The contents of one of the most beautiful houses in Dorset will be sold in a timed online auction run by leading auctioneers Duke’s of Dorchester.

It is the first online-only auction of a country house contents ever to take place. 

The Manor House at West Stafford, near Dorchester, Dorset hit the headlines when it first came on the market because of the next-door neighbor is none other than Julian Fellowes, also known as Lord Fellowes of West Stafford.

The Oscar-winning director and scriptwriter, whose credits include Gosford Park and Downton Abbey, has lived in the village for almost twenty years. 

Now the owners of the £3 million Grade 1 listed Manor House, Jane and Ken Ollerton, have decided to downsize and they have asked Duke’s to sell the items they are not taking with them. 

Dorset Echo: Senan MacDonagh of Dukes Auctioneers outside the propertySenan MacDonagh of Dukes Auctioneers outside the property

According to Senan MacDonagh, the specialist from Duke’s in charge of the auction, the sale includes “a myriad of desirable lots- from the grand to the downright quirky.” Lots on offer include soft furnishings, curtains, stylish reproduction furniture and that country house essential- a croquet set! 

Senan added: “Ordinarily we would host an auction like this on the premises but Covid-19 made us decide to approach the sale in a different way - a dedicated timed online auction which is now underway and runs for a week.”

Buyers can view online virtually on Duke’s website or if they want to look around they can pay a £30 entrance fee by contacting Duke’s and arranging a time slot. 

Highlights of the timed online auction, which runs until 24th September, include a quirky George 11 walnut corner chair dating from 1740 which is estimated at £1,000.

Dorset Echo: Senan MacDonagh of Dukes Auctioneers with a Guy Taplin waterbird sculpture that will feature in the sale. The lavish contents of a majestic manor house in Thomas Hardy country which counts Downton Abbey creator Lord Julian Fellowes as a neighbour have emerged for sale.Senan MacDonagh of Dukes Auctioneers with a Guy Taplin waterbird sculpture that will feature in the sale. The lavish contents of a majestic manor house in Thomas Hardy country which counts Downton Abbey creator Lord Julian Fellowes as a neighbour have emerged for sale.

Senan said:” The chair looks like it has leapt straight out of a painting by Hogarth”. 

For those with more contemporary taste a striking driftwood sculpture of a sea bird by the renowned artist,Guy Taplin, is likely to set pulses racing. It is also expected to fetch up to a £1,000.

Further information is available from Senan MacDonagh at Duke’s on 01305 265080.