A CHARMING PERIOD COTTAGE WITH A LOVELY RIVERSIDE GARDEN AND A FABULOUS OUTLOOK

A hidden gem, quietly tucked away from the centre of the village with a lovely garden running down to the river. Rose Cottage was extensively refurbished and cleverly extended about 12 years ago, and it has been a 2nd home for our clients for the last 5 years in which time it has been well maintained and neatly presented throughout. At the front of the cottage there is a charming sitting room with an open fireplace fitted with a wood burning stove and beyond that, a high spec kitchen and dining room with handmade units and granite work surfaces, perfect for entertaining and designed to make the most of the lovely outlook onto the garden and down to the river. The family bathroom is also downstairs and upstairs there are 2 bedrooms and a useful loft space with a Velux window. Halfway along the garden, overlooking the river, a well-built garden studio/home office could also be used as an occasional 3rd bedroom. During the refurbishment handmade double glazed windows and doors were fitted and new gas fired heating installed, both of which contribute to making Rose Cottage an easy and economical property to manage in a great location; ideal as a base for professionals working locally or from home, or as an idyllic weekend retreat where you will find kingfishers nesting in the riverbank and the occasional otter.

This pretty character cottage is set back from the lane behind an evergreen hedge and covered in an old climbing rose with a flagstone path to the front door. The private back garden is skilfully planted and low maintenance in its design. Beyond the stone terrace, a gravel path takes you past the studio/office to a decked area with seating and steps down to a jetty at the river’s edge. Here, one of the most beautiful views along the River Stour can be enjoyed with an uninterrupted vista across the island to the water meadows beyond. This magical setting is the perfect spot for entertaining or just sitting and unwinding.

Gravel Lane is a quiet no-through road on the outskirts of Charlton Marshall, a popular village a couple of miles south of Blandford Forum. The village has a thriving community with a public house (The Charlton Inn) and a busy village hall. For everyday shops and services, it is only a short drive into Blandford Forum with its historic Georgian market square and excellent range of services and amenities including an M&S Food Hall, Tesco and Lidl superstores.

Communication links around the village are very good; there is a bus stop at the top of the lane with regular service to Poole and Blandford and the villages proximity to the Poole/ Bournemouth/Christchurch conurbation make it popular with people who work in that area. Commuting is straight forward, and easy access on to the A31 and M27 provides a quick link further afield to Southampton and Portsmouth, and on to the M3 up to London. Poole is the nearest station (London Waterloo about 2 hours). The village is surrounded by lovely countryside, much of which is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a brisk walk or cycle ride will take you along the Trailway into Blandford or down along the river and beyond to Cranborne Chase. There are many good opportunities for sport and recreation nearby with numerous golf courses and plenty of other sports clubs in and around Blandford Forum and Poole. Poole Harbour, Studland Bay and Dorset’s renowned Jurassic coastline are less than half an hours’ drive away.

All mains services are available at the property. Gas fired central heating