Location

The highly sought-after village of Donhead St. Mary is nestled in the picturesque Nadder Valley, one of the most beautiful parts of Wiltshire. The parish also includes the hamlets of West End, Milkwell, and Brook Waters. The name “Donhead” means “Head of the Downs,” referencing the stunning chalk downs that rise from the village up to Win Green and extend as far as Salisbury Plain to the east and Blackmore Vale to the west.

Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Donhead St. Mary offers a peaceful rural setting with a historic 13th-century church and idyllic country walks. The nearby village of Ludwell provides convenient amenities, including an award-winning village shop, post office, and butcher. Donhead St Mary also
has a wonderful village hall that hosts weekly Yoga, Tai Chi, Supper Clubs and Film Nights that are hugely popular with local residents. There are also numerous stables nearby offering full livery services, making this an excellent location for equestrian enthusiasts.

The historic market town of Shaftesbury, approximately three miles west, offers a wider selection of artisan shops, cafés, gastro pubs as well as two large supermarkets, a doctors surgery and a small hospital. To the north, the ever-popular town of Tisbury, around four miles away, boasts a vibrant community with Messums art gallery, a leisure centre with a swimming pool, a primary school, independent shops, cafés, a doctor’s surgery, and a supermarket. The area is also home to renowned local pubs, including The Beckford and The Compasses. Tisbury benefits from a direct train service to London Waterloo, with a journey time of under two hours.

For more extensive shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, the cathedral city of Salisbury is around 18 miles east, offering direct rail links to London Waterloo in approximately 90 minutes. The Roman city of Bath is also within easy reach, just a 45-minute drive away.

Recreational opportunities abound, with exceptional walking routes on the doorstep, Pythouse Tennis Club just a mile away, and golf at Rushmore Park. The area is also close to National Trust property Stourhead and the award winning luxury hotel and members’ club, Babington House. Additionally, the region is
renowned for excellent fishing on the River Avon, the Test, and the surrounding chalk streams.

There is an excellent selection of both state and independent schools nearby, including Port Regis, Sandroyd, Clayesmore, Bryanston, Salisbury Cathedral School, Chafyn Grove, and Godolphin. Highly regarded state education is available at Bishop Wordsworth’s and South Wilts Grammar Schools.

All distances and travel times are approximate.

Description

Appleyard Cottage is an idyllic and stylish semi-detached home that seamlessly blends rural charm with modern comforts. Nestled in the heart of Donhead St. Mary, adjacent to the historic Church of St. Mary and set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this beautifully presented cottage has been extensively refurbished in recent years.

The front door opens into a welcoming porch with storage space, leading into a well-proportioned kitchen/dining room. This charming space features terracotta tiled flooring, a Belfast sink, ample storage, and room for a range cooker or Aga. A separate scullery/utility room overlooks the garden, providing additional space for a sink, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, and a large fridge/freezer, along with an extra induction hob for large-scale entertaining. The delightful sitting room, with two large windows framing views of the garden, is perfect for relaxing and entertaining. A striking inglenook fireplace, fitted
with a wood-burning stove, serves as the focal point of the room.

Upstairs, a spacious landing connects two beautifully proportioned double bedrooms, both featuring vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and deep window sills that enhance the cottage’s bright and inviting atmosphere. The family bathroom is tastefully appointed with a large bath and overhead shower, a washbasin with tiled splashbacks, and a WC.

Outside
The cottage enjoys a private, south-facing garden to the front and side, framed by mature hedgerows and well-stocked flower beds. A lawned area and paved terrace provide ideal spaces for outdoor dining, while a separate, spacious patio offers a wonderfully private suntrap, enclosed by a beautiful period stone wall. A useful garden shed provides additional storage.

Directions

SP7 9DJ

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