luxury architect houses for sale Dorset, United Kingdom

Vendors insight into the beautiful Old Rectory Farm, Lympsham – Timeless Living in a Village Haven Old Rectory Farm has been a truly special home for us, a striking Jacobean farmhouse dating back to 1715, full of history and character, from the dramatic bell tower and battlements to the beautifully crafted interiors designed by Stephenson’s Architects. We’ve loved the bespoke open-plan kitchen with its Aga, the elegant spaces that have hosted so many celebrations, and the wonderful period features, including the hand-carved doors and the former cider room that nods to the house’s past. The gardens have been our sanctuary, blending the feel of a classic English garden at the front with a more Mediterranean style at the rear, all with open countryside views. Tucked privately within a thriving village, it has offered us both peace and a strong sense of community. This is a home filled with warmth, memories and charm. Step through the elegant tower entrance of Old Rectory Farm, and you’re instantly transported into a world where history, character, and modern family life exist in perfect harmony. Dating back to 1715, with a striking 1866 Victorian Gothic extension, this is a home where every corner tells a story, yet every space is designed for contemporary living. Picture mornings in the farmhouse kitchen, sunlight spilling over granite countertops and the warming glow of the Aga, while the family gathers around the breakfast table before stepping outside into the gardens. Flow effortlessly between the dual-aspect drawing room and second sitting room, whether you’re hosting friends, enjoying a quiet evening by the fireplace, or retreating with a book in the study. Upstairs, the light-filled landing with tower room opens to five generous bedrooms, each offering a private sanctuary. The master suite, with its walk-in wardrobe and modern en-suite, is a personal retreat, while a guest suite with its own en-suite ensures visitors feel at home. For fitness, focus, or fun, the former chapel-turned-meditation space offers endless possibilities. Outside, the grounds are nothing short of magical. Expansive lawns, mature specimen trees, and flowering borders surround the house, while a walled Mediterranean terrace offers the perfect spot for long summer lunches or evening drinks under the stars. A peaceful courtyard, private corners, and a charming outbuilding create the ideal setting for hobbies, gardening, or simply enjoying the serenity of village life. Nestled in the heart of Lympsham, you are close to the village shop, post office, sports clubs, and schools, yet the countryside stretches endlessly beyond. Cycle paths, coastal days out, and the Mendip Hills are all on your doorstep. Easy access to the M5, Bristol Airport, and nearby train stations means city life or commuting is never far away. Old Rectory Farm is more than a house - it’s a lifestyle. Whether raising a family, working from home, entertaining friends, or retreating to tranquillity, here is a home that adapts to your life, offering space, history, and a sense of belonging that is truly rare.

Nestled in the heart of Whitwell, a charming and community-oriented village on the south of the Isle of Wight, Strathwell House is an architectural gem discreetly positioned within a secluded half-acre plot. Completed in August 2022, this stunning home was designed by acclaimed RIBA award-winning architect Lincoln Miles, known for his appearances on Channel 4’s Grand Designs. In collaboration with the current owners and local builder Richard Dowers, the property reflects a bespoke vision that blends contemporary open-plan living with a wonderful connection to the open fields that sit beyond the home.   From the moment you arrive, the property impresses with its understated cedar-clad exterior, which conceals approximately 3,000 sq. ft. of meticulously designed living space. A private gated entrance opens onto a gravel driveway, offering ample parking and access to the detached double garage, complete with power, and an electric door. The thoughtful design fully embraces the plot’s gently sloping topography, resulting in a unique layout that maximizes natural light and sweeping countryside views.   Inside, luxury and practicality unite in perfect harmony. The spacious open-plan living and dining area flows seamlessly into a high-specification kitchen featuring top-brand appliances, including Neff double ovens, a microwave, and a coffee machine. A built-in Airforce induction hob with an integrated rising extractor and high-end finishes ensures this kitchen is as functional as it is stylish. Adjacent to the kitchen is a useful utility room, with a large plant room and separate cloakroom. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors from the spacious dining area open onto a paved terrace, with a heated infinity pool at its center—a true highlight for entertaining or simply enjoying on peaceful summer days.   The property offers three beautifully appointed bedroom suites, each with its own character and purpose. Two ground-floor guest bedrooms feature en-suite shower rooms and access to private courtyards, ensuring privacy and comfort for visitors. The principal suite, elevated at the rear of the home, includes a luxurious en-suite bathroom, a large dressing room, and a stunning wall of windows that create a floating-in-the-trees effect, making it the perfect retreat to unwind and take in the local wildlife.   The lower ground floor is a versatile space with its own entrance and shower room, making it ideal for use as a self-contained annex, home office, or additional living area. Currently fitted with a bar area, for entertaining and use as a games room, this area has been cleverly designed to allow for easy conversion into separate accommodation if desired. Throughout the property, underfloor heating powered by an air-source heat pump ensures comfort, while discreet internal blinds, LED lighting, and thoughtfully positioned external power sockets enhance convenience and style.   