7 Bed House For Sale Bowridge Hill, Gillingham, SP8

A fine Georgian country house in a wonderful elevated position surrounded by 72 acres of pasture and meadow.

WHOLE to include all 3 LOTS.

DESCRIPTION
LOT 1 - Springfield House is marketed for the first time in nearly fifty years, and has all the qualities of classic period country house sitting at the head of a long drive commanding superb views over its own land. An elegant Georgian house, it is believed to date from the early 1800’s with later additions having
rendered elevations under a slate roof. The house is Grade II Listed as being of Special Architectural and Historic Interest.

The property has been operated as a commercial stud farm with a successful racing bloodline and historical links to Sandley Stud. The property accommodated at least 3 brood mares with youngstock in addition. Most of the buildings have been used for the stud business with the menage used for training and exercise.

Internally, the principal rooms flow well off an elegant central hall with a charming cantilevered staircase. The reception rooms are well proportioned with good ceiling heights with a variety of period features including cornicing, alcoves, door architraves, carved fireplaces, window seats and shutters. The Kitchen provides a great family space with adjoining breakfast and living area giving ample seating areas, a woodburning stove and views over the courtyard and lawns. There is a central granite island and variety of cupboards / worktops, 4 oven oil fired Aga, dishwasher and space for American style fridge / freezer. Beyond are extensive and useful domestic offices, farm office / playroom.

The first floor opens into a pretty galleried landing where there is a principal bedroom with en-suite and 4 further bedrooms (one of which can be used as the principal dressing room) and 2 bathrooms. A connecting door leads through into a 2-bed annexe with separate bathroom, kitchenette and family room. There is also a door to the garden from this floor so it could easily be used independently if required. In all the accommodation extends to about 5945 sq ft – please see floor plans for dimensions and layouts.

OUTSIDE

The gardens and grounds provide a lovely setting for the house which sits centrally within Lot 1. The long drive leads to a gravelled parking area beside the houses and garaging with a spur off the drive leading to the outbuildings. Adjoining to the south is a terrace, extensive lawns and herbaceous borders including many mature and specimen trees. This leads to the swimming pool and further stabling used as foaling boxes. To the north is a copse, hard tennis court (in need of repair) and vegetable garden. Nearby is the attractive stable courtyard partly built of local stone which includes 10 loose boxes, foaling boxes, hay stores, feed rooms, workshop and artist’s studio. There is potential for a variety of further uses subject to necessary planning consents.

The land is of superior quality for the area, being above a limestone seam which provides excellent drainage and is particularly well suited to grazing livestock and raising equine stock, as demonstrated by the number of stud farms located nearby including Sandley which was previously held as the National Stud. The limestone soil produces grass rich in calcium which helps to build up bone strength in horses, helping them withstand the rigors of horse racing. The main house is surrounded by a variety of post and railed paddocks with water and superb views in all directions. A footpath crosses the north west tip of Lot 1. In all Lot 1 extends to about 23.79 acres.

LOT 2 – East Lodge

East Lodge is a spacious individual Lodge House with adaptable accommodation including good size Kitchen/breakfast room, sitting room, 2 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms upstairs. The gardens are a particular feature and extend to the front with a south facing aspect. The property is presently let on an assured shorthold tenancy. Lot 2 extends to about 0.81 acres.

LOT 3 - Land

The land sits within the River Stour valley and includes 3 level meadow enclosures bisected by the river, with further enclosures on the higher ground to the south-west, all of which have good road frontage. Primarily used for cutting hay/silage or cattle grazing, the land is strong loam over clay and has a bridleway and footpath crossing it. Lot 3 extends to about 47.39 acres.

For sale as a whole or in 3 Lots.

SITUATION

Springfield House sits in a beautifully elevated position in the charming hamlet of Bugley in North Dorset which is located on the northern slopes of the River Stour valley. It lies within the heart of the renowned Blackmore Vale countryside about 3 miles southwest of Gillingham which has a Waitrose and railway station to London (Waterloo) taking from 2 hours. It is also equidistant from East Stour which has the popular Udder Farm shop.

A wider range of facilities, shops & restaurants are available in Shaftesbury, Sherborne or Bath. Attractions locally include Stourhead, The Newt at Hadspen, nr Castle Cary and Hauser & Wirth at Bruton. There are excellent road links within the region as well as to the South Coast. The nearby A303 provides access to London, the West Country and motorway network. The nearest regional airports are at Bristol or Southampton, and Henstridge Airfield is 6 miles away for private aviation.

Within the Blackmore Vale are many beautiful footpaths and bridleways ideal for participating in a variety of rural pursuits including walking, riding & cycling. The area is also renowned for its field sports. Racing is at Wincanton, Bath & Salisbury with golf at Wincanton & Sherborne. There are a good state schools at Gillingham or Shaftesbury and private schools locally including Port Regis, Sandroyd, Hanford, Clayesmore, Hazelgrove, Sherborne, Bryanston, Kings Bruton, Millfield & Downside.