5 bed link detached house for sale

Winterbourne Steepleton, Winterbourne Steepleton, 9 DT2

Vendors comments

"We have enjoyed living in this beautiful property for 26 years which we have maintained in keeping with its traditional features. It is in a quiet rural setting with attractive neighbouring properties including the Saxon Church.

We have no light pollution giving dark skies to enjoy the stars. There is abundant birdlife including owls at night.

In our small community, we have friendly neighbours and we are all willing to help each other.

One of our parents lived with us for some 24 years enjoying an independent life with her own rooms but was also part of the family fold.

Over the last 19 years, our four grandchildren have visited often and have fond memories especially at Christmas as the cottage lends itself to this time of year.

Regrettably, we have decided that it is time for us to downsize as we no longer need such a spacious home"
Property description


Tucked away in the village of Winterbourne Steepleton, Old Manor Cottage is a beautifully preserved and immensely characterful period home, presented in good order throughout and offering a rare opportunity to acquire a property that blends historic charm with generous and highly flexible accommodation. Steeped in history and rich in original features, this delightful cottage has evolved over time to provide a layout that is not only visually appealing but also practical for modern living.

The property’s configuration lends itself particularly well to multi-generational living, with a variety of reception spaces, multiple access points, and a thoughtful flow between rooms that allows for both togetherness and privacy. Whether accommodating extended family, creating independent guest areas, or simply enjoying the flexibility of multiple living zones, the cottage adapts to a range of lifestyles.

Internally, the home has plenty of period craftsmanship, with exposed beams, inglenook fireplaces, mullion windows and flagstone flooring creating a warm and authentic atmosphere throughout. Each room offers its own sense of identity while remaining connected through a natural and intuitive layout that enhances the overall sense of space and character.

Externally, the property is equally attractive. The southerly-facing cottage garden has been thoughtfully designed in a traditional style, offering both structure and seasonal planting. A curved herbaceous border, richly planted with a variety of shrubs and perennial flowers, creates a soft and colourful backdrop throughout the year, while established plants, mature trees and carefully tended beds provide texture, privacy and charm. The garden has paved seating areas and lawned sections, offering a wonderful balance of formal and informal space-ideal for both relaxation and entertaining in a peaceful, sun-filled setting.

Overall, Old Manor Cottage represents a truly special home-one that combines history, versatility and lifestyle appeal in equal measure, set within a quintessential Dorset village and offering a rare blend of character, space and adaptability.

Entrance Hallway

The property is entered via a traditional front door into a charming entrance hallway that immediately introduces the home’s period character. Underfoot, flagstone flooring provides a sense of durability and heritage, while exposed beam ceilings and soft wall lighting create a warm and inviting atmosphere. A radiator ensures comfort throughout the seasons, and a delightful original bell pull remains in place, offering a subtle nod to the cottage’s past. This space sets the tone, giving a clear sense of the history and craftsmanship that continues throughout the home.

Cloakroom

Leading off the entrance hallway is a conveniently positioned cloakroom, fitted with a low-level WC and wash hand basin. The room is finished with tiled flooring and practical wall lighting, while an extractor fan provides ventilation.

Inner Hallway & Cross Passage

A traditional wooden door opens into the main inner hallway, forming part of what is believed to be the original cross passage of the cottage. This space is laid with Purbeck stone flagstones, further reinforcing the home’s local heritage and authenticity. Soft wall lighting, a radiator and an alcove add both practicality and character, while a door leads to the front of the property. This hallway connects the principal reception rooms while maintaining a sense of structure and flow.

Sitting Room

The sitting room is a beautifully proportioned space, centred around an impressive inglenook fireplace fitted with a mains gas stove and complemented by an original bread oven. This feature serves as both a focal point and a reminder of the cottage’s rich history. Exposed beams run across the ceiling, while dual-aspect mullion windows with leaded lights allow natural light to gently fill the room. A charming window seat provides a quiet place to sit and enjoy the outlook, while slate flooring is enhanced by partial underfloor heating, adding modern comfort to this traditional setting. Built-in cupboards, including a useful alcove storage space, offer practicality without detracting from the room’s character. A door leads to the spiral staircase which rises from this room to the first floor, adding a further layer of architectural interest.