The outdoor space is equally impressive. The terraced rear garden offers a peaceful escape, bordered by a neighboring equestrian paddock and a brook. A beautifully landscaped path leads down through lawned areas, vegetable beds, and a polytunnel to a serene nature pool that integrates with the surrounding environment. The attenuation pond adds a functional and ecological benefit in its design, located at the rear of the plot.     WHAT THE OWNER SAYS:   Strathwell House has enabled us to enjoy being in the heart of Whitwell village’s vibrant community whilst nestled in a quiet rural plot that affords far reaching views of the surrounding downs. It has been a great home that was designed to be sociable and in which to host and entertain our family and friends.   Our historic village pub The White Horse Inn, is a couple of minutes’ walk away and is popular with visitors and locals alike. It has been a great place to make new friends and to socialise.   The neighbouring village of Niton has all the facilities we need day to day and is but a two-minute drive from Whitwell or an easy 20-minute walk away. Ventnor is our nearest town and has some great restaurants and pubs offering a wide range of cuisines. The town also offers a variety of locally owned independent shops that we love to support.   The footpaths and bridleways that criss-cross the village enable us to access the nearby cliff paths and to walk up to the surrounding downland where we enjoy spectacular island wide views when walking our friendly dog. Being close to the island’s southern Jurassic coastline stretching from Sandown to Freshwater means that living in Whitwell we enjoy easy access to some fantastic beaches.   Living on an island that has a tourism focus means that we and our visitors have a host of exciting and interesting activities to enjoy.

INTRODUCTION Set within over two acres in a semi-rural position on the edge of Marldon in the pretty South Hams hamlet of Westerland, boasting privacy without isolation, The Old Coach House is a remarkable 18th-centuary residence. Period stone elevations give way to a beautifully considered contemporary interior of impressive scale, craftsmanship, and individuality. Extensively and thoughtfully modernised over the years by local trades under architect supervision, it combines the character and substance of a seasoned country home with the comfort, technology and finish expected of modern luxury living. Solid oak joinery, Tuscany Travertine flooring, underfloor heating, bespoke staircases, hand-carved stone arches and floor-to-ceiling glazing all contribute to a home of genuine quality and presence. The accommodation extends to approx 3990 sq ft, with a further ancillary complex of approximately 3,599 sq ft, creating an exceptional lifestyle opportunity for those seeking space, flexibility, and privacy. Outside the gardens and grounds are equally impressive, with extensive vegetable/flower raised beds, fruit trees, a potting shed, and beautiful views across the surrounding area towards Dartmoor. A lift connects the main house level to the annex, adding a rare level of practicality and convenience. STEP INSIDE The property with CCTV, is approached via a long sweeping driveway, through electric gates, with an entry system connected at various points throughout the house. The entrance hall immediately sets the tone, with Travertine flooring, solid oak detailing and a staircase rising to the first floor. A fully fitted utility room sits nearby, leading to a cloakroom and boiler. The kitchen/breakfast room is beautifully appointed and designed with both everyday living and entertaining in mind. Bespoke Arrital Italian cabinetry is paired with granite worktops and upstands, Neff appliances, and Franke sink. Gothic-style arched windows overlook the rear courtyard, with stable door opening directly outside. Underfloor heating continues through this area, zoned separately for comfort between the kitchen and dining spaces. From the kitchen, the accommodation flows into a sitting room with surround sound, an electric blind and a bay window overlooking the courtyard. This continues through to the dining room where the Travertine flooring continues and tri-folding doors open out to the garden. From here the covered decked terrace creates a wonderful extension of the living space, framed by beautiful stone arches and offering a sheltered place to dine and entertain outdoors. The drawing room is a generous and elegant reception room, with Swarovski lighting adding a refined finish. Additional features include a further cloakroom, coat storage and multiple access points to the gardens. The first floor continues the sense of scale and craftsmanship. The principal bedroom is a particularly impressive suite, with double-aspect windows, Juliet balconies overlooking the grounds and views towards Dartmoor. There are two fully fitted walk-in wardrobes and a beautifully appointed en suite featuring Denzili Travertine tiling, underfloor heating, wet room shower and stone bath handmade in Bali. There are four further bedrooms, several with fitted wardrobes and two en suite facilities, wet room showers, Travertine tiling and underfloor heating. A secondary landing, linked to the principal en suite, provides access to the second en suite bedroom, creating a sense of privacy and flexibility for guest or family members. STEP OUTSIDE The gardens and grounds are a defining feature of The Old Coach House, extending to over two acres and offering a rare combination of landscaped entertaining space, productive garden areas, lawns and practical external facilities, with a secure gated service road, showcasing a back drop of Dartmoor National Park. The house opens onto extensive Ipe hardwood decking, laid over a concrete sub-base to provide a solid, long-lasting and beautifully finished outdoor living area.  