North Dorset
Sherborne
Overview
Sherborne is arguably one of the crown jewels of North Dorset. With its golden Hamstone buildings, thriving cultural scene, and excellent schools, it’s no surprise this historic market town is a favourite for families, retirees, and London leavers alike. Set close to the Somerset border and nestled among rolling countryside, Sherborne offers a rare mix of beauty, practicality, and community — with an unmistakably independent spirit running through its high street, galleries, and eateries.
Architecture & Notable Buildings
Sherborne is renowned for its glorious medieval and Georgian architecture. At its heart stands Sherborne Abbey, a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic that draws visitors from across the country. The town also boasts two castles: the romantic Sherborne Old Castle, now an atmospheric ruin cared for by English Heritage, and Sherborne Castle, built by Sir Walter Raleigh and set within sweeping Capability Brown gardens.
Other notable landmarks include:
• Sherborne House – a magnificent Grade I-listed building, recently restored and now reopened as a cultural and educational centre
• The Almshouse (Hospital of St John the Baptist) – a beautiful 15th-century foundation, still serving the community
• Elegant Georgian townhouses, Victorian terraces, and honey-hued cottages
• Converted barns and rural properties on the outskirts
For buyers seeking family homes for sale near Sherborne, the property mix is rich and varied.
Schools
Sherborne has an exceptional reputation for education. It’s home to:
• Sherborne School (boys)
• Sherborne Girls
• Leweston School (co-ed, Catholic)
• The Gryphon School – a top-performing state secondary
• Several highly regarded primaries, including Sherborne Primary and Trent Young’s
Restaurants, Pubs & Cafés
Sherborne’s food scene blends tradition with creativity. You’ll find everything from Italian warmth at Tamburino, to refined tasting menus at The Green, and comforting fare at The Three Wishes Café.
Other highlights include:
• The Eastbury Hotel & Spa – elegant dining with a garden setting
• The Pear Tree, Oliver’s, and Oxfords Bakery – local favourites for coffee and cake
• The Cross Keys and The Plume of Feathers – characterful pubs with great food and atmosphere.
• Weekly markets
Art, Culture & Independent Life
Sherborne is proud of its independent identity — from artisan boutiques to a thriving arts scene.
• Regular performances at The Powell Theatre
• Exhibitions at The Jerram Gallery
• Annual Sherborne Literary Festival and music events
• Boutiques like Chapter House Books, D’Urbervilles, and independent homewares, clothes & antiques shops
The restoration of Sherborne House further cements the town’s cultural credentials.
Beauty Spots & Walking
There are beautiful walks all around Sherborne — from quiet loops through Pageant Gardens to ridge walks with views over the Blackmore Vale.
• Trails link to Castleton, Oborne, and the Dorset countryside
• Great picnic spots by the river or in Purlieu Meadow
• Perfect for dog owners, ramblers, and Sunday strollers alike
Property Market Snapshot
Sherborne’s property market remains competitive and resilient. As trusted estate agents in Sherborne, we regularly see demand for:
• Elegant period townhouses
• Charming cottages and converted barns
• Substantial family homes
• Luxury properties in Dorset with countryside views
It’s a go-to destination for those looking for family homes for sale near Sherborne, combining walkability with sophistication.
Fun Fact
Sir Walter Raleigh, famed for introducing tobacco and the potato to England, once lived at Sherborne Castle. His ghost is rumoured to wander the grounds — especially on moonlit nights!
Shaftesbury
Overview
Sitting high on a hill with sweeping views over the Blackmore Vale, Shaftesbury is one of Dorset’s most iconic towns. It’s best known for Gold Hill – the cobbled street made famous by the 1970s Hovis advert – but there’s far more to love about this elevated gem. With a strong community, great independent shops, and a calendar full of events, it’s a favourite for downsizers, creatives, and second-home owners.
Architecture & Notable Buildings
The town is a mix of early medieval and Georgian architecture, with charming stone cottages and Victorian villas. Shaftesbury Abbey’s ruins lie at its centre – once one of the most powerful religious institutions in England. The Town Hall, St Peter’s Church, and a scattering of timber-framed houses add to the historic patchwork.
