Georgian Old Rectory

An imposing Georgian Old Rectory in the idyllic West Dorset village of Frampton, close to the Jurassic Coast and with scenic country walks, cycling routes and fantastic gastro-pubs right on its doorstep. Views over bucolic Thomas Hardy country, the Gothic roof of a historic Church and the protected parkland of Southover. 1.5 acres of pretty gardens & an orchard. This Georgian Old Rectory is a beloved family home with very limited availability throughout the year. The space Details: Ground Floor: Enter through a grand double door hall with opaline lamps and soaring ceilings. This heads directly into the kitchen or left up a sweeping staircase. The house is very much not a farmhouse but a grand-yet-comfortingly compact country home in a rural village. The main kitchen dining space has soaring ceilings, a Rangemaster gas cooker, a smart fridge and heritage double kitchen sink with beautiful earthy-toned tiles and a wood burner. The joinery has been done to a high spec, with a kitchen island making cooking with everyone in the room a joy. Our table seats 8 more than comfortably and upon entering the room, it’s hard not to gasp at the high ceilings and stunning views of the garden and Gothic church from the Georgian window ahead. The dining room window is framed by a pink camellia in spring, again with views of the garden and small wooded patch beyond it. The relaxed library room is warmed by another log burner and surrounded by fitted bookshelves. We currently use this room as a playroom-cum-family tv room. There is a cushioned window seat at the very back. A fun, bright room but very snug in the evenings for a film. The large drawing room is quite spectacular, particularly at Christmas with a big tree up! Interiors are currently a considered mix of antiques and more modern pieces (a fun spin on country classicism). A grand antique mirror sits above an open fireplace and tall library style shelves back the sofas. Beautiful, heavy shutters keep the heat in during the cooler months. There is also a large open fire with a guard and marble and wooden fireplace. The piano was a gift from my mother so must please be used with special care. There is a downstairs loo with fun heritage wallpaper and a separate secret staircase leading up to the guest part of the house (still connected upstairs, just on a separate landing). Second Floor: Bedroom 1 and bathroom 1: The master bedroom is a real stunner - with the best views in the house and an absurdly large bathroom with double sinks, a shower and standalone bath tub in plum position for views of the church at sunset. We have left a fitted wardrobe free for those staying to use for their own clothes to the left of the bed. Bedroom 2: fresh from an overhaul, this spacious room is a playful spin on the classic Georgian bedroom, with a Farrow and Ball blue ceiling and shutters, a large mahogany wardrobe and desk, and exceedingly comfortable double bed, with views of the garden. Bathroom 2: we call this the family bathroom - gorgeous light in the evening, duck egg blue paint - a large bath with a heritage shower head connected but not a standing shower. Bedroom 3: a compact but very pretty guest bedroom with linen blinds, botanical wallpaper and a pretty fireplace topped with a grand mirror. This is one of the comfiest beds in the house and features drawers underneath for extra storage space. This bedroom is on a separate landing across from the aforementioned rooms. Bathroom 4: on the same landing at the top of the secret staircase. With a power shower, a large bath and original floorboards painted white. Top Floor: Bedroom 4: on the top attic floor of the house, this is a converted bedroom which occupies the whole floor with its accompanying bathroom. A large double bed, desk and bedside tables with a more modern style than the rest of the house. Views over the old stables from the window. Bathroom 4: this bathroom is also enormous - with a large wardrobe for storing coats and clothes, a stand alone tub and attached shower head. A window table can be used as a dressing table with the daylight spilling in through the window. Garden: We have a large outdoor table with 8 seats for sunny days and family barbecues, with a stove for cooking sausages (not your fully fledged barbecue). Behind the coachhouse is an old chicken coop and orchard - which is brimming with apples, pears, plums and figs in Autumn. The garden is just over 1 acre of lawn, a tiny wood and a kitchen garden, with various wild flowers and are own planted borders and roses skirting the house. Cars have their own gravel drive (would easily park 3 or 4) and there is a gate that is closed manually once cars have entered. NB: sadly the house is not catered to those with disabilities. We have stairs throughout the property and a narrow entrance if not using the steps up to the main front door. NB: we sadly cannot accept young children NB: Strictly no parties as this is in a rural village - lively dinners of course but no loud music or loud noise with neighbours all around us. Guest access We lock the cellar, the washing room, our room and the children’s bedrooms, but the rest of the house (x2 bedrooms, x3 bathrooms, a kitchen/dining room, a cosy playroom/sitting room, a drawing room and downstairs bathroom are all accessible. Other things to note No parties please - this is a beloved family home with respected and cherished neighbours. Strictly no hen or stag parties. NB this is the perfect stay for cyclists or walkers (the cycling and walking routes around us are second-to-none), all wiggling through soft, Old England countryside. Despite the village’s rural rhythms and wonderfully eccentric traditions (see the Frampton Fete duck race) the house is 8 minutes from Dorchester’s shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as those of our King’s spruce Georgian model town, Poundbury (our judgements quickly evaporated with the superb coffee shops and 10/10 Waitrose). It’s also very close to Beaminster with Brassica restaurant and Mapperton House, and, of course, the Jurassic coast for sunny trips to the beach. Summer here is like being on holiday every day, (we love Burton Bradstock for its buttermilk beach and the Seaside Boarding House’s fresh seafood). Long dog walks or bike rides are rewarded with proper pub food, where they dine off Thomas Hardy history and pull local ales for a lovely mix of locals and visitors. There are endless museums, parks and activity spots for teenagers (or curious adults) when they’re not jumping into the sea in wetsuits, onto a boat at Weymouth or into a kayak after ice creams at the Hive in Burton Bradstock.