Hilfield Manor is like something straight out of a period drama, complete with a quirky octagonal tower and 14 acres of land.
The idyllic country home based in Sherborne is currently on the market for an impressive £4.5 million.
Despite undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment, the property has still managed to keep its rustic charm and appeal.
A photo was also captured of Thomas Hardy and his wife Florence at the manor.
The home was built as an octagonal hunting lodge in 1880 by the Dampiers, a well-known family in the area. It was expanded in 1901 by T.W. Dampier-Bide, according to a previous listing, and Hardy was known to be a guest of the family.
Hilfield Cottage provides secondary accommodation to the main house and contains three bedrooms and a shower room on the first floor with a sitting room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and utility room on the ground floor.
Overall, there are 10 bedrooms, eight bathrooms and five reception rooms set out over the buildings.
The outside area is equally as stunning as the inside with an extensive lawn and far reaching views over the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The grounds are further enhanced by the wild pond, which along with the beautiful mature wood, is a haven for wildlife. There are various pathways leading into and around the woods, and this is a fantastic area for families with bluebell walks, a large picnic area and stone fire pit under the shelter of the trees.
The approach to Hilfield Manor is via automated wrought iron gates flanked by two stone gate pillars leading into the gravelled driveway and wide turning circle, surrounded by mature borders. The impressive south façade of the house gives a wonderful sense of arrival and the house is surrounded by swathes of formal lawn and majestic mature trees.