Set in the lush valleys of the bucolic Blackmore Vale, this Grade II-listed cottage occupies a peaceful elevated position near the River Stour. The house, thought to date to the early 19th century, retains a wealth of original character and has undergone a meticulous renovation by the current owners, complemented by a wonderfully secluded rear garden. Well-placed for access to the Dorset countryside, the cottage sits next to the atmospheric Stour Provost village church.

Setting the Scene

The house is part of a row of historic cottages on the eastern side of the village, which has been Grade II-listed since 1984. Stour Provost is an ancient north Dorset village with deep agricultural roots, centred around St Michael’s Church. As the landscape evolved over the centuries, these cottages came to reflect local architectural heritage with natural coursed rubble-stone façades and clay-tiled and slated gabled-ended roofs.

The Grand Tour

Situated on an exclusive cul-de-sac with no through traffic, the cottage is approached from the quiet street, fronted by a lateral stone bed of verdant shrubs. Set across two storeys and a singular width, it is entered through a joyful pink-coloured, porch-covered front door.

The door opens directly into a large sitting room via a small entrance hall – perfect for storing coats and walking boots – a remarkable space with a local Marnhull Stone limestone floor and a superb inglenook fireplace with an impressive exposed bressummer beam, working wood-burner, and period bread oven. A romantic sensibility places a fitted bench beneath the window and ‘Jonquil 60%’ by Edward Bulmer on the walls. Here and throughout, the recent renovation sensitively includes new hardwood doors and windows, commissioned through a local joiner.

Beyond, the kitchen opens to the pretty rear garden and connects to a convenient bathroom. Soft white shaker-style cabinets have been fitted with solid oak worktops, a ceramic butler sink, and a rustic tongue-and-groove splashback. Integrated porcelain light fixtures are by Lam Lighting.

Panelled and painted in Atelier Ellis’ ‘Ghost’, the bathroom is complete with a built-in bathtub with overhead shower enclosed in Claybrook Studio tiles.

Upstairs, a spacious landing is versatile, partially used as a study, dressing room or second bedroom. A natural jute carpet runs underfoot with warming tones and textured weaves.

The principal bedroom is well-positioned overlooking the street from the window; when left open, natural bird song can be heard. Subject to permission, the loft above could be converted to extend the living space.

The Great Outdoors

The rear garden has been predominantly laid to lawn with lovingly landscaped with beds of cow parsley, black elder, and foxgloves. Tiered, a paved terrace first extends from the kitchen, creating a delightful outdoor dining area, and leads to lush grass and a whimsical pond under the dappled shade of a tulip tree. There is a stone outbuilding, not currently in use but, restored, would make a wonderful potting shed, and an area of hard-standing at the far end provides the opportunity to erect an at-home office or workshop.

Out and About

Stour Provost rests on the peaceful banks of the River Stour within the rolling pastures of Dorset’s Blackmore Vale. The Ship Inn at West Stour is a short drive or walk across the field and is popular for seasonal pub classics, and the vibrant Udder Farm Shop for fresh local produce and a café overlooking the vale. For everyday amenities, the market town of Gillingham is just a ten-minute drive away with a branch of Waitrose; meanwhile, historic Shaftesbury lies equally close for boutique independent shopping and iconic views down Gold Hill.

Slightly further afield, is the historic market town of Sherborne and the cultural hubs of Bruton and Frome provide world-class arts and dining. Bruton is home to the internationally acclaimed Hauser & Wirth art gallery, Michelin-starred Osip, and the sprawling estate of The Newt in Somerset.

Transport links are excellent; Gillingham station provides direct rail services into London Waterloo in around two hours, while the A303 is easily accessible to the north for connection to London and the West Country.

Council Tax Band: D