Dining Room

The dining room offers another beautifully preserved inglenook fireplace with a gas stove and stone hearth. The room is laid with Purbeck flagstone flooring and features mullion windows with leaded lights, complemented by a window seat that enhances both charm and usability. Overhead, exposed beams add depth and authenticity to the space. The room is well-served by two radiators and wall lighting, ensuring comfort throughout the year. The overall feel is one of warmth and intimacy, making it an ideal setting for both everyday dining and entertaining.

Utility Room

Accessed via an inner lobby, the utility room provides a practical and well-equipped working space. It is fitted with a one-and-a-half bowl sink with mixer tap, along with wall and base units topped with work surfaces. A ceramic hob and electric oven add further functionality, while mullion windows bring in natural light. The room is finished with tiled elements and wall lighting, creating a space that is both functional and in keeping with the character of the property.

Kitchen

The T shaped kitchen is a bright and welcoming space that enjoys a triple aspect, offering lovely views over the garden and allowing light to flow in throughout the day. Fitted with oak worktops and a range of wall and base units, the room combines traditional styling with modern convenience. A breakfast bar provides a casual dining option, while integrated appliances include a Bosch four-ring gas hob with extractor hood and a double electric oven. There is ample space for a fridge, freezer and dishwasher, and the tiled flooring and part-tiled walls ensure durability and ease of maintenance. A wall-mounted Vaillant gas boiler, installed in 2015, is neatly positioned within the room, completing a space that is both practical and full of character.

Second Hallway

A further inner hallway provides additional access within the property and leads to the front of the home. This space continues the theme of Purbeck flagstone flooring and includes a rear aspect mullion window with leaded lights. A radiator and wall lighting ensure the space remains comfortable, while an under-stairs cupboard provides useful storage and houses the electric meters. The hallway serves as a functional link between the kitchen area and additional reception space.

Rear Porch

The rear porch that a the plumbing for a washing machine and a further boot cupboard - with traditional Purbeck flagstone floor and door through to the rear gardens.

Snug (East Lounge)

The snug, also referred to as the East Lounge, is a wonderfully cosy and versatile reception room that offers a peaceful retreat within the home. Dual-aspect mullion windows allow light to filter in, while a traditional window seat provides a charming place to relax. The room features another inglenook fireplace with a mains gas stove, set upon a flagstone hearth, creating a warm and inviting focal point. Slate flooring is complemented by partial underfloor heating, and exposed beams and wall lighting enhance the room’s character. This space is perfectly suited as a quiet sitting room, reading area or additional family lounge.

First Floor Landing

The first-floor landing provides a central and well-connected space from which all bedrooms and bathroom facilities are accessed, reinforcing the home’s practical and well-considered layout. Character features continue here, with subtle traditional detailing and a sense of continuity from the rooms below. The landing is served by a radiator and wall lighting, creating a warm and welcoming environment, while a fitted storage cupboard offers useful space for linens and household essentials.

There is access to a loft hatch and an airing cupboard, further enhancing the home’s practicality, and a continuation of the property’s mains-fed smoke alarm system, with comprehensive coverage throughout. From this central point, doors lead to the principal bedroom suite, additional bedrooms, family bathroom, separate cloakroom and en-suite facilities, ensuring excellent flow and accessibility across the first floor.

A secondary inner landing area adds further character and interest, featuring exposed beams, additional storage and access to the spiral staircase descending to the sitting room below-an attractive architectural feature that enhances both the charm and functionality of the home.

Family Bathroom

The family bathroom is fitted with a panel bath with a power shower over, alongside a low-level WC and pedestal wash hand basin. A bidet is also included, adding to the room’s functionality. The space is finished with tiled flooring and part-tiled walls, while a rear aspect window provides natural light and ventilation. The bathroom has an extraction system.