There is also a barbecue area with power and light, creating a natural setting for Summer gatherings. The gardens are predominately laid to lawn, with robotic mowing, automatic irrigation, and various water points and lighting. The courtyard garden has raised beds, seating, and secondary electric pedestrian access. Just over an acre of the garden, to the West of the property, has the added benefit of Planning Consent. This consent granted in 2025 is unconditional Planning in Principle for up to three dwellings. This permission offers a substantial financial bonus and great opportunity for the next owner. Whether they choose to simply enjoy the house, gardens, and grounds as they are, or explore the potential further with a view to future investment security. The Old Coach House is a very special property with an enormous amount to offer. One of the most unusual and valuable features is the substantial garage and workshop complex, extending to approx 3,559 sq ft, it includes garaging for many cars, with automated shutter doors, lift access to upper level, a workshop, office, gym, garden loo, and golf simulator room. All of which have air conditioning, electricity, broadband, water, and separate phone line. The internal partitions are removable, allowing the building to be opened up into one vast space if required. It is an exceptional asset for car enthusiasts, collectors, business owners, hobbyists or those needing significant secure storage space. USEFUL INFORMATION Freehold - unlisted Mains Electric, water and gas Private drainage Local Authority: South Hams District Council Council Tax Band: G EPC Rating: B

A statement glass staircase and spacious entrance hall immediately set the tone for this beautifully designed contemporary home, where light, scale, and quality flow seamlessly throughout. The ground floor offers exceptional flexibility for modern living and entertaining. A dedicated cinema and leisure room previously utilised as a gym incorporates a sauna and shower room and benefits from double-aspect patio doors opening to both the rear garden and a private enclosed terrace. This terrace features a wooden hot tub and a sheltered area with excellent potential to create an outdoor bar, ideal for summer dining, barbecues, and social gatherings. The heart of the home is the impressive open-plan kitchen and dining space, fitted with top-of-the-range integrated appliances including induction hob, wine coolers and ovens. Bi-fold doors open directly onto the garden, while additional doors lead through to a stunning sun room framed by feature glazing and centred around a contemporary fireplace a wonderful space for year-round enjoyment. A separate formal living room with fireplace provides a more intimate retreat, complemented by a well-appointed utility room and ground floor WC. The property also benefits from advanced electrical and sound systems throughout, alongside energy-efficient underfloor heating. Upstairs, four generous double bedrooms each enjoy their own en-suite facilities. One suite features a beautiful roll-top copper bath, while the principal bedroom offers a luxurious double walk-in shower, a large walk-in wardrobe and a Juliette balcony overlooking open fields and countryside beyond. Sunnybank sits behind private electric gates, providing excellent privacy and security. The sweeping driveway leads to a substantial car port with additional secure lockable storage. The grounds extend to approximately six acres, offering a rare opportunity for lifestyle buyers seeking space, privacy and versatility whether for recreation, equestrian use or future landscaping opportunities. A newly renovated one-bedroom detached annexe with its own access and parking provides ideal accommodation for guests, extended family, staff or potential income generation. Multiple outdoor entertaining areas surround the main house, creating seamless indoor-outdoor flow for hosting, relaxation and family living. What3Words location: ///gates.sunset.fields Vendor Interview: This magnificent, spacious and welcoming, home sits within its own generous parcel of land in the delightful, caring, village of St Brides, set on the Severn Estuary and ideally positioned within easy reach of Newport and Cardiff. Once a dairy farm, the transformation of the original dwelling into this wonderful family home is the result of the vision and determination of its owners. Ian and Jan, and it has been their much treasured home for the past thirty five years. “With five young children, our original brief was both ambitious and exacting. Working closely with our architect, our aim was to design a home that balanced generous shared spaces with areas for privacy, relaxation and individuality. Over the years our house has been continually upgraded, tweaked, extended and enhanced to meet the changing needs of family life.” “Among the many of the significant improvements we have completed, was the replacement and enlargement of the original conservatory, resulting in a spacious and comfortable family room. This has become the heart of our home, particularly for large gatherings of friends and family. Plus, it has taken on even greater importance in recent years since the arrival of grandchildren as our family numbers have increased. The kitchen has always been a priority and is designed as a truly sociable space. When the doors are thrown open, it offers a superb indoor/outdoor living experience, perfect for entertaining and everyday family life.” “Further thoughtful innovations included the demolition of old stables to create a much-loved cinema room along with a master bedroom suite, complete with dressing room. An independent living space was also created, providing flexibility for extended family members.” “The external spaces have also received  much attention. The grounds offer extensive open areas which have hosted countless celebrations over the years. One particular, delightful, event was a wedding reception for one our children when a large marquee was adjoined to the rear of the house and helped to generate a truly memorable occasion. In addition, with no light pollution, our location offers exceptional stargazing – an enduring delight for one of our grandchildren.” “This has been a truly special home in an incredible location, one filled with memories and milestones. As the time has come to move on, we sincerely wish the new custodians as much happiness and contentment as we have enjoyed throughout the years.”