Stunning private peninsula estate on the Dorset coast boasts breathtaking views and exclusive seclusion.
Looking for a prime estate in the heart of the British countryside? Well, you're in luck! Prime Purchase, a renowned buying agency, has just the ticket – Bestwall Park, an 160-acre beauty nestled in coastal Dorset.
Now, let's get this straight – Bestwall Park isn't your typical country "estate". Sure, it's got a six-bedroom Arts-and-Crafts house, but the real star here is its unique location. The property sits on an almost entirely private peninsula, enclosed by the picturesque Rivers Frome and Piddle, with direct access to Poole Harbour. Despite its seclusion, Bestwall Park is only a stone's throw away from Wareham, a bustling market town.
Though initially thought to have been designed by renowned architect C. F. A. Voysey, it's more likely one of his students' masterpieces, fashioned in 1911. The house boasts well-proportioned rooms oozing character, with parquet flooring, original door hardware, and intricate woodwork. After acquiring the property in 2001, the current owners plowed resources into an extensive restoration project, giving the property a new lease on life.
The kitchen/family room, formerly four separate rooms, is a standout addition that seamlessly blends modern functionality with classic charm. The fireplaces were reopened, and fire surrounds made of local Purbeck stone were crafted by the grandson of the first stonemason to worker on the house's original construction.
Bestwall Park's rich past and natural beauty are nothing short of fascinating. For four decades, it served as part of a quarry site's land bank. Since 2001, the current owners have tirelessly restored and maintained the property, returning it to its former glory.
The water meadows have been utilized for duck flighting during the season, offering tantalizing glimpses of rare wading species and waterfowl. For the sporty types, a mile of single bank provides excellent fishing for trout, with the occasional salmon making an appearance.
To the south of the garden lies an unfenced hay field leading to the seven-acre lake, lovingly designed per advice from the Wetlands Advisory Service at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire. It serves as a haven for migratory birds, adding an element of wildlife spectacle to the estate. The lake also doubles as a playground for the owners' children, who have indulged in seaborne adventures with boats and kayaks.
The 17 acres of permanent pasture to the west have been drained and levelled for use as a polo field, ideal for those with a passion for the sport. To the north, bordering the River Piddle, are the ancient water meadows, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The Bestwall peninsula is steeped in history, with archaeological remains dating back to Neolithic and Mesolithic times unearthed during a dig from 1991 to 2004. Bronze Age treasures, Roman artifacts, and Civil War relics turn the property into a living testament of bygone eras.
Geoffrey Jones of Savills, the estate's selling agent, sums it up beautifully: "Bestwall isn't a traditional country estate per se, but its wealth of intriguing elements appeals to a diverse array of buyers seeking peace, privacy, and close encounters with nature."
Bestwall House is currently on the market for £4.25 million. Are you ready to step into this breathtaking world? Sign up for our platform's newsletter to stay abreast of exquisite estates, Nature's beauty, and life-enhancing tips landing straight in your inbox.
- (Here's a brief glance into Bestwall Park's unique features and amenities based on typical characteristics of such large properties in this area:
- Bestwall Park is a substantial 160-acre estate likely offering a combination of natural landscapes, including woodlands, meadows, or possibly water features due to its coastal proximity.
- Properties in the Bestwall area, such as those in Wareham and Sandford, typically feature high-quality homes and country houses, suggesting Bestwall Park may boast well-maintained architectural elements or residential properties within its grounds.
- Its location in coastal Dorset near Wareham implies scenic views, easy access to nature, and the potential for private walking trails or equestrian facilities, common amenities in large rural estates in this region.
- The estate’s size and setting likely provide privacy and exclusivity, prized features for such country properties.
However, specific unique features and amenities, such as types of buildings, gardens, recreational facilities, or historical features, may not be publicly listed online and could require direct inquiry.)
- Investing in the real-estate sector could present an opportunity to own a unique property like Bestwall Park, which offers a blend of modern functionality and classic charm, nestled on a private peninsula with direct access to Poole Harbour.
- For those interested in finance and investing, Bestwall Park's combination of substantial land, outstanding architectural features, and access to nature could make it an attractive option, one that provides peace, privacy, and close encounters with rare wildlife.