10 bed detached house for sale

Holwell, Sherborne, Dorset DT9

A distinguished Grade II* listed country house in a peaceful Dorset setting, offering elegant living, equestrian facilities, guest accommodation and nearly 20 acres of private grounds.

Buckshaw House is an exceptional family home* located in a beautifully secluded position within the Dorset countryside. Surrounded by its own parkland, paddocks and woodland, this 18th-century country house represents the perfect blend of heritage architecture and rural living. The property includes a charming four-bedroom cottage, a one bedroom stable flat, and a host of outbuildings and equestrian facilities, offering rare versatility for multi-generational living, guests or rental income.

Believed to have been originally constructed in the mid-1700s, with 19th-century enhancements, Buckshaw House is a fine example of Georgian design. The two-storey, seven-bay façade, topped by an elegant attic floor and slate hipped roof, features sash windows, ashlar detailing, and rusticated quoins. Traditional architectural elements such as arched doorways, reeded consoles and symmetrical design enhance the home's presence, while the interior presents an opportunity to enjoy modern family life within a grand historic framework.

The house is approached via a private drive through sweeping parkland, revealing the front elevation. The formal gardens and gravel pathways around the house provide ideal spaces for outdoor entertaining, leading to a stone terrace, enclosed swimming pool, and well-tended lawns flanked by mature trees and herbaceous borders.

Lifestyle & Equestrian Facilities
Buckshaw House offers excellent equestrian facilities. The stone-built stable block, arranged around a picturesque cobbled courtyard, includes six original stalls, a tack room, and former coach house. Beyond the walled kitchen garden lies an outdoor school, while the paddocks are divided by post and rail fencing and are ideal for grazing horses or other livestock. For outdoor enthusiasts, the property's woodland, orchard, and rolling views provide a peaceful rural environment with a sense of privacy.

Secondary Accommodation
Set apart from the main house is a four-bedroom cottage, ideal for extended family, guests, or staff. Additionally, the stable flat with one bedroom provides potential for letting income, equestrian grooms or visiting guests. These separate dwellings offer flexibility to suit a variety of modern living arrangements.

Outbuildings & Grounds
In addition to the stables, the property offers a variety of useful outbuildings including garden stores, a potting shed, log store, and a beautifully maintained walled kitchen garden. An ornamental ha-ha, complete with wooden footbridge, subtly separates the formal gardens from the grazing land, creating visual drama and uninterrupted views across the surrounding countryside.

In total, the grounds extend to approximately 19.6 acres, including formal gardens, productive orchard, mature woodland, and level paddocks. With a balance of function and beauty, this exceptional estate provides a rare opportunity to acquire a period country house with genuine lifestyle potential in a sought-after location in rural Dorset.

Buckshaw House occupies a peaceful position at the end of a long private drive, enjoying far-reaching views over its own land and the unspoilt Dorset countryside beyond. Positioned in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, the property sits just outside the quiet village of Holwell, offering tranquillity, seclusion, whilst being within easy reach of key towns and transport links.

The nearby market town of Sherborne (7 miles) is one of Dorset's most sought-after locations, renowned for its historic charm, cultural richness and vibrant community. Sherborne is home to the iconic Sherborne Abbey, as well as the Tudor-era Sherborne Castle, and offers a wide range of amenities including independent boutiques, artisan bakeries and delis, cosy cafés, traditional pubs and fine dining restaurants. Supermarkets such as Waitrose and Sainsbury's, along with excellent medical and veterinary facilities, serve day-to-day needs.

The county town of Dorchester, just 14.5 miles to the south, provides further amenities, shopping, cultural attractions and direct rail connections to London, making Buckshaw House ideally positioned for both permanent relocation and a weekend retreat.

This area of North Dorset and the surrounding borders is well known for its outstanding choice of schools, making it a prime destination for families. Prestigious nearby schools include Sherborne School, Sherborne Girls, Leweston, Hazlegrove, Milton Abbey, Hanford, Port Regis, Sandroyd, Bryanston, and the highly regarded schools in Bruton, all within comfortable driving distance.

With its peaceful rural surroundings, strong local infrastructure, and access to leading schools, Buckshaw House offers a rare opportunity to enjoy an idyllic country lifestyle in one of Dorset's most desirable and well-connected locations.