Bedroom One or Principal Bedroom

Bedroom one - or the principal bedroom, is a well-proportioned room with rear aspect mullion windows overlooking the garden. Exposed beams add character, while a built-in wardrobe provides excellent storage.

En Suite

The room benefits from its own en-suite shower room, fitted with a corner shower cubicle with power shower, WC and pedestal basin, along with tiled finishes and extractor ventilation.

Bedroom Two

Bedroom two is a bright and elegant dual-aspect room, enjoying views over the garden. Stripped pine flooring adds warmth and texture, while a traditional cast iron fireplace with pine surround enhances the period feel. The room benefits from a cleverly concealed WiFi cabinet, and is complemented by wall lighting and a radiator.

En Suite

An en-suite shower room is accessed from this bedroom, offering a large shower cubicle with power shower, a WC, pedestal basin and heated towel rail, all finished with tiled surfaces and an extractor fan.

Bedroom Three

Bedroom three, arranged as a walk-through room, enjoys a front aspect mullion window with leaded lights. The room features exposed beams, a radiator and a built-in wardrobe, providing both character and practicality. It is a flexible space that could serve as a bedroom, dressing room or additional study area depending on individual needs.

Upstairs Cloakroom

Conveniently positioned off the landing, the upstairs cloakroom is fitted with a low-level WC and pedestal wash hand basin, complemented by wall lighting and practical finishes. The space benefits from connection to the property’s centralised extraction system, ensuring effective ventilation, and provides a useful additional facility for both family and guests.

Bedroom Four

Bedroom four offers a front aspect mullion window and features a vanity wash hand basin with storage beneath, along with a shaver point. The room retains its charm with exposed beams and includes a radiator for comfort, making it a versatile and inviting space.

Bedroom Five

Bedroom five, positioned to enjoy dual aspects, benefits from views over both the garden and surrounding countryside. The room features a traditional fireplace with oak mantel and tiled hearth, adding to its charm. A vanity wash hand basin is also included, along with wall lighting and a radiator, creating a bright and comfortable bedroom with lovely outlooks.

Gardens & Grounds

Stepping out from the house, Old Manor Cottage reveals a beautifully curated southerly-facing cottage garden providing both seasonal colour throughout the year. The garden begins with an attractive area of flagstone paving, perfectly positioned for outdoor seating and entertaining, and framed by raised beds that are richly planted with an abundance of roses, shrubs, and flowering plants. These borders provide an immediate sense of maturity and charm, creating a welcoming transition from the house into the garden beyond.

As the garden unfolds, it opens into a delightful and well-established landscape, where a gracefully curved herbaceous border takes centre stage. This has been carefully planted with a variety of perennial flowers and shrubs, ensuring colour, interest across the seasons. Climbing roses and honeysuckle weave their way through the planting, adding height and fragrance, while thoughtfully positioned bulbs and herbaceous plants return year after year, reinforcing the garden’s enduring appeal.

The remainder of the garden is predominantly laid to lawn, providing a sense of openness and space, and is bordered by a variety of mature planting, including a charming cider apple tree and numerous established shrubs. The garden enjoys a high degree of privacy and is enclosed by a traditional brick and flint wall, enhancing both its character and sense of enclosure. A circular driveway sweeps around the garden, offering not only practicality but also an attractive design feature, with ample parking and turning space for several vehicles.

A particularly appealing and unique feature of the garden is the presence of a natural well, discreetly covered and equipped with an immersible pump system. This supplies water directly to an external tap, providing a sustainable and practical solution for garden irrigation.

The garden is further enhanced by a number of practical additions, including composting areas and a variety of storage spaces, making it as functional as it is beautiful. External lighting, including pir-operated security lights, ensures the space is both usable and secure throughout the year.

