4 bedroom detached house for sale

A charming period farmhouse with a range of outbuildings, set within approximately 1.75 acres of private grounds and enjoying far-reaching views towards Duncliffe Woods. A rare renovation opportunity with superb potential to update, extend, and create a wonderful rural home.


Lilleys Farm has been cherished by the same family for generations—testament to its idyllic setting and timeless appeal. Now offered to the open market, this delightful stone-built farmhouse presents a superb opportunity for sympathetic renovation and extension (subject to the necessary consents). Importantly, the property is not listed, allowing greater flexibility for future improvements.
The main house features natural stone elevations under a tiled roof and offers well-proportioned, characterful accommodation. The ground floor includes a dual-aspect sitting room with a handsome Minster stone open fireplace, a family room or fourth bedroom, a breakfast room, utility room, and a cloakroom/WC. Upstairs, there are three generous double bedrooms, a family bathroom, and stairs leading to a useful attic room on the second floor.
A lapsed planning consent once granted for extension highlights the scope to further enhance the property.

Lilleys Farm is peacefully located in the rural hamlet of Moorside, just east of the vibrant village of Marnhull and southwest of the historic market town of Shaftesbury. Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Blackmore Vale, the setting is both tranquil and picturesque, with panoramic countryside views and access to wonderful walking routes.
Marnhull—one of England’s largest villages—offers a strong sense of community and is famously featured in Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles. The village provides an excellent range of amenities, including two pubs, two primary schools, three churches, a GP surgery, pharmacy, grocery stores (one with a post office), a hairdresser, and a beauty salon. A wealth of clubs and societies further enrich village life.
Sturminster Newton (3.5 miles), Shaftesbury and Gillingham (both 6 miles), and Sherborne (11 miles) offer broader shopping, dining, and cultural facilities.
Transport links are excellent: the A303 to the north provides access to the M3 and London, while mainline railway stations in Gillingham and Sherborne offer direct services to London Waterloo in around two hours.
The area is well-served by both state and independent schools, including Marnhull's two primaries and secondary options in nearby towns. Renowned independent schools such as Port Regis, Hazlegrove, Bryanston, and the Sherborne schools are all within reach.

The property is approached via a private entrance with a sweeping driveway, offering a welcoming and secluded arrival. Former kennels provide excellent storage and presents potential for conversion into garaging or ancillary accommodation (STPP). Additional outbuildings, though in varying states of repair, offer further possibilities for renovation or redevelopment.
The gardens are beautifully private, with an array of mature ornamental and specimen trees, and well-established hedging that encourages wildlife and enhances the peaceful atmosphere. There is also a natural, covered spring well in the garden providing a natural water source. A former paddock area, now open to the garden, adds flexibility—ideal for those seeking space for animals, leisure, or rewilding. This area could easily be re-fenced, subject to need.
There are no public rights of way across the property, ensuring complete privacy.

SERVICES & OUTGOINGS
We understand that mains electric, water and drainage are connected to the property. Oil fired central heating. Private septic tank drainage.
Council Tax: Dorset Council—Band F