A ‘DELIGHTFUL’ water mill in a scenic area of Dorset which offers ‘superb views’ and has its own ponds to swim in has been placed on the market.

Estate agents Lodestone Property has placed the French Mill, which is based in West Melbury near Shaftesbury, on the market for £2,250,000.

The five-bedroom property, including its surrounding 18.19 acres of land, is described as being in ‘an idyllic rural location with outstanding garden and grounds and superb views.’

The French Mill is believed to have been built in the late 1820s, but there has been a building on the site prior to that date.

View more photos of the property in the above interactive gallery

Dorset Echo: The water mill outside the propertyThe water mill outside the property

The house has ‘spacious and stylish accommodation arranged over three floors’ with many period features including some exposed beams and stonework, oak wood floors, window seats, open fireplaces, wall panelling and in the study, parts of the mill workings.

The mill house has a number of rooms to entertain friends and family and provide ‘some fantastic views over the beautiful garden and grounds which provide an ever-changing vista whatever the season.’

Its ground floor contains a kitchen, hallway, dining room, sitting room as well as a boot room, a toilet and access to a garage.

On the first floor is the master bedroom with a dressing area and en-suite bathroom, two more bedrooms and stairs to the second floor with two bedrooms and an en-suite shower room.

There is also a self-contained annexe which comprises of a kitchen/sitting room, dining room, two bedrooms and bathroom and access to the garden.

The ‘beautiful gardens and grounds’ have a large paved terrace alongside the conservatory and a second terrace with a summer house. Next to the terrace are the remains of the old water wheel.

Dorset Echo: You can even swim in the pondsYou can even swim in the ponds

The well-established gardens are secluded and peaceful and have several walkways meandering through them.

Around the gardens are mature trees, borders with colourful shrub and flower beds and two further terraces, one with a summer house strategically placed to enjoy the view.

There are also several ponds joined by a stream in the garden, a very pretty two-storey stone barn which could have a variety of uses and a mill stream running along the boundary of the garden.

In the northern corner of the plot is a stable block and yard with two loose boxes, tack room and a double garage. Above the stables is a spacious room with views of the surrounding countryside, independent access and planning permission for staff accommodation.

For more information or book a viewing, you can visit this link.