UPWEY HOUSE

Situation
Upwey House enjoys an elevated position with far-reaching, uninterrupted views to the south across its gardens and paddocks towards Weymouth and the coast. Set well back from the village road, it is approached via a long driveway, ensuring privacy and a sense of arrival.

The house is located on the edge of Upwey, a charming village known for its history, its attractive stone architecture and peaceful rural surroundings. Nestled in unspoiled countryside, Upwey lies approximately 4 miles south of Dorchester and a similar distance from Weymouth. Both towns offer direct rail services to London Waterloo, with journey times of around 2 hours and 45 minutes from either Upwey or Dorchester.

Weymouth provides an excellent range of amenities, including a long sandy beach that is a major attraction. The Old Harbour is full of character, and the marina is nationally recognised for its world class sailing facilities. Weymouth and nearby Portland hosted all the sailing events for the 2012 Olympic Games, leading to the establishment of the National Sailing Academy at Portland, a lasting legacy. The surrounding Jurassic Coast has long held World Heritage status, celebrated for its geological and natural beauty.

In addition to sailing, Weymouth offers an 18-hole golf course, with further golfing available at Came Down Golf Club. Just a short drive north, the county town of Dorchester features a wide array of amenities including Brewery Square, a vibrant development of shops, restaurants, and an Odeon cinema. Dorchester also offers major supermarkets, including both Tesco and Waitrose.

Description
Upwey House is an exceptional Grade II Listed country house, recognised for its architectural and historic significance. The property was the original Manor house and the original part of the property is believed to have been built in around 1570 and it is said to have been remodelled in about 1750. There have been suggestions that the original property was located further down the hill next to the River Wey and was relocated brick by brick to its current position to benefit from the superior view. Since its reconstruction from its original position the house has been added to over the centuries and includes an additional extension to the southwest elevation.

The house offers generously proportioned accommodation full of period charm with notable original features include beautiful fireplaces, classic shuttered windows and superbly balanced room dimensions.

The living spaces are predominantly arranged around the staircase hall. The heart of the home is a superb kitchen that seamlessly connects to the dining room and leads into the drawing room. French doors from both the kitchen/breakfast room and the light and sizeable drawing room open onto a delightful terrace that wraps around the front and side of the house, offering an effortless flow between indoor and outdoor living.

The kitchen itself is extensively fitted with a wide range of floor and wall mounted units, granite work surfaces, a central island and a magnificent Lacanche range cooker.

Further accommodation includes a family room overlooking the rear courtyard, a library and a study, positioned at the front of the house, which enjoys views across the drive. As the inner hall continues, it leads to an additional wing that creates an outside courtyard which provides access via a secondary entrance. This wing houses the domestic offices, including a boot room with a secondary staircase, fuel store, pantry, utility room and a games room which like the study, overlooks the driveway.

The first floor offers eight bedrooms and a dressing room, providing extensive flexibility in layout and use. The principal bedroom benefits from a dressing room and a dedicated bathroom. The remaining seven bedrooms are served by three additional bathrooms, one of which is accessible from the landing and functions as a Jack and Jill bathroom for two of the bedrooms.

Gardens and Grounds
A pair of stone entrance pillars with timber gates open onto the driveway, creating an elegant first impression. The drive crosses the River Wey via a charming bridge with handrail, then meanders through the grounds, passing the stables and walled garden before arriving at a generous parking and turning area beside the house. A double length garage is attached to the north side of the property.

From the principal reception rooms, doors open onto a magnificent, paved terrace, perfectly designed for outdoor entertaining. This area features a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and bar, including a gas BBQ with rotisserie, woodfired oven, integrated heating and lighting and a sink with hot water plumbing.

Expansive lawns stretch out to a ha-ha, beyond which lies a lower garden, formerly a grass tennis court which also features a picturesque pond and water feature. On the opposite side of the drive is a beautifully maintained walled garden, home to a small orchard, a stone outbuilding and a two-bay covered log store.
The grounds extend further into mature woodland that lines the northeastern boundary and flanks both sides of the River Wey as it runs through the property. Beyond the formal gardens, the land includes open pasture, with the entire property totalling about 23.51 acres.

Additional information

• POSTCODE: DT3 5QE
• Directions: From Wimborne take the A35 towards Dorchester and proceed round the bypass turning left onto the A354 to Weymouth. After approximately 3 miles turn left where it is signposted to Bincombe and Upwey. Follow the signs to Upwey going under the bridge and turn right at the bottom of the hill into Elwell Street. Follow this road until a T junction and the entrance pillars and gates to Upwey House will be seen straight ahead.
• EPC Rating: E
• Tenure: Freehold
• Council Tax Band: TBC