Hill End, Hardington Mandeville

Approached down a long drive, Old Track is aptly named and commands wonderful views from an elevated position looking across lush pastures to wooded hills. Constructed of painted stone and render under a clay tiled roof, the core of the house dates back around 300 years, since when it has been extended to create spacious accommodation particularly on the ground floor. On entry, one is immediately greeted with the Somerset hills framed by extensive glazing in the recently re-built garden room, one of several reception rooms which lead onto the south facing terrace. A beautifully light, dual aspect and spacious sitting room with bi-fold doors and a Woodwarm stove leads into a snug, also kept cosy by a woodburner. The kitchen diner combines old with the new, where the cottage style dining area introduces the lofty, well equipped, bespoke kitchen. Built by Sherborne Kitchens, facilities include a range of painted base and wall units, a mobile storage island, a Richmond Stoves electric range, separate five ring gas hob, fitted dishwasher, porcelain butler sink and granite surfaces. The adjacent utility room, also bespoke, comprises extensive storage, space and connection for a washer and dryer, stainless-steel sink and a back door onto a clothes-drying area.

On the other side of the house is a large study with a range of fitted cupboards and shelves, plus a generous double bedroom with built-in cupboards and an ensuite bathroom. A cloakroom and vestibule complete the downstairs accommodation. Two staircases serve the first floor, where there are three further bedrooms all enjoying lovely views. The light and airy principal bedroom comes with a walk-in wardrobe, eaves storage and ensuite shower room, while the other two double bedrooms share a shower room and the rear staircase.

With panoramic views, a good amount of land and a well appointed and characterful house, Old Track offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a country lifestyle with the benefits of a sociable and active village community.

OUTBUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
On a sunny day, views of the south facing garden can be enjoyed from the terrace under the shade of the automatic awning and a pretty pergola bedecked with clematis and passion flower. The garden is mainly laid to lawn with well-stocked beds containing a variety of shrubs and perennials providing colour and interest during the growing season, while hedges and walls supply form and structure in the winter months. The study enjoys its own terrace and pergola, which leads to a wonderful summer house on elevated decking from which to take in the glorious sunsets.

A productive vegetable garden is well laid out with raised beds, a fruit cage, an aluminium greenhouse and shed. In addition, there is a terrace pond, a couple of naturalised areas and an orchard planted with a good variety of fruit trees. The adjacent field, enclosed by mixed native hedging and with separate entrance from the lane, brings the total area to around five acres. A gravel drive provides ample parking and leads to a wooden, triple garage with pitched roof, shelving and workshop area.

LOCATION
Old Track is situated on the edge of the popular village of Hardington Mandeville on the Somerset/Dorset border, which is host to a pub, The Royal Oak, a shop with Post Office and a church, along with a gardening club, amateur dramatics group and WI, amongst others. The village hall and community playing field provide a variety of activities for all ages. Many people who move here stay for many years, such is the attraction of the village community.

Surrounded by magnificent rolling countryside, this is a beautiful part of the country yet remains extremely accessible due to the A30, A303 and good rail links from Yeovil Junction on the Exeter to Waterloo line. In addition, the M5 is within easy reach at Taunton and the village therefore enjoys the best of both worlds, being secluded yet accessible. The regional centre of Yeovil is within easy reach and has the full range of facilities whilst alternatives include Crewkerne, a typical Somerset market town and Sherborne, dominated by its Abbey and historic schools.

SPORTING AND RECREATION
There are numerous golf courses within easy motoring distance including Sherborne and Yeovil. Racing at Wincanton, Salisbury, Bath and Exeter. Water sports on the Dorset coast (about 40 minutes) or on Sutton Bingham Reservoir nearby. Riding and walking on an extensive network of bridleways and footpaths including the Macmillan and Monarch’s Way routes. Theatres at Bath, Taunton, Salisbury and Bournemouth. The Newt country estate and Hauser and Wirth in Bruton provide further cultural opportunities.

EDUCATION
The area is particularly noted for the high quality of its schools including independent schools such as Sherborne Schools Group, Hazlegrove, Port Regis, Leweston and Bruton Schools as well as Bryanston School in Blandford Forum.