Once a village schoolhouse, this beautifully restored country home combines historic character with far-reaching views of Melbury Hill
The Old School House, formerly a school and schoolmaster’s residence, dates from 1844 and is built of stone beneath a slate roof. Grade II listed, it was sympathetically extended in 2005 by renowned family firm Mouldings, creating a home that marries striking contemporary design with traditional architecture.
A flagstone terrace leads to the main entrance hall, with a walk-in pantry and access to the kitchen and drawing room. The kitchen is beautifully appointed with bespoke cabinetry, stainless-steel worktops and premium appliances including a Sub-Zero fridge freezer and Wolf range cooker, alongside integrated lighting and media systems.
The former schoolroom is now a spectacular 35ft drawing room with oak flooring, triple-height vaulted ceilings, leaded mullion windows and a beautiful stone fireplace. Adjoining is a characterful dining room with panelled walls, stone flooring and views across the gardens and countryside.
A generous study provides an ideal work-from-home space, with a marble fireplace, built-in bookcases, French doors to the terrace and a naturally cooled spiral wine cellar hidden beneath the floor.
A utility room and guest cloakroom complete the ground floor. Upstairs, the principal bedroom enjoys a walk-in wardrobe and elegant Drummonds en suite, while two further double bedrooms also benefit from en suite facilities. All enjoy far-reaching views towards Melbury Beacon.
The property is approached via stone gate pillars leading to a gravel courtyard with ample parking. Formal gardens surround the house, with York stone terraces, topiary, an ornamental pond and a heated greenhouse. Beyond lie lawns, an orchard and paddock, bringing the total plot to around two acres.
The Old School House, Melbury Abbas, Shaftesbury
Guide price: £1,575,000
Agent: Savills savills.com
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