Set within the grounds of a former butterfly farm which provided the silk for Princess Diana’s wedding dress, this elegant 16th century manor house is chock-full of historic charm and has been lovingly restored, fusing original period features with contemporary interiors.
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The property is the perfect example of the saying ‘never judge a book by it’s cover’; because although this Grade-II listed Sherborne home has a traditional exterior, inside it hides a modern white kitchen, modern-country style ensuite bedrooms, and a plum-coloured home cinema room.
Cocooned by eight acres of private gated grounds, the property flaunts lavishness inside and out.
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Dubbed Butterfly House, it features a strikingly modern white kitchen, with handleless cabinetry…
… and a modern kitchen island with breakfast bar.
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The open-plan kitchen also features a casual dining area with Eames chairs and gorgeous garden views.
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At the heart of the property is a grand, original wooden staircase with a stained glass window.
The dark space features cow hide rugs, wood ceilings, decorative logs and a cow painting.
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The dark colour palette continues in a mulberry purple cinema room.
Upstairs, bedrooms have a more country-inspired look, with wood panelling, decorative logs, and a softer colour scheme.
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All of the furniture was made by local Dorset craftsmen, while chandeliers came from Florence. Every detail was deliberately chosen.
En-suite bathrooms feature a rustic-inspired schemes with wood floors and roll-top baths, but have been given modern updates too.
Outside, there’s a modern patio and al fresco dining space.
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When the new owners bought it, the property was in a terrible condition; everything had to be replaced, including a new roof, oak sash windows, ceilings and cornices, fireplaces, electrics, plumbing, and even the floors.
The only thing that remains is the honeyed stone exterior, which gives it that warmth, character and grandeur.
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Aside from the central staircase and stained glass windows, the bookcase in the drawing room is also original, and has been restored.
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The new owners started building work in early 2006, and over an 18 month period they transformed the property from a disused and unloved butterfly farm into the contemporary country house retreat it is now.
Butterfly House sleeps up to 14 guests (10 adults and 4 children), and is available to hire from £4,150 per week, £3,395 per short break, through uniquehomestays.com
Photography: Copyright Mark Watts