Garden Room

Positioned within the garden is an oak-framed garden room, constructed around the year 2000, offering a peaceful and versatile retreat. This charming space features flagstone flooring and enjoys an abundance of natural light, with views across the garden and towards the surrounding countryside. The garden room is perfectly suited for a variety of uses, whether as a relaxing sitting area, creative studio, or entertaining space, and benefits from the warmth of the afternoon and evening sun. A separate adjoining area provides additional storage or hobby space, adding to its practicality.

Outbuildings, Workshop & Parking

Garage Workshop

The property benefits from a substantial garage workshop, offering a highly versatile space with power, lighting and water supply already connected. The workshop is accessed via an up-and-over door, which is insulated, as well as a separate side entrance, and provides an ideal environment for a range of uses including storage, hobbies or more practical applications.

Above the workshop, a first-floor area has been thoughtfully adapted to create a generous office or studio space,

Study/ Office/ Studio Space

Study / office or potential studio enjoys views over the garden and countryside beyond. This space is well-lit, with both a window and skylight, and is equipped with power and heating, making it perfectly suited for home working or creative pursuits.

Storage Room

Additional storage room with extensive shelving is also available, providing excellent capacity for organisation.

Car Port and Side Potting Area

The property also benefits from a carport, positioned conveniently alongside the workshop, along with further external storage including a garden shed with power and light, and a practical potting or greenhouse area-ideal for those with an interest in gardening.

A side passageway offers useful access behind the workshop, providing additional space for storage or bin placement, while the overall layout of the outbuildings ensures a seamless balance between functionality and lifestyle.

Sustainability & Modern Enhancements

In addition to its period charm, Old Manor Cottage has been thoughtfully enhanced with modern efficiencies. The property benefits from a system of solar panels installed in 2022, positioned on the southerly roof of the garage workshop, complemented by battery storage. Together, these provide an energy-efficient solution, helping to reduce running costs while supporting a more sustainable way of living.

An electric vehicle charging point is also installed, catering to modern needs and further enhancing the property’s practicality.

Winterbourne Steepleton, Dorset

The picturesque Winterbourne Steepleton, enjoys a peaceful rural setting while remaining exceptionally well connected to the wider Dorset area and beyond.

Just a short drive from the county town of Dorchester (approximately 5 miles), the village benefits from excellent road links. The nearby A35 provides direct access east towards Poole and Bournemouth, and west towards Bridport and Devon, making it ideal for both commuting and coastal exploration.

Dorchester itself is a key transport hub for the region, offering two mainline railway stations. Dorchester South connects to London Waterloo via the South West Main Line, while Dorchester West provides services to Bristol, Bath and the wider West Country. This makes the area particularly appealing for those seeking a countryside lifestyle with strong links to major cities.

Public transport is also readily available, with regular bus services operating throughout West Dorset, connecting nearby villages with Dorchester, Weymouth and surrounding towns. Community transport schemes and rural bus routes further support connectivity for residents, ensuring accessibility even in more rural locations.

For those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, the area is exceptionally well served by cycling routes and scenic walking trails, with quiet country lanes and access to the wider Dorset network. The spectacular Jurassic Coast is just a short drive away, offering world-renowned coastal paths, beaches and leisure opportunities.

In terms of everyday amenities, Winterbourne Steepleton enjoys a traditional village feel, while neighbouring villages such as Winterbourne Abbas provide local conveniences including a village hall, public house and nearby schooling options.

A wider range of facilities can be found in Dorchester, which offers an excellent selection of shops, supermarkets, restaurants, cafés, leisure facilities and healthcare services. The town combines historic charm with modern convenience, making it a key destination for shopping, dining and cultural activities.

Families are well catered for, with access to local primary schooling within the Winterbourne Valley and a variety of well-regarded secondary and independent schools in the surrounding area. Educational transport options are also available, with Dorset Council providing school bus services and travel support where required.

Overall, Winterbourne Steepleton offers a rare balance-a tranquil village environment surrounded by beautiful countryside, yet with excellent transport connections and easy access to comprehensive amenities. This combination makes it an ideal setting for those seeking both lifestyle and practicality in equal measure