Schools
Shaftesbury has excellent local schooling, including Shaftesbury School (secondary), The Abbey Primary, and St Mary’s Primary. Many families also look to Sherborne for independent options.
Restaurants, Pubs & Cafés
You’ll find great coffee and cake at The Salt Cellar (with views over Gold Hill), and gastropub fare at The Grosvenor Arms or The Mitre Inn. For something unique, Chutneys offers authentic Indian cuisine in the heart of town.
Art & Culture
Shaftesbury supports a lively arts scene, with Shaftesbury Arts Centre offering theatre, cinema, and exhibitions. The Snowdrop Festival in February and Food & Drink Festival in May bring a strong local buzz.
Beauty Spots & Walking
The Gold Hill view is iconic, but nearby Duncliffe Wood and Melbury Hill offer wilder walking. There are also panoramic rambles across Fontmell Down.
Property Market Snapshot
Expect character cottages, Victorian terraces, and detached homes with views. While prices are competitive, Shaftesbury remains a popular and more affordable alternative to Sherborne.
Fun Fact
King Alfred’s bones are rumoured to be buried somewhere in Shaftesbury Abbey’s grounds – but no one knows where!
Sturminster Newton
(Good for: affordability, market town life, and riverside charm)
Overview
Tucked between the River Stour and rolling fields, Sturminster Newton is a peaceful town with strong agricultural roots and a warm community feel. A former haunt of Thomas Hardy, its rural charm and good amenities appeal to families and retirees alike.
Architecture & Notable Buildings
The town centre features a mix of Georgian and Victorian frontages, while the old watermill and six-arched bridge across the Stour are postcard-worthy. The Exchange arts venue, built in a former school, is now a lively community hub.
Schools
Local schooling is strong, with Sturminster Newton High School and several good local primaries like St Nicholas CE Primary.
Restaurants, Pubs & Cafés
Try The White Hart for pub classics, Olives et Al for deli goods, or The Emporium Café for a relaxed lunch. The weekly market is a great source of local produce and chatter.
Art & Culture
The town’s arts scene is built around The Exchange, which hosts concerts, theatre, exhibitions, and cinema. There’s a strong local music community.
Beauty Spots & Walking
The Stour Valley Way and riverside walks from the Old Mill are local favourites. You’re also close to Bulbarrow Hill and Hod Hill for longer hikes and ancient hillforts.
Property Market Snapshot
Property here is more affordable than in Shaftesbury or Sherborne, with a mix of post-war homes, period cottages, and bungalows. A great spot for those seeking family homes for sale near Sherborne at a gentler price point.
Fun Fact
Thomas Hardy used Sturminster Newton as the inspiration for “Stourcastle” in his Wessex novels.
Gillingham
(Good for: convenience, rail access, and new-build options)
Overview
Gillingham (not to be confused with the one in Kent) is North Dorset’s most populous town, known for its practical location and direct rail link to London Waterloo. It’s a growing town with plenty of services, making it ideal for commuters and families looking for space and value.
Architecture & Notable Buildings
The town has a more modern feel than Sherborne or Shaftesbury but includes several historic gems like St Mary’s Church and Gillingham Museum, which highlights its past as a royal hunting ground.
Schools
Well-served with primary options and the well-regarded Gillingham School (secondary). Several independent options are reachable in nearby towns.
Restaurants, Pubs & Cafés
The Red Lion and The Dolphin Inn are longstanding favourites, while The Shed offers excellent coffee and brunch. Bayleaf is a highly rated Indian restaurant.
Art & Culture
The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show is a major annual event, and the town supports local crafts and drama through its community venues.
Beauty Spots & Walking
The North Dorset Trailway passes through the town and is popular with walkers and cyclists. Duncliffe Wood is just a short hop for woodland walks and bluebell spotting.
Property Market Snapshot
Gillingham offers some of the best value in North Dorset, with many new developments alongside traditional properties. It’s a practical choice for families and first-time buyers.
Fun Fact
Queen Victoria’s sculptor Alfred Stevens was born here – and the town’s museum holds some of his original works.
