"A handsome Grade II listed Georgian property in a convenient central town location"

South Lodge is arguably the finest house in Dorchester and understood to have been designed by the Bastard Brothers, it has origins dating back to 1750. The house is located in the heart of the county town and enjoys close proximity to the centre, rich in history and known for its Roman origins as well as its literary connections to the author and poet Thomas Hardy. South Lodge comes to market with Savills Wimborne, for the first time in 15 years.

Dorset has long held appeal for its exceptional countryside, good schools both state and independent and its glorious Jurassic coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 95 miles of spectacular coastline. Situated within this diverse historic county, Dorchester town is a thriving community with a lot to offer a wider range of buyers.

Ashley Rawlings of Savills said: “South Lodge is an impressive, handsome and historic Listed Grade II* town house, the likes of which do not come to the market very often. It is really quite rare to find a house of this calibre, enjoying such a central location, with spacious and secluded outside space as well as ample off street parking.”

Reflective of the period, the property is grand in design with handsome Stucco elevations and timber sash windows to the front elevation giving it classic symmetrical balance. The house is beautifully proportioned with accommodation over three floors, high ceilings and extensive entertaining space including a fine reception hall to receive guests.

On either side of the impressive reception hall are two elegant rooms with classical features including Rococo plaster work, flagstone flooring and open fireplaces. The ground floor also has a study space, ideal for home working or as a snug. The kitchen is complete with an Aga range cooker and located at the rear of the property, with access to a terrace and the gardens beyond.

Several practical rooms and lobby space towards the back of the property provide good storage. Below ground is a cellar comprising two rooms ideal for a wine collection.

A Chinese Chippendale style staircase, unique to the period, provides access to the first floor where there is a master bedroom suite with adjoining dressing room. There are two further bedrooms on the first floor and a second dressing room or nursery adjacent to the master suite.

A rare, spacious and elegant drawing room currently occupies space on the first floor, complete with sash windows, decorative cornicing and a period fireplace. There are a further three bedrooms on the second floor with a bathroom and shower.

Outside and to the rear South Lodge has views of the adjoining church tower from a terrace surrounded by a wall and known as the ‘folly’ as well as pedestrian access to the town. To the front is a lawn and ornamental pond bordered by a tall Beech hedge and some fine Horse Chestnut trees as well as parking for several cars and access to garaging.

In his closing remarks, Ashley added: “South Lodge is a wonderful family home with immense style and generous accommodation, ideal for entertaining guests, with flexible space and all the convenience of living close to the exceptional range of facilities Dorchester has to offer.”

Dorchester has an excellent range of independent shops and national chains, a good number of pubs and restaurants, as well as the recently converted former Brewery site known as Brewery Square with an Odeon cinema complex. A weekly market adds to the thriving community feel and the town offers direct rail connections to London Waterloo and beyond.

Agent: Savills, Wimborne

Guide price: £1,500,000

01202 856800

savills.co.uk