AN HISTORIC country estate which housed evacuees during the Second World War has been transformed into luxury apartments and coach houses.

The Farrer Estate in East Stoke, near Wareham, dates back to 1867. During the Second World War, the mansion house sheltered evacuees escaping the Blitz before it was requisitioned by the Americans to house army officers.

The mansion house has been restored to create 15 one, two and three bedroom apartments. The original stable block has also been redeveloped and transformed into five three and four bedroom coach houses.

The developer has retained many of the original Elizabethan features of the stable block to ensure that the new homes are in keeping with the period features of the main house.

Olly Shaw, from Savills residential development sales team, said: "An apartment set within a converted historic building offers the grandeur and imposing surroundings enjoyed by their original occupants but on a more manageable scale.

"Dating back to 1867, this elegant mansion house and estate has been beautifully restored, retaining many of the attractive period features invoking its history yet tastefully combining modernity to create wonderful homes for 21st century living.

"Surrounded by countryside of outstanding natural beauty, these new homes offer the perfect rural retreat."

The grounds of the estate have been landscaped and restored to their original state. An ornamental pond, on which the Farrer family children played with boats with war-time evacuees, is now home to a collection of Koi carp.

Councillor Bill Pipe, for Lytchett Matravers and Upton, said: "I really do think that it is so important to preserve historic buildings, especially ones with such a recent historic past. I totally believe in keeping the memory of historic buildings alive in the area.

"I do think it is important to preserve them in their original state as much as it is possible, but I do not have any objections to the Farrer Estate having a change of use and being turned into luxury apartments."

Prices for properties are from £355,000. For more information contact Savills on 02380 713966.