Marnhull
(Good for: village charm and countryside living)
Overview
One of Dorset’s largest villages, Marnhull offers peaceful countryside living just minutes from Sturminster Newton. It’s the quintessential English village: two pubs, a village hall, and views for miles.
Architecture & Notable Buildings
Characterised by stone cottages, farmhouses, and winding lanes. St Gregory’s Church, with its tall tower, dominates the skyline. Marnhull is also the fictional “Marlott” in Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles.
Schools
Home to St Gregory’s Primary, with easy access to secondary schools in nearby towns.
Restaurants, Pubs & Cafés
The Crown Inn and The Blackmore Vale Inn are both classic countryside pubs. Pop-up supper clubs and community cafés give the village its own rhythm.
Art & Culture
Local artists and makers thrive here, with regular exhibitions at the village hall and studios in the area.
Beauty Spots & Walking
Surrounded by Blackmore Vale countryside and near the River Stour, Marnhull is fantastic for walking, especially with a dog.
Property Market Snapshot
Expect stone cottages, generous plots, and the occasional thatched home. Popular with those relocating from London or the South East.
Fun Fact
In Hardy’s Tess, Marnhull is where Tess first meets Alec d’Urberville — the beginning of her fateful journey.
Milton Abbas
(A true showpiece of rural Dorset planning and beauty)
Overview
Tucked into a peaceful valley, Milton Abbas is one of the most picturesque villages in England. It was rebuilt in the late 1700s as a model village by Lord Milton and Capability Brown, making it a uniquely designed, harmonious place full of symmetry, charm, and Dorset tradition. With its white thatched cottages all in a row and a timeless quality, it’s a destination for admirers of historic architecture and peaceful country living.
Architecture & Notable Buildings
Every house in the main village street is part of a carefully planned Georgian composition, featuring whitewashed cob and thatch with green shutters. The Abbey Church of St Mary, dating from the 14th century, stands as a gothic centrepiece. Nearby is Milton Abbey School, housed in the former Benedictine monastery and later a lavish country mansion.
Schools
Milton Abbey School is a well-regarded independent boarding and day school with outstanding facilities. Local state options include primary schools in Winterborne Whitechurch and Pimperne, and secondaries in Blandford.
Restaurants, Pubs & Cafés
The Hambro Arms is a stylish country pub serving refined fare, and nearby The Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton is a destination for local food lovers.
Beauty Spots & Walking
Set within rolling parkland designed by Capability Brown, the surrounding countryside is excellent for walkers. Trails head towards Milton Woods, Milton Abbey, and the hills beyond.
Property Market Snapshot
Homes here are rarely on the market and highly prized. Expect period thatched cottages, charming stone houses, and larger country homes nearby — all highly sought-after among buyers seeking luxury properties in Dorset.
Fun Fact
The entire village was relocated in the 1770s to improve the view from Lord Milton’s mansion — an early example of ‘landscape planning’ at scale!
Fontmell Magna
(A conservation village with storybook charm)
Overview
Close to Shaftesbury and set beneath Fontmell Down, Fontmell Magna is a classic North Dorset village with a post office, great pub, and a sense of slow, settled rhythm. Popular with retirees, weekenders, and creatives, it’s quietly one of the region’s most desirable spots.
Architecture & Notable Buildings
The village is filled with thatched and brick cottages, many dating to the 17th and 18th centuries. St Andrew’s Church has Norman origins, and the village is a designated Conservation Area, protecting its architectural character.
Schools
St Andrew’s CE Primary serves the village, and there’s access to secondaries in Shaftesbury, Gillingham, or Blandford. Several independent schools lie within easy driving distance.
Restaurants, Pubs & Cafés
The Fontmell is a smart pub with rooms that draws locals and visitors for seasonal food and wine. The café and shop provide a quiet place to linger over coffee or gather groceries.
Beauty Spots & Walking
Fontmell and Melbury Downs offer dramatic views and chalk grassland walks with rare butterflies and wildflowers. Compton Abbas Airfield nearby is a fun viewing spot.
