House for sale in Dorset DT2 8ND

Mileage

Dorchester 6 miles, Weymouth 6 miles, Wool 7 miles (Waterloo from 2 hours 15 minutes)

Description

Accommodation

General

The Manor was bought by the present owner in 1977. He sold the property 10 years later when he bought an estate near Dorchester to establish a racing stables (and indeed won the 1992 Cheltenham Gold Cup). Unusually, when Poxwell Manor came back on the market in 1998, the present owner bought it once again. It is with some reluctance that he has decided to sell the Manor, but since he now resides overseas, the vendor feels someone else should have the opportunity to enjoy the house.

The house retains lovely wood panelling, original fireplaces and other attractive features as befits an important Grade I Listed building. The rooms are beautifully proportioned and of particular note are the magnificent great hall, dining room, library, and the superbly appointed kitchen/breakfast room. On the first floor the bedrooms are all of a good size and many have en-suite bathrooms which is unusual for a property of this period. In addition to the main staircase, there are two secondary stairs and the house therefore offers considerable flexibility (please see attached floor plan). Indeed, there is already a secondary kitchen and staff sitting room at the western end of the house with two bedrooms above which could easily be separated as an annex. The attics run the whole length and breadth of the house and are fully boarded and insulated.

Historical Note

In the middle ages Poxwell, or Pokeswell, was a possession of Cerne Abbey. Following the abbey's dissolution it was granted by Queen Elizabeth to Thomas Howard of Lulworth and Bindon. He sold it to John Henning, a merchant from Poole, who built the house. His son became Sheriff of Dorset in 1609. The property belonged to the Hennings until 1695 when it passed by marriage to the Trenchards of Lytchett Matravers and Wolverton. It remained in the possession of the Trenchard family and their descendants until its sale in 1977. It is understood that King George III visited the house on a number of occasions. Thomas Hardy used the Manor as Oxwell Hall in "The Trumpet Major".
STABLE COTTAGE

This building is situated approximately 50 feet directly across the courtyard and has been converted from a lovely tiled 17th century barn together with part of the adjoining thatched building. It offers accommodation of great charm which briefly comprises:

Ground Floor: Entrance Lobby, Dining Room, Sitting Room with stairs to galleried Bedroom 3, Kitchen, Shower Room, Utility Room

First Floor: 2 Bedrooms and Bathroom

In front of Stable Cottage is a pretty garden beyond which is a further potting shed and workshop area. Greenhouse. Vegetable garden. Lawned area and grass bank.



OUTSIDE

The property is approached through a pair of electrically operated wrought iron gates within stone walling. The gravelled entrance drive runs over a bridge and through an arched entrance at the side of the house into the courtyard. There is a 3 bay open-fronted thatched barn used for garaging with concrete floor, water tap, boarded storage room above and wood store to the side. Adjoining this building are the former stables which have stone elevations under a thatched roof with a cobbled stone area in front. Although now lapsed, planning permission has previously been granted for the conversion of this former stable building into a guest cottage. Subject to obtaining the necessary consents, it does therefore offer significant potential. Adjoining Stable Cottage is the unconverted part of the 17th century tiled barn, with a pair of wooden doors at either side. Gardener's cloakroom with low level WC and hand basin. Ladder leading up to boarded storage area above part of this building. Access through to a wine store. Adjoining the barn is another two storey stone building with tiled roof currently arranged as a garage with a pair of wooden doors. Adjoining this is a storage room with light and power. Above the garage and workshop is a first floor apple loft with sloping ceilings and exposed timbers. Potting shed and stone built garden implement shed.

In front of the Manor is the delightful walled garden with areas of lawn, flower beds and gravelled pathways. The ground floor of the Gatehouse is open to the front and rear and has a sitting area. Brick steps at the side lead up to the first floor where there is a boarded room with delightful aspects to the Manor and over the lake to the farmland beyond. Outside the walled garden there are areas of sweeping lawns and well maintained flower beds and borders together with numerous trees, plants and shrubs. A stream runs through the gardens and serves two small lakes and a pond. Hard surface tennis court (although there is no netting). Near the southern boundary is a concrete helipad together with a helicopter hanger which is a well constructed steel framed building measuring approximately 40' x 34' with concrete floor, light, power and sliding doors the whole width of the building with a personal door at the side. This building is completely screened by strategic planting. Beyond, the gardens extend to the south with mown lawns and hedges, including a number of stone bridges which cross the stream. An area of paddock on the southern boundary is kept un-mown to encourage wild flowers.

Beyond the walled garden on the northern side of the house is a pretty sunken garden with fish pond and surrounding flower beds. This area leads on to a level lawn with steps up to the swimming pool, which has a paved surround. There is a stone built changing room with tiled roof. This is divided in two areas both with a tiled shower cubicle and separate low level WC and hand basin. In addition, there is a kitchen. From the gardens there are fine views over the surrounding farmland. The grounds extend in all to about 10 acres and have been beautifully maintained.

Situation

Poxwell Manor is situated in magnificent landscaped gardens which include two small lakes and a stream. In front of the house is the lovely walled garden and Gatehouse. To the rear is a delightful paved and gravelled courtyard with a fine 17th century tiled barn and thatched former stables. The house lies in the shelter of the downs set back from the Wareham – Weymouth road behind high mature hedging. It enjoys splendid views over the surrounding farmland within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which includes Heritage Coastline.

The hamlet of Poxwell (the name being derived from Puck's Well) is situated less than 3 miles from the sea at Ringstead Bay, around which is some spectacular coastal scenery. There are an excellent range of facilities at the county town of Dorchester (6 miles) and at the seaside resort of Weymouth (6 miles), the latter offering superb sailing and other water sports. There is a fine golf course at Came Down (6 miles). From Wool (7 miles) there are intercity train services to London (Waterloo), the journey taking approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. The larger towns of Poole (23 miles) and Bournemouth (27 miles) are within easy driving distance.

Directions

From Dorchester take the A352 road signposted to Wareham and after approximately 5 miles a large roundabout will be reached. Take the third exit signposted to Poxwell and Weymouth. Drive through the hamlet of Poxwell going past the entrance to Manor Farm and continue past the next turning on the right (which is the rear entrance to the Manor). The front entrance to the Manor will be found shortly on the right hand side with black wrought iron gates.

From London take the M3 west down past Winchester and then the M27 west towards Bournemouth and the A31 towards Wimborne. Continue past Wimborne on the A31 towards Dorchester and on reaching Bere Regis take the A35 road again signposted to Dorchester. After 2 miles turn left on to the B3390 signposted to Affpuddle and Weymouth. Continue along this road for 9 miles and the large Warmwell Cross roundabout will be reached. Take the A353 towards Weymouth and Poxwell will be reached after 1 mile. Drive past the entrance to Manor Farm and the past the next right hand turning (the rear entrance to the Manor) and the front entrance will be seen shortly on the right hand side.