The Property

Leaches Farm has a handsome Ham Stone ashlar facade adorned by a wisteria and inset with mullioned windows and leaded lights. It is thought to date back in parts to 1680 and was later extended throughout the years. Included in the listing is the stone wall at the front which sets the tone of the quality of the construction and adds to the kerb appeal of this fascinating property. The property is situated near several highly regarded private and state schools, including Hazelgrove, Millfield and the Sherborne schools, as well as the primary school within the village.

The property has beautifully presented interiors and mature, private gardens. Set in the heart of this sought-after village, the house offers elegant, spacious accommodation and a fine blend of period features and modern touches – with ample parking, a detached garage and no onward chain. Internally, the house retains a wealth of original character, including exposed timbers, fireplaces and flagstone floors, but has been sympathetically updated to a high standard.

The front door opens into a wide and welcoming entrance hall, with two superb reception rooms to either side. The sitting room enjoys a stone fireplace with wood burner and a mullion window overlooking the front garden. Across the hall, the second reception room – currently used as a dining room – also has a wood burner and excellent proportions.

To the rear is a large kitchen/breakfast room with an excellent range of fitted units, composite work surfaces, a gas-fired two-oven AGA and space for additional appliances. There’s also a study area which links into both the conservatory and the recently refurbished utility/WC.

Upstairs, the first floor offers three generous double bedrooms, all at the front of the house and benefiting from higher-than-average ceilings and good natural light. The principal suite features new Farrow & Ball-painted built-in cupboards, exposed roof timbers, and a well-appointed en-suite bathroom. The other two bedrooms are supported by a stylish family bathroom with a bath, separate shower, vanity unit and WC. There is also a versatile additional room on this level, ideal as a fourth bedroom, dressing room or hobby space.

The second floor is particularly impressive, offering two further large double bedrooms with good head height and natural light. One of these includes a sizeable walk-in store room which could serve as an en suite making an ideal self-contained suite for a teenager (subject to consents). There’s also a linen store housing the hot water tank and a quiet reading nook tucked beneath the eaves.

Externally

The gardens at Leaches Farm are a real standout feature of the property, private and peaceful, surrounded by hedging, catching the sun for the majority of the day with areas of shade beneath some wonderful trees.

There is a large south-facing walled terrace immediately outside the kitchen which enjoys total privacy, making it an ideal setting for al-fresco dining.The wide lawns are dissected by a stone path, which is flanked on either side by borders planted with lavender and many other fragrant herbs. At the end of the path, an archway within a mature Yew hedge leads through to another almost secret garden with well maintained lawns for children to play on, set around a magnificent mature Plane tree. There is a small kitchen garden area with raised beds and a greenhouse, all enclosed by a woven willow fence to keep out any hungry wildlife. There is also a shady fern garden and sunny borders planted with David Austin roses, shrubs and perennials. Other trees include a Walnut, a Liquidamber and a fruitful Bramley.

There are further gardens to the side where the owner has planted a small orchard, with other fruit trees including cherry and pears. Nearby is a sheltered utility area with a large garden shed, compost bin and storage areas.

Set within the front walls, there is a large wrought iron gate which opens to a driveway that leads up to the single garage which has been fitted with new electrics. Behind the garage there is a useful garden store.

In all, the gardens and grounds amount to around half an acre.