Property Market Snapshot
Properties range from chocolate-box cottages to larger stone homes and rural retreats. Strong demand from buyers looking for family homes for sale near Shaftesbury or peaceful countryside retreats.
Fun Fact
In 2012, a 1,400-year-old Saxon grave was discovered in the village — complete with jewellery and personal belongings, a window into Dorset’s ancient past.
Child Okeford
(An arty, outdoorsy village beneath Hambledon Hill)
Overview
A lively village with a creative streak and incredible access to walking, Child Okeford is situated at the foot of Hambledon Hill, an Iron Age hillfort with sweeping views over the Blackmore Vale. With two pubs, an arts centre, and strong local spirit, it attracts families, remote workers, and outdoorsy types.
Architecture & Notable Buildings
A mix of stone and flint cottages, Georgian homes, and tasteful newer builds. St Nicholas’ Church is 15th-century with a striking tower. Nearby Hambledon Hill is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Schools
The St Nicholas CE Primary is well-regarded, and nearby Sturminster Newton High School offers a state secondary option. Sherborne and Blandford provide private school access.
Restaurants, Pubs & Cafés
Both The Bakers Arms and The Saxon Inn are popular village pubs. The Gold Hill Organic Farm hosts a farm shop and café, and also houses artists’ studios.
Beauty Spots & Walking
Hambledon Hill is a must-climb for anyone local. The Trailway and river walks provide peaceful rambles, and the Dorset AONB spreads out in every direction.
Property Market Snapshot
Property ranges from quaint cottages to larger family homes and converted barns. Demand is strong from those seeking family homes for sale near Sherborne or Shaftesbury with active lifestyle appeal.
Fun Fact
Child Okeford is sometimes called “the Notting Hill of Dorset” due to its arty, creative crowd and London leaver popularity.
Iwerne Minster
(Estate village charm in the heart of the countryside)
Overview
Nestled between Shaftesbury and Blandford Forum, Iwerne Minster is one of the most refined and picturesque villages in North Dorset. With a strong sense of estate history, manicured lanes, and handsome stone houses, it has long attracted those looking for peace, style, and rural sophistication.
Architecture & Notable Buildings
The village’s cohesive look comes from its roots as part of the Iwerne Estate, once owned by Lord Wolverton. Expect honey-coloured stone houses, a strong Arts and Crafts influence, and well-maintained landscaping throughout. The magnificent St Mary’s Church dominates the centre.
Schools
The renowned Clayesmore School (independent, co-ed) is located in the village, drawing families from across the country. Nearby state and independent schools in Shaftesbury and Blandford offer further options.
Restaurants, Pubs & Cafés
While there’s no pub in the village itself, you’re only a short drive from The Crown at Marnhull, The Fontmell, or The Langton Arms. The Iwerne shop and post office is a true community hub.
Beauty Spots & Walking
The surrounding countryside is part of the Cranborne Chase AONB, with lovely walks towards Hod Hill and Hambledon Hill. Quiet lanes and gentle hills make it a walker’s haven.
Property Market Snapshot
Iwerne Minster properties are elegant, large, and often listed — making them perfect for those searching for luxury properties in Dorset or stately family homes with historic charm.
Fun Fact
During WWII, the village was used as a base for the SOE (Special Operations Executive), training agents in espionage techniques.
Ashmore
(The highest village in Dorset — and one of the prettiest)
Overview
Perched on a hilltop and centred around a village pond, Ashmore is an ancient settlement and one of the most scenic places in Dorset. Quiet, leafy, and filled with thatch and stone, it’s a firm favourite for those looking for timeless charm.
Architecture & Notable Buildings
Ashmore is known for its perfectly preserved cottages, traditional flint and thatch construction, and a picturesque village green and pond. The church of St Nicholas dates back to the 12th century.
Schools
Local primary schools are found in Fontmell Magna or Compton Abbas, with secondary education available in Shaftesbury. Clayesmore and other independents are close by.
Restaurants, Pubs & Cafés
Nearby Compton Abbas Airfield Café offers views with your tea and cake. Otherwise, Shaftesbury and Tarrant Monkton offer further dining options.
