Mill Lane, Stour Provost, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8

A distinguished and well-proportioned period house set within charming gardens and grounds on the edge of this sought-after village.

Description

Diamond Farmhouse is an elegant and well-proportioned grade II listed house, believed to date from around 1600 with later additions. Constructed from mellow dressed stone beneath a clay tile roof adorned with climbing roses, the property exudes period charm and character. Internally, the house showcases exceptional craftsmanship, with well-proportioned rooms, high ceilings, and a wealth of period features, including oak panelling, exposed beams, flagstone floors, carved stonework, inglenook fireplaces, and a graceful curved oak and elm staircase. The accommodation is thoughtfully arranged for entertaining, while offering potential for a rear extension, subject to the necessary consents. The current owners have sought a pre-planning application and have CAD designs for a sympathetic kitchen extension, the addition of a new bathroom on the first floor and the rearrangement of the second floor. Details of which can be supplied separately.

The first floor comprises three bedrooms, a family bathroom, and a separate WC, while the second floor offers two additional bedrooms, a bathroom, and attic storage. From the upper floors, there are superb views across the gardens and grounds towards the Blackmore Vale. For room dimensions and layout, please refer to the floor plans.

Outside
Diamond Farmhouse enjoys a private setting, set well back from the village lane and approached via a central flagstone pathway lined with roses, yew, and box topiary. To the west, a picturesque courtyard leads to a charming thatched stable outbuilding, which includes a barn/workshop, stable, log store, and garage. Attractive double oak gates open to the rear, revealing beautifully landscaped part-walled gardens, a key feature of the property.

A wide stone terrace adjoins the rear of the house, framed by low stone walls and shaded by a magnificent copper beech tree. Beyond, manicured lawns and meandering pathways extend northward, bordered by abundant herbaceous beds, roses, and agapanthus. The gardens feature an impressive collection of native and specimen trees, including Liquidambar, walnut, horse chestnut, sycamore, quince, apple, plum, and pear.

To the west, a neatly enclosed vegetable garden, edged by a beech hedge, contains fruit beds, a greenhouse, and a spacious potting shed. Beyond the formal gardens, two idyllic paddocks interspersed with trees complete the grounds. In total, the gardens and grounds extend to approximately 2.15 acres.

Location

Diamond Farmhouse is situated on the western edge of the picturesque and unspoilt village of Stour Provost, within the sought-after Blackmore Vale. The nearby village of West Stour
offers a well-regarded pub, a garage with a local shop, and the renowned Udder Farm Shop in the neighbouring village of East Stour.

A wider range of amenities can be found in Gillingham, which boasts a Waitrose supermarket and a mainline railway station with services to London Waterloo from approximately two hours. Further facilities are available in the historic towns of Shaftesbury and Sherborne.

The area is rich in cultural and leisure attractions, including the renowned Stourhead Estate, The Newt at Hadspen near Castle Cary, and Hauser & Wirth in Bruton. Excellent road links provide access to major towns such as Bath and Salisbury, as well as the South Coast. The A303 is within easy reach, offering convenient connections to London, the West Country, and the national motorway network. Regional airports at Bristol and Southampton provide further transport links.

The surrounding countryside is part of the stunning Blackmore Vale, offering an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways ideal for walking, riding, and cycling, as well as being well known for its field sports. Racing enthusiasts can enjoy events at Wincanton, Bath, and Salisbury, while golfers have access to courses at Wincanton and Sherborne.

The area is well served by both state and independent schools. Local state schools include those in Gillingham and Shaftesbury, while notable independent schools include Port Regis, Sandroyd, Hanford, Hazelgrove, Sherborne, Bryanston, King’s Bruton, Millfield, and Downside.

Square Footage: 3,401 sq ft


Acreage: 2.15 Acres

Directions

SP8 5RX



Additional Info

Services : Mains electricity and water. Private drainage. Oil-fired central heating and Aga.

Local Authority : Dorset Council – Council Tax Band G

Tenure : Freehold.

Fixtures and Fittings : Please note that, unless specifically mentioned, all fixtures and fittings and garden ornaments are excluded from the sale.

Photographs : Please note that some of the external photos are historic and not recently taken. However they are a true representation of the property.