Location

Cerne Abbas is undoubtedly one of the most attractive and thriving villages in this wonderful county and located in a designated National Landscape where the glorious surrounding countryside has changed little in centuries.

The village lies to the south of the historic Abbey town of Sherborne (12 miles) and (7.8 miles) to the north of the County town of Dorchester.

The village is renowned for its charm and character, the centre being predominantly made up with period properties, but is also well known for its famous Giant, a 180 ft high ancient chalk figure carved into the steep sloping hillside above the village and now managed by the National Trust.

The village has a vibrant community and is immensely popular for its unusually large range of facilities which include a thriving village shop and Post Office, three public houses, a first school, and doctors surgery, the fine parish Church of St Mary and a medieval abbey.

Sherborne and Dorchester are within easy driving distance, both having a further wide range of facilities including independent and national shop chains, supermarkets including Waitrose, pubs, restaurants and both with mainline railway services to London Waterloo.

Further to the south at Weymouth is the Jurassic Coast a UNESCO world heritage site with its glorious South West Coastal path, water sports from the marina and the national sailing academy at Portland.

Other sporting facilities in the area include golf at Sherborne and Dorchester and horseracing at Wincanton, Taunton and Salisbury.

The village has a First school. Middle and senior state schooling in Dorchester and Sherborne. The area is noted for its excellent independent schools including, Sherborne School for Girls, Sherborne School for Boys, Sherborne Preparatory School, Sunninghill Preparatory Dorchester, Leweston, Hazlegrove, Port Regis and Perrott Hill.

Description

Abbey Cottage is a medieval listed Grade I property in the heart of the village and understood to have been constructed in 1468 for an abbot or high ranking clergy.

This fine old property has an abundance of character, awash with original period features and one of the oldest cruck-jettied houses in England. The accommodation is arranged over two floors including open fireplaces, exposed wooden beams, wooden flooring and exposed stone walls. From the quiet street a heavy old oak door opens into a fine reception hall, with oak flooring, a fine old Ham stone fireplace with wood stove and a stunning array of exposed ceiling timbers. The three large sandstone fireplaces allegedly came from the Abbey, dismantled during the dissolution.

Stairs lead up from here to the first floor and steps provide access to a quirky drinks store with sink. Adjacent is the sitting room, with an even more impressive Ham stone fireplace with stove and equally fine exposed ceiling timbers and wood flooring. The kitchen has been cleverly concealed within solid wood bespoke built cupboards and with the exception of the electric AGA range, the room takes the appearance of a dining room. Double doors from here lead onto the terrace where there is planning permission to extend, providing a garden room. A rear hall provides access to outside, a cloakroom with loo and opposite is the utility room with ample floor units and a Belfast sink. Upstairs the character and charm continues with an abundance of exposed timber but the rooms are light and enjoy views of the church, garden and the hills that surround the village. The principal bedroom is defined by its size and another Ham stone fireplace, bedroom two overlooks the garden and has a splendid en suite with free standing copper bath. Bedroom three is the smallest of the rooms but probably the most characterful. On the landing is a cleverly concealed shower and a separate loo.

Outside
A gate from Abbey Street provides access to the side of Abbey Cottage into the rear garden. Immediately to the rear of the house is a charming, paved walled garden with pergola and climbing plants and a fig tree providing colour. The pond, designed by Edward Lutyens, is centrally located with seating areas surrounding it. From this part of the garden is a splendid view of the church tower. Steps up from the walled garden lead to two further areas of garden including a level area of lawn with surrounding borders, a brick outbuilding and a summer house and a further kitchen garden with raised beds and a potting shed.

Planning
Application number P/LBC/2023/02619

Directions

From Dorchester head north on the A352 to Cerne Abbas. Upon entering the 30mph zone proceed to the crossroads and turn right towards 'village centre'. Proceed into the village passing the village stores on the left hand side, taking the left into Abbey Street just as you reach the Royal Oak public house. the property is located on the left hand side opposite the church.