Beauty Spots & Walking
At over 700 feet above sea level, Ashmore boasts incredible views and access to chalk downland walks, ancient tracks, and the wider Cranborne Chase AONB.
Property Market Snapshot
Very few homes come on the market, but when they do, they tend to be gorgeous period properties, making Ashmore a hidden gem for luxury countryside living in Dorset.
Fun Fact
Ashmore’s unique “Filly Loo” festival, held in June, features morris dancing and local folklore — a lively reminder of the village’s Saxon roots.
Shillingstone
(River walks, heritage railways, and village spirit)
Overview
Set along the River Stour and nestled below the Dorset Downs, Shillingstone is a friendly village with a strong sense of identity and a mix of character homes. With the North Dorset Trailway passing through and a heritage railway station being restored by volunteers, it’s a place where community and countryside go hand in hand.
Architecture & Notable Buildings
The village includes a mix of flint cottages, Victorian red-brick houses, and 20th-century homes, with the old railway station being lovingly restored as part of a heritage project. Holy Rood Church and the old rectory add architectural interest.
Schools
Served by Shillingstone CE Primary, with secondaries in Blandford Forum and Sturminster Newton. A range of independent schools are within reach, including Clayesmore and Bryanston.
Restaurants, Pubs & Cafés
The Old Ox Inn is the village pub, known for its hearty meals and local ale. There’s a tea room at the Heritage Railway Station, and other eateries are just a short drive away in Child Okeford or Blandford.
Beauty Spots & Walking
The Trailway, a former railway line, runs for miles and is loved by walkers, cyclists, and dog owners. Nearby Okeford Hill and Bulbarrow offer stunning panoramic views.
Property Market Snapshot
Shillingstone offers good value, with a blend of period properties and newer homes. Popular with families and those looking for affordable property for sale in Dorset without compromising on countryside feel.
Fun Fact
Shillingstone’s heritage railway station is claimed to be the only station on the exact geographical centre of the old Somerset & Dorset Railway — making it a mecca for railway enthusiasts.
Stourpaine
(Village life just off the A350 – yet wonderfully peaceful)
Overview
Despite being close to major roads, Stourpaine feels delightfully tucked away. This small but charming village has an active community, with a local pub, village hall, and excellent access to Hod Hill and the Stour Valley. It’s a great base for families and downsizers who want rural charm with connectivity.
Architecture & Notable Buildings
A mixture of thatched cottages, brick and flint homes, and modern additions gives the village a varied yet traditional feel. Holy Trinity Church is a lovely 19th-century rebuild in a classic Dorset style.
Schools
Nearby schools include Durweston CE Primary and The Blandford School for secondary. Bryanston School, one of Dorset’s top independents, is just minutes away.
Restaurants, Pubs & Cafés
The White Horse Inn is a village staple — warm, welcoming, and well-fed. Blandford’s restaurants and cafés are a five-minute drive for more variety.
Beauty Spots & Walking
Walkers are spoiled here — Hod Hill, an Iron Age hillfort, is just outside the village, with expansive views and ancient ramparts. The Stour Valley Way and riverside paths are perfect for peaceful exploration.
Property Market Snapshot
Stourpaine combines village life with easy access to major routes, so it’s ideal for commuters looking for family homes for sale in Dorset with a relaxed pace of life. Expect a mix of cottages, barn conversions, and post-war homes.
Fun Fact
The nearby Hod Hill was once stormed by the Roman Second Legion under Vespasian — later emperor of Rome — making it one of Dorset’s most fascinating historical sites.
Compton Abbas
(Airfields, altitude, and astonishing views)
Overview
Just south of Shaftesbury, Compton Abbas is a small hamlet with big horizons. Its peaceful lanes and hilltop setting offer rural bliss, while the Compton Abbas Airfield brings a unique and lively twist to village life.
Architecture & Notable Buildings
Properties here include flint cottages, elegant farmhouses, and larger homes with commanding views. The Church of St Mary, a pretty Victorian rebuild, is central to the village. The airfield buildings, though functional, are locally iconic.
Schools
Primary schools in Fontmell Magna and Shaftesbury, with independent options like Clayesmore, Port Regis, and Bryanston nearby.
