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

A beautifully presented and recently modernised Grade I listed property, it is thought that the Pitchmarket derives its name from the market once held outside the house, where millers 'pitched' for corn. This enchanting, listed Grade I village property is in the heart of the village and believed to have been constructed around 1500. One of a row of former abbey properties (shops) this fascinating house has knapped flint and dressed stone elevations to cill level, above which is a box frame with exposed timber and plasterwork covering wattle-and-daub, all under a stone slate roof. On the ground floor is a ‘dining’ hall with impressive, exposed timber ceiling and a sitting room with open fireplace and ham stone surround. Both the dining hall and the main bedroom feature extraordinary huge fireplaces made with ham stone from the original abbey and the house features many original timbers.

To the rear of the property is a cosy snug with wood stove and French doors to the garden. Upstairs there is a double bedroom with en suite, two further double bedrooms and a bathroom. On the second floor is an attic room.


Outside
Abbey Street is a no through road lined on both sides with pretty cottages, the fine church of St Mary and with the splendid Cerne Abbey at the top and being such a notable location, The Pitchmarket has featured in several films including Tess of the d’Urbevilles, Mansfield Park and Tom Jones.

The front of the property overlooks the church green, with the garden being to the rear. The garden faces in a westerly direction and is secluded and very private. Enclosed on all sides, the garden is awash with mature shrubs, plants and several fruit trees. A seating area to the rear of the house provides splendid views of the church tower.

Directions

From Dorchester head north on the A352 to Cerne Abbas. Upon entering the 30mph zone proceed to the cross roads 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 green.