The site affords stunning long-range views to the south, across the beautiful Cranborne Chase. Previously there stood a rather tired and outdated house built in typical 1960’s style with very little architectural merit. To exploit this extraordinary position and orientation the client turned to Winchester based Adam Architecture to develop the concept. 

This Classical country house uses local Greenstone from the Melbury Quarry for the formal section, and coursed flint and stone banding for the subservient east wing. On arrival to the house, the visitor is presented with the formal and Classically proportioned north elevation, including an ‘oeil de boeuf’ window at first floor level, positioned centrally over a beautifully carved stone door case. 

All external windows, doors and indeed all purpose-made joinery was manufactured in a traditional manner in Moulding’s workshops. The roof is clad in natural Welsh slate with three large chimney stacks projecting above the roofline, built from the harder Hurdcott Greensand stone. The external walls are capped with a truly impressive stone eaves cornice, carved from the solid block, inside of which sits a secret gutter arrangement and enclosed rainwater pipes. 

Internally, the cantilevered staircase rises elegantly from the Entrance Hall and is built from a natural stone from the north of England, while the floor is laid in a matching natural stone cabochon style. The internal finishes are a sophisticated blend of traditional vernacular materials with cutting edge modern touches. The kitchen and cabinetry was manufactured and supplied by local joiner, Guild Anderson.