Restaurants, Pubs & Cafés
The Airfield Café is a surprise hit — it draws crowds for brunch with a view of light aircraft coming and going. For a pub experience, Shaftesbury offers plenty within a 10-minute drive.
Beauty Spots & Walking
Stunning trails stretch along Melbury Hill and the chalk ridges nearby, with breathtaking views across the Blackmore Vale. This is prime Cranborne Chase AONB territory.
Property Market Snapshot
Compton Abbas is all about exclusivity and views. Properties are few and far between — think luxury countryside homes in Dorset and characterful conversions. Ideal for buyers looking for peace, elevation, and heritage charm.
Fun Fact
The Compton Abbas Airfield regularly hosts vintage aircraft events — you might spot a Spitfire or Tiger Moth overhead on a sunny weekend!
Lillington
(Rural retreat just minutes from Sherborne)
Overview
Lillington is a small, peaceful village just east of Sherborne, offering idyllic countryside living within a stone’s throw of town. With no through-road, it feels wonderfully secluded — a true hidden gem for those seeking calm, community, and quick access to amenities.
Architecture & Character
Lillington features stone and rendered cottages, modest farmhouses, and the lovely Church of St Martin, parts of which date back to the 12th century. The village green and quiet lanes feel unchanged by time.
Amenities
- No shops or pubs in the village, but Sherborne is under 10 minutes away
- Church, village events, and friendly neighbours
Nearby Schools
- Excellent access to Sherborne’s state and private schools
- St Andrew’s Yetminster for primary options
Walking & Beauty
Set among gently rolling farmland and quiet woods, it’s a great base for country walks. Paths link to Nether Compton, Sandford Orcas, and beyond.
Property Snapshot
Homes rarely come on the market. Expect stone cottages, converted barns, and period houses — ideal for those after family homes near Sherborne in a rural setting.
Fun Fact
Lillington was once part of Sherborne Abbey’s estate and its church retains a rare Anglo-Saxon nave, making it one of the oldest in the area.
Over Compton
(Charming and discreet, on Sherborne’s edge)
Overview
Over Compton sits just a mile west of Sherborne but feels like deep countryside. Small and refined, it’s closely associated with the Compton House estate, with lovely views and old-world charm in abundance.
Architecture & Character
The village has a handful of stone cottages, farmhouses, and workers’ homes historically linked to Compton House, a Georgian manor that still anchors the hamlet.
Amenities
- No amenities in the village, but Sherborne is extremely close
- Walking access into Sherborne via the railway bridge and fields
Nearby Schools
- Immediate access to Sherborne School, Sherborne Girls, The Gryphon, and others
- An ideal location for school families wanting space and peace
Walking & Beauty
Surrounded by fields, woods, and riverside paths, with footpaths leading toward Nether Compton, Bradford Abbas, and Sherborne.
Property Snapshot
Very few homes come up — most are characterful and well-proportioned, perfect for downsizers, commuters, or school-linked buyers.
Fun Fact
Compton House, long associated with the Digby family, was said to have been built using profits from 17th-century tobacco and trade ventures — part of Sherborne’s mercantile legacy.
Nether Compton
(Elegant, wooded, and beautifully private)
Overview
Tucked between Sherborne and Yeovil, Nether Compton is a leafy and tranquil village with period charm and quiet prestige. With large plots, mature trees, and excellent links, it’s ideal for those seeking refined country living with access to town.
Architecture & Character
A mixture of Georgian, Victorian, and stone cottages, with several substantial detached homes. The village church and Compton Hall give a sense of quiet history.
Amenities
- No shops, but a short drive to Sherborne and Yeovil
- Strong village community with events in the village hall
Nearby Schools
- Easy access to Sherborne’s entire education ecosystem
- Preston School and Yeovil College nearby
Walking & Beauty
Lovely countryside surrounds Nether Compton, with trails through Yeo Valley, riverside paths, and connections to Over Compton and Sandford Orcas.
Property Snapshot
High demand for well-proportioned family homes, many on large plots. Great for those seeking property for sale near Sherborne in a more discreet setting.
