Plush, Dorchester, Dorset

Plush Manor is situated in a uniquely beautiful place, surrounded by chalk downs with walks in all directions, ancient trees, spectacular views and embedded in nature.

It was the home of a much admired pianist and a peaceful haven for their three children. Musicians, writers and thinkers came and went, a Music festival was created and many of the then young participants cited Plush as a place of inspiration.

Musicians and concerts, readings and convivial encounters were shared with the many guests and visitors who were drawn to the house

Plush Manor is thought to have been built in the late 18th century and occupies a commanding position above the bucolic village of Plush, with wonderful views in a southerly direction down a beautiful and secluded valley that has changed little in centuries. Originally a Georgian rectory, two symmetrical side extensions were added to the Manor in the 19th century to form the generously proportioned building that meets the eye today. The property has handsome, rendered elevations under a slate roof and classical proportions, with a central doorway with elliptical head and fanlight, sheltered by a portico with a flat roof and moulded entablature supported on two Tuscan columns.

The main southerly elevation is symmetrical and consists of five bays, the three centre bays being recessed and flanked by projecting wings with three-sided, two storey bay windows. Inside are fine period features, with the central hallway and adjacent room thrown into one with the removal
of the original partition, to form a generous and welcoming space. The hall ceiling is a light plastered vault with elliptical cross sections and the main staircase has open string plain balusters and a moulded mahogany handrail. Two further fine reception rooms with open fireplaces are situated at either end of the property and these rooms take in the southerly aspect of the gardens from the three sided bay sash windows. This area and the library with its extensive bookcases all adjoining the spacious reception hall form a sequence of rooms that are ideal both for entertaining as well as family life. At the rear of the house is a spacious kitchen, with original flagstone flooring, a dining area and French Doors leading to a sheltered east-facing courtyard. Across the hallway is a handsome dining room with fireplace and
twin sash windows. To the rear are the scullery, boot and utility room and the entrance to an impressive indoor swimming pool. On the first floor is a charming principal bedroom suite and seven further bedrooms. To the rear is a separate one bedroom flat with independent access to the outside.

Plush Manor is a warm and generous family house with a rich cultural and musical history. For 22 years it played host to the critically acclaimed Plush Music Festival, a popular summer festival for classical, contemporary and jazz music that featured young musicians alongside world class players
including András Schiff, Alfred Brendel, Imogen Cooper and Adrian Brendel and featured world premieres of composers such as Harrison Birtwistle.

Gardens and Grounds
The entrance to Plush Manor is from a quiet no through lane lined with thatched cottages, with fine stone pillars and iron gates giving way to a long driveway that rises to the house through an avenue of trees. The driveway sweeps round to the rear of the house where there is ample parking and
access to the rear of the house, the cottage and the flat. From here there is access to a paddock and also one of the finest views at the Manor, as the valley drops away, rising sharply beyond that in the distance are the chalk hills that make this valley so magical. To the front of the house a fine Yew hedge wraps around a level lawn, dissected by a path that leads to the front door. Dropping away and wrapping round from the south west to north east is the main lawn flanked by borders and some fine mature Beech trees; the hill rising dramatically as a backdrop. On the eastern flank of the house, accessed from the kitchen and drawing room is a secluded terrace with old flag stones, the walls awash with climbing roses and with a covered outside area for dining if required. From here steps and an old flint wall lead up to compartments within the garden, enclosed by hedging and providing areas for growing vegetables and colourful borders. A rear drive to the lane provides access beyond which is a public footpath and the fabulous walking opportunities in and around the village. To the north east is the hard tennis court, screened by mature hedging . Leading back towards the rear of the house is the Manege, some useful brick outbuildings and stables.