Description
A genuinely flexible character stone house with wonderful far-reaching countryside views.
The Property - Higher Cottage was originally a pair of cottages, built by the Duke of Westminster's Estate in 1858, of mellow stone elevations under a slate roof. The cottages were combined about 40 years ago and further developed to now provide extremely well-presented and flexible family accommodation. The recently renovated kitchen / dining room is a superb family space, triple aspect with lovely views and a contemporary design with a gas fired Aga and electric companion, Kardean floor, large island unit, quartz worksurfaces and a range of appliances including a dishwasher and wine fridge, larder cupboard and pan drawers. The sitting room is also a triple aspect room with a wood burning stove in a brick fireplace and French doors to the terrace at the rear. On the first floors there are three good double bedrooms, an ensuite shower room with bedroom one and a recently renovated family bathroom. A utility room with a cloak room off it links the original house to the more recent rear section. This part of the house allows for annexe potential with its own 19' triple aspect kitchen / dining room, a second sitting room / playroom which could easily be used as a ground floor bedroom having an ensuite shower room. The first floor landing makes a great office or work space with lovely views to the rear. Off the landing is a double bedroom and a shower room.
Outside - Higher Cottage occupies an elevated position with a southerly outlook and makes the most of the fantastic far-reaching views. The property is approached from the road via an electric five bar gate and the drive leads up the side of the house to a parking area with ample parking for a number of cars. There is a wall-mounted EV charger and the fantastic L-shaped 1200 sq ft double garage and workshop with an electric roller door and a pair of wooden double doors. There is a small orchard with a variety of fruit trees including apple, and pear. The main garden lies to the south and west of the house and from the drive a gate opens on to a new path leading to the front of the house. The lawn leads down to an indigenous mixed hedge with wild flower areas and a pond. To the west of the house and also accessed from the sitting room is a terrace.
Situation - Manston is a rural village in The Blackmore Vale. There is the delightful Church of St. Nicholas and a well-known public house, The Plough, and a village hall.
More comprehensive facilities are available in the market town of Sturminster Newton about 2 miles away. The nearby village of Child Okeford has local facilities and the markets towns of Shaftesbury and Blandford Forum are easily accessible.
Directions - What3words///enrolling.funded.rewrites
Services - Mains water and electricity are connected to the property. Private drainage. Gas fired central heating system.
Material Information - Standard, superfast & ultrafast broadband is available.
There is mobile coverage in the area, please refer to Ofcom's website for more details.
Council Tax Band: F
Dorset Council Tel: 01305 221000
Photographs taken May 2026