Fun Fact
In the Domesday Book, Nether Compton was recorded as having a mill and 16 households — a surprisingly significant village for the 11th century.
Sandford Orcas
(Historic, pretty, and properly tucked-away)
Overview
A charming and deeply historic village just north of Sherborne, Sandford Orcas has all the essentials of a quintessential Dorset village: a manor house, a tiny pub, an old church, and lanes framed by hedgerows and stone walls. Quiet, characterful, and connected to literary heritage.
Architecture & Character
Stone-built cottages, a delightful 15th-century manor house, and the Church of St Nicholas, rich with medieval features. The village feels compact but picturesque, with sweeping views of surrounding farmland.
Amenities
- The Mitre Inn – a cosy pub and community hub
- 5–10 minutes to Sherborne or Milborne Port for shops and schools
Nearby Schools
- Well located for Sherborne, Gryphon, and Leweston
- Independent options and state schools all within easy reach
Walking & Beauty
Surrounded by rolling hills and Wessex Ridgeway trails, with local paths leading to Corton Denham and Trent. An excellent spot for nature lovers.
Property Snapshot
Period homes dominate — thatched cottages, stone houses, and historic farm buildings. Highly attractive to those seeking luxury countryside properties in Dorset.
Fun Fact
Sandford Orcas Manor House has its own ghost story — a spectral lady is said to wander its halls, seen by guests as far back as the 1800s.
Bishops Caundle
(Rural, friendly, and full of Dorset charm)
Overview
Just a few miles east of Sherborne, Bishops Caundle is a well-established village with a close-knit feel and beautiful surrounding countryside. Larger than some of its neighbours, it has a primary school, village shop, and a strong sense of local identity — making it a great choice for families or anyone wanting a true Dorset village lifestyle.
Architecture & Character
A mix of stone cottages, farmhouses, and more recent bungalows and houses built to blend with the landscape. The Church of St Peter and St Paul is central to village life, with parts dating back to the 15th century.
Amenities
- Village shop and Post Office
- Bishops Caundle Primary School
- Village hall, playground, and local clubs
- Pubs and services available in nearby Sherborne or Milborne Port
Nearby Schools
- On the doorstep: Bishops Caundle CE Primary
- For secondary: The Gryphon School in Sherborne
- Independent schools in Sherborne, Leweston, and Perrott Hill
Walking & Beauty
Plenty of countryside footpaths in all directions, including routes toward Holwell, Purse Caundle, and the Caundle Brook. Rolling farmland and big skies make it ideal for dog walking and cycling.
Property Snapshot
A great place to find family homes, character cottages, and detached houses with gardens and views. Offers excellent value for the Sherborne area and appeals to both first-time rural movers and long-term locals.
Fun Fact
“Caundle” likely comes from the Old English cald well — meaning cold spring. The village is named for its natural springs, which still feed nearby streams.
Purse Caundle
(Small, historic, and quietly enchanting)
Overview
Purse Caundle is a tiny, peaceful village southeast of Sherborne, packed with rural character and historical interest. With a population under 200, it’s a proper hidden gem — perfect for those seeking absolute peace in a timeless setting.
Architecture & Character
The village features stone and thatched cottages, converted barns, and a scattering of listed buildings. The Church of St Peter, rebuilt in the 19th century on medieval foundations, adds gentle charm.
Amenities
- No shop or pub, but Sherborne, Milborne Port, and Bishops Caundle are all within a short drive
- Village hall and occasional local events
Nearby Schools
- Closest primaries: Bishops Caundle or Milborne Port
- For secondary: The Gryphon School or independent options in Sherborne
Walking & Beauty
Surrounded by hedgerow-lined paths, small farms, and Dorset ridgeways. There are lovely local routes to Goathill, Milborne Port, and Holwell.
Property Snapshot
Properties are scarce but incredibly desirable. Look for thatched cottages, converted barns, and homes with views — ideal for buyers wanting luxury rural property near Sherborne without fanfare.
Fun Fact
The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book, and its name derives from the Purse family, who held the manor in the 13th century — one of Dorset’s more literal place name origins!