The picturesque conservation village of Winterborne St Martin — better known as Martinstown — stands either side of the River South Winterborne and the B3159, which follows the river through the village. This is idyllic Hardy country: in the heart of the Dorset AONB, just 3½ miles from the county town of Dorchester, and in an area of rich pasture that has been settled and farmed since pre-Roman times.
At the western gateway to the village stands West End House, a classic Georgian country house built in 1787 and set in 35 acres of formal and walled gardens, woodland and fields with panoramic views over the surrounding Dorset countryside.
Currently for sale through Savills at a guide price of £3.95m, West End House — which is unlisted — boasts large windows with thin sash bars, stone sills and lintels and original shutters and, even on a dull day, is bathed in light, says selling agent George Nares.
The handsome, 5,055sq ft main house has been beautifully renovated and maintained by its present owners, who bought it in 2005.
The accommodation comprises four main reception rooms, including a double-length drawing room overlooking the walled garden, a large kitchen/breakfast room, various offices, six bedrooms and three bathrooms.
It comes with a three-bedroom cottage and outbuildings such as a garage and barn.
The gardens and grounds are a delightful mix of formal and informal planting, with colourful borders, large expanses of lawn, sculpted hedges and ancient trees, including a splendid copper beech.
Of particular note is the south-facing walled garden, with its terraced borders and lawn, ornamental trees and landscaped box hedging enclosed by a stone wall.
West End House is for sale via Savills at £3.95 million — see more details and pictures.
Also in the area
Just a few miles away, but a more different property you couldn't imagine: this is a three-bedroom penthouse apartment in the centre of Dorchester, overlooking Pavilion Green, designed by none other than Ben Pentreath. It's for sale with Savills, listed at £1.7m.
If you'd rather be down on the coast, an intriguing home is for sale in Weymouth: a property for which the phrase 'three-bed semi' doesn't really start to explain what's on offer. It's a late-19th century church that's been converted into two homes. This one — with 2,175 sq ft — is for sale via Stags at £795,000.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
A one-of-a-kind waterfront estate with two private beaches is for sale on the same storied American island that Jackie Kennedy, the Obamas and Princess Diana have all visitedBeach Farm on Martha’s Vineyard — a favourite summertime holiday destination with prominent American families — is a perfect melding of New England and Scandinavian design styles.
-
Snakes alive! Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 15, 2025Napoleon's downfall and two of James Bond's most memorable villains in Tuesday's quiz.
-
A one-of-a-kind waterfront estate with two private beaches is for sale on the same storied American island that Jackie Kennedy, the Obamas and Princess Diana have all visited
Beach Farm on Martha’s Vineyard — a favourite summertime holiday destination with prominent American families — is a perfect melding of New England and Scandinavian design styles.
-
The architect who created the MI6 building only designed a tiny handful of houses — and one of them is now up for sale in one of London's most bucolic spotsSir Terry Farrell designed the beautiful, light-filled, T-shaped Drum House in Petersham, with gardens laid out by John Sallis Chandler, who has won multiple RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medals.
-
'True waterfront homes are finite... miss one and it could be years before you see another like it again': Why the best waterfront property always hits the spotThere’s no denying the appeal of waterfront property, which now sells for some 51% more than its inland equivalent, finds Knight Frank. Annabel Dixon explores the shore.
-
19 charming homes for sale, from picture-perfect cottages to beachside retreats, as seen in Country LifeThis week's selection of some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life this week.
-
Tim Burton is selling the house he shared with Helena Bonham-Carter, a sublime home on the Thames that comes with three private islandsMill House in Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire, might just be the perfect English country home.
-
A spectacular tower for sale that's a blend of Victorian folly, architectural marvel and 21st century family homeHadlow Tower has space, and a back story of love, jealousy and intrigue.
-
A spectacular, light-filled home on the Isle of Wight where you can see the water from practically every windowPenny Churchill takes a look at the grand and impressive Fishbourne Quay House.
-
The former stables — and recording studio for the Pet Shop Boys — transformed with a magical blend of city and country aesthetic, now seeking a new ownerIn the heart of Clerkenwell, what was once a Victorian industrial unit is now a beautiful home.
