Sedgehill, Shaftesbury, Wiltshire

Sedgehill Manor is a substantial country house with sensational views. It has been home to the present owners for over 40 years. Although unlisted, the property has a lovely provenance; Thomas Hardy wrote the poem “To Agnes” about a previous owner. The main house extends to over 8,400 square feet, with a wealth of period features, sash and leaded windows and an enviable elevated position within extensive landscaped grounds.

An imposing oaken door beneath a carved motto leads into the welcoming reception hall, with its striking central fireplace and its fine surround. The sitting room has a carved oak fireplace and doors onto the sunny south-facing terrace. The drawing room has a large leaded bay window which catches the sunset over the western hills. The dining room extends to over 40’, with six sets of arched double doors streaming warm natural light into the space, and offers access to the croquet lawn and garden. It was formerly the ball room but would suit any number of uses. The family room/study has a door to the evening terrace, and cupboards for the TV, computer and filing.

The kitchen, with a cobalt AGA cooker has ample space for family dining and also leads to the terrace. Beyond is a walk-in larder. There is also a playroom (with door out to the garden) and a boot room with adjoining WC by the back door.

At the heart of the house, the wide oak staircase is a notable feature of the property. From the landing, three doors lead to the principal suite, the guest wing, and the family wing, each of which can be shut off when not in use; it really is a very versatile layout.

The principal suite has a working fireplace and five windows looking over pasture land to the far hills. The en-suite bathroom has large hanging and clothes cupboards; bath and basins are positioned to allow enjoyment of the extensive views.

The guest wing has three large and light bedrooms, two bathrooms and a loo. One of the bedrooms is circular with a magnificent domed ceiling of intricate plasterwork. This was designed in the 1890s for Lady Agnes Grove as her morning room. Thomas Hardy is recorded as calling her his ‘good little pupil’, and here she would write her books and discuss improvements with him. Stairs from the curved passage lead up to the attic room.

The family wing has three bedrooms which share a bathroom. Beyond this is the first floor laundry room with large fitted cupboards. Finally a back staircase leads up from the boot room to the flat, with two rooms and bathroom.

Please see floor plans for the layout and dimensions.

COTTAGE AND OUTBUILDINGS

Stable Cottage - The two-storey stable cottage can be entered from the courtyard of outbuildings via the back gate. It comprises a boot room with doors opening onto a characterful sitting room with a corner feature fireplace and stairs to the first floor. A kitchen/dining room sits adjacent, offering plenty of space for formal dining. There is a ground floor bedroom and bathroom. Upstairs, are two further bedrooms and a bathroom. The cottage has its own, entirely private, garden.

Outbuildings - The pretty cobbled stable yard has three stables, a games room, workshop, three garages, a store room and a garden shed. There is a long wooden workshop and a boiler room.

GARDEN AND GROUNDS

Within the ring fence, Sedgehill Manor extends to 42.3 acres. The approach to the Manor is delightful via a curving tree-lined driveway, with pastoral views, leading to the wrought-iron pillared gates, the gravelled square and the handsome frontage. The large garden encircles the house, with fabulous far-reaching views.

There are two terraces, a breakfast garden, a herb garden overlooked by a giant tree house and a croquet lawn leading to the sunken swimming pool sheltered by rose covered banks. There is an orchard, a tranquil pond, tennis court, greenhouse and a vegetable garden.

The land includes a pony paddock with access from the drive, and Hayes Copse, an ancient woodland of oak and ash with hazel underwood. It provides the firewood for the house, and its oaks provided the pool diving board and tables about the garden. In the spring it is a thick carpet of Bluebells, white wood anemones, star of Bethlehem and early purple orchids.

In all about 15.9 acres (6.43 hectares)

Lot 2 consists of 14.4 acres of pasture.

Lot 3 consists of 12.06 acres a mixture of woodland and pasture.

AGENTS’ NOTE

Please note that the Manor House can be bought with a smaller land holding. There is also an off-lying parcel of land, comprising 13.4 acres of further woodland and pasture land with good road access, that is available by separate negotiation.