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Most attractive country house and converted mill on the River Lydden with beautiful gardens and grounds extending to about 48 acres.
Lyddon House underwent a significant transformation when purchased by its current owner 24 years ago. Originally a mid-19th century farmhouse, the property's potential was significantly extended and meticulously renovated, now establishing it as one of Dorset's premier country houses. Set within nearly 48 acres of picturesque gardens and grounds alongside the River Lydden, the house stands proud in its glorious rural setting.
Facing southwest towards the Dorset Gap, the house is flooded with natural light, thanks to its spacious rooms, high ceilings and wide sash windows. The interior is tastefully decorated with well-chosen fittings, providing a blend of sophistication and functionality. Careful maintenance over the years has ensured its good condition and timeless appeal.
The layout revolves around a magnificent central reception hall, overlooked by a three-sided galleried landing on the first floor. Three main reception rooms, all facing southwest, offer delightful views of the surrounding garden, woodland, and pasture. The drawing room, positioned to one side of the reception hall, is an impressive space with French windows opening onto the garden. Beyond the drawing room a secret door leads to a pool room featuring a part glazed roof and a changing room with shower and integral sauna complemented by additional tall sash windows.
On the opposite side of the hall lies the sitting/dining room, providing access to the kitchen through sliding doors and access to the study through another door. The kitchen, boasts windows on three sides, offering panoramic views of the garden, mill, mill stream, and parterre garden. It features bespoke hand-painted units under marble work surfaces, blending practicality with elegance. Beyond the drawing room a secret door leads to a pool room featuring a part glazed roof and a changing room with shower and integral sauna.
Upstairs, there are four large double bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Both the principal and guest bedrooms have en suite bathrooms leading to separate dressing rooms which, if required could be adapted to create further bedrooms. The principal bedroom also offers two walk-in wardrobes. From every bedroom, you are treated to glorious views.
Ancillary accommodation and outbuildings
In addition to the main house, Lyddon House offers a range of ancillary accommodation and outbuildings set in a courtyard arrangement around a grass turning circle. A particularly charming red brick converted mill, serves as a self- contained guest cottage with its own pretty garden overlooking the mill stream. The building has two reception rooms, one with an integrated kitchen and the other currently being used as a 4th bedroom. There are three double bedrooms, one with an en suite WC and a family bathroom. This accommodation is ideal for accommodating extended family or elderly relatives.
On the opposite side of the turning circle stands a large garage block, with access and stair case to a two-bedroom self-sufficient flat known as The Cottage'. Adjacent, is a triple-bay carport with external stairs leading to a spacious home office above. Other amenities include a greenhouse, machinery and log store, a timber stable block requiring reconstruction and two modern agricultural barns.
Garden, grounds and land
Lyddon House is accessed via discreet yet extensive front and rear driveways. Nestled within approximately 1.71 acres of immediate gardens around the house and the adjacent mill stream. The grounds feature a southwest-facing formal garden, an orchard, and three expansive ponds, complemented by stretches of woodland offering seclusion and tranquillity.
Encircling the property is a horseshoe of woodland and pasture spanning approximately 43.71 acres (17.7 hectares). This includes 9.03 acres (3.66 hectares) of woodland and 34.68 acres (14.04 hectares) of pasture, divided into eleven enclosures.
The total acreage totals about 47.92 acres (19.39 hectares).
View payable Stamp Duty for this property
I love the light and the feeling of space. The large double-height hall serves as the heart of the home, and the layout is thoughtfully designed. While the current owners have configured it a certain way, the first floor offers flexibility to add more bedrooms, although there are a further 5-6 bedrooms beyond the house.
James ToogoodProperty agent