Kings Wood Farm, near Gillingham and Shaftesbury, SP8 5QR

CIDER BARN (Plot 8), Kings Wood Farm, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5QR

The Cider Barn is an exceptional barn-style home offering approximately 331 sq. m. of beautifully arranged accommodation, together with panoramic countryside views extending for around four miles towards West Knoyle.

At the heart of the house is a spectacular kitchen, dining and living room extending to approximately 100 sq. m. Glazing on three sides fills this impressive space with natural light and provides uninterrupted views across the surrounding landscape. Doors open onto a covered veranda, creating a sheltered outdoor entertaining area, with a balcony positioned above to take full advantage of the outlook. Further accommodation includes a separate snug, study, a practical boot room and four generous bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bath or shower room.

The gardens are an integral part of the design and include a traditional orchard and an attractive walled garden, offering a combination of open space, privacy and established rural character. A substantial double garage extends to approximately 38 sq. m. and provides excellent parking and storage.

Services The property has been reworked and extended using a “fabric first” approach to ensure durability, energy efficiency, and comfort.

Solar power: The house has the benefit of a share in a private 240 kW solar park (approx. 30 kWp per house – far exceeding the average domestic system). This is designed to provide enough energy to power the home and electric vehicles at minimal cost.

Heating: An air source heat pump supplies 100% underfloor heating throughout, designed to run at low temperatures for optimum efficiency.

Construction: Cavity wall built with high levels of PIR insulation, concrete floors and high-performance glazing – providing excellent thermal mass, sound insulation and year-round comfort.

Materials: Sustainably sourced or reclaimed timbers, including Douglas Fir, Siberian Larch and oak, are used throughout, ensuring longevity and character.

About the area The Cider Barn lies in a beautiful rural setting with far-reaching views, yet is exceptionally well placed for local amenities and communications.

Situated between the historic hilltop town of Shaftesbury and the thriving market town of Gillingham, this location offers an exceptional blend of accessibility, heritage and countryside living. Shaftesbury is renowned for its independent shops, cafés, restaurants and picturesque streets, centred around the iconic Gold Hill.

Whilst Gillingham provides excellent day-to-day amenities, including a Waitrose, independent retailers, supermarkets, healthcare facilities, a leisure centre and a well-connected mainline railway station with regular services to London Waterloo in under two hours.

The nearby A303 also provides convenient road access to London and the South West, making the area particularly attractive to commuters and second-home buyers alike.

The area is exceptionally well served by schooling. Gillingham School is highly regarded, whilst an outstanding selection of independent schools lies within easy reach, including Port Regis, Bryanston, Clayesmore, Milton Abbey, Sherborne School and Sherborne Girls. Combined with the surrounding rolling Blackmore Vale countryside, excellent walking and riding opportunities, and the cultural attractions of nearby Shaftesbury, this is a location that perfectly balances rural tranquillity with modern convenience.

The area has close ties to the royal hunting grounds of King's Wood, which once extended over a large area of countryside here, making the development aptly named. The town has grown steadily but retains an attractive character with older buildings interspersed with newer developments, all set against the backdrop of the Blackmore Vale.

The surrounding countryside offers endless opportunities for walking, riding and outdoor pursuits, while nearby attractions such as Stourhead and The Newt in Somerset add to the appeal.

Important Notes Please see all the notes below – particularly the section referring to identity and AML requirements

Identity verification & Anti Money Laundering (AML) Requirements As Estate Agents we are require by law to undertake Anti Money Laundering (AML) Regulation checks on any purchaser who has an offer accepted on a property. We are required to use a specialist third party service to verify the purchaser(s) identity. The cost of these checks is £60 (inc. VAT) per person. This is payable at the point an offer is accepted and our purchaser information forms completed, prior to issuing Memorandum of Sales to both sellers and buyers and their respective conveyancing solicitors. This is a legal requirement and the charge is non-refundable.

Property Details Roderick Thomas, their clients and any joint agents state that these details are for general guidance only and accuracy cannot be guaranteed. They do not constitute any part of any contract. All measurements are approximate and floor plans are to give a general indication only and are not measured accurate drawings. No guarantees are given with regard to planning permission or fitness for purpose. No apparatus, equipment, fixture or fitting has been tested. Items shown in photographs are not necessarily included. Buyers must rely on information passed between the solicitors with regard to items included in the sale. Purchasers must satisfy themselves on all matters by inspection or otherwise.

Viewings Interested parties are advised to check availability and the current situation before travelling to view any property. All viewings are by appointment with the Agents. Roderick Thomas, 2 High Street, Castle Cary, BA7 7AW

P.S. A few extra comments Mortgages – we can help. Bridging loans – We can help. Moving house is complicated and stressful when a sale and purchase needs to be tied together in terms of finance and timing. Sometimes, we can negotiate an agreement that suits both sellers and buyers. Sometimes, a bridging loan can solve problems and remove stress. Call us for information on any of these points.