The Stables, Walpole Court, Puddletown, DT2

An attractive two-bedroom first floor apartment created from the former stables of a 17th century country house. The property is located on a purpose-built retirement development for the over 55s. Management services are provided by Cognatum Estates, a not-for-profit organisation and one of the UK's leading companies in retirement housing.

Walpole Court is built in the former stables and walled garden of 17th-Century Ilsington House, home to the first Lord Walpole. An impressive archway leads into an attractive garden courtyard surrounded by delightful cottages, beyond which are the stables and coach house, now converted into delightful cottages and apartments. Pretty Puddletown is just a short walk away and offers a doctors' surgery, library, post office/grocery store, bookshop and The Blue Vinny, the pub named for the local cheese of the same name. The town has many links with the writer and poet Thomas Hardy, and it is claimed that Puddletown was the inspiration for Weatherbury in 'Far from the Madding Crowd'. There are plenty of activities for all interests, including the Puddletown Plodders who make regular forays into the surrounding countryside. Dorchester, with its bars and bistros, interesting museums, glorious gardens and river walks, is not far away, and the incredible beaches at Lulworth, Chesil and Weymouth Coves can be reached within 30 minutes.

Cognatum Estates maintains, repairs and insures all the buildings, arranges the window cleaning and refuse collection and tends to the gardens and grounds thereby freeing owners and residents from these responsibilities. There is a personal alarm system in each property and resident estate managers are on hand to provide support and help when needed, making this an ideal 'Lock Up & Leave' property. There is a laundry facility on site and a guest suite provides comfortable accommodation for family and friends. The cost of providing these services is shared equally between all properties.

There are no restrictions on owning a property except that one resident must be over 55 years of age. 150 year lease (from 1983/1985) No ground rent. Please Note: Upon resale of the property, Cognatum Estates management company charge £500 plus VAT for the leasehold pack, payable by the vendor. For viewings please contact the Estate Manager 01305 848 407 / 07384 112 385