture with a small pond and broadleaf copse on the boundaries. The soil is a relatively free draining loam over Coralian Limestone and classified Grade 3 on the Agricultural Land Classification map.
Location - Bowden Farm sits on a low north/south limestone ridge at 130m (425ft) above sea level on the eastern edge of the Blackmore Vale, enjoying views over surrounding vale countryside and beyond. This is the same ridge as the former National Stud at Sandley nearby. The property enjoys good road links via the A303 and A30, whilst Gillingham train station gives access to London Waterloo (2 hours). Bristol and Bournemouth airports are about 1 hour away. The area has a good network of quiet countryside lanes for walking, cycling and riding enthusiasts.
The area is renowned for its high quality state and private schooling, with Port Regis, Kings Bruton, Clayesmore and The Sherborne Schools all within 30 minutes' drive.
Kington Magna village, with a social club and church is only ? mile west and Gillingham town, providing a range of shops and supermarkets, schools and leisure facilities, is 3 miles east.
Material Information - Water - Mains, 2 meters
Electricity - Mains, 2 meters.
Drainage - Biodisc treatment plant installed in 1990 serving the farmhouse and cottages.
Heating - separate oil-fired supply and tanks to the farmhouse and The Milking Shed. Electric heating in the 2 cottages.
Broadband - Wessex Internet fibre to all units.
Mobile phone - coverage available on most networks, check Ofcom.org.uk
The property is not listed nor in a conservation area nor National Landscape area.
No public footpaths cross the property. Bowden Farmhouse next door has a pedestrian access over the first 40m of the driveway.
Dorset Council Tax Band G.
Directions - What3Words: /// spins.rent.refer
Viewings - Strictly by appointment with Symonds and Sampson
Tel: 01258 472244
