Historic Dorset Home with Literary Ties to Thomas Hardy Launches to the Market
A rare opportunity has arisen to own a piece of literary history. The Old School House, a beautifully preserved 19th-century residence with connections to the esteemed novelist and poet Thomas Hardy, has just been listed for sale with a guide price of £400,000.
Built in the 1870s for the head of the adjacent village school, The Old School House is believed to have become the home of Hardy’s sisters, Mary and Kate Hardy, in 1875. Mary, the headmistress of the school, and Kate, a trainee, were said to have played a pivotal role in shaping the literary works of her renowned brother. Local legend suggests that Thomas Hardy himself would visit the residence, bringing manuscripts for Mary’s approval before they made their way into the literary canon.
Nestled between the historic St. Mary’s Church (dating back to 1299) and the village hall, The Old School House enjoys a secluded yet central position in the picturesque village of Piddlehinton. The home was extended in 2017 to include a spacious boot room, an additional bedroom with French doors opening to the courtyard, and a stylish shower room.
The property’s exterior is equally impressive, with a south-westerly-facing garden, a rose-clad archway to welcome visitors, and breath-taking views of the village church and surrounding countryside.
Piddlehinton itself is a quintessential English village within the sought-after Piddle Valley with beautiful period architecture, a well-regarded public house, and the renowned Dorset Piddle Brewery. With scenic footpaths and bridleways crisscrossing unspoiled landscapes, it is little wonder that this area inspired some of Hardy’s most evocative descriptions of rural England.
The current owner reflects on their time in the home: “Living at The Old School House, in all its historical glory, has been an absolute privilege. We have loved every moment here, from quiet evenings by the fire to summer afternoons in the garden, surrounded by the beauty of the village.”
Greg Carter, Head of Dorchester at DOMVS, who is handling the sale, adds: “The Old School House is a truly unique offering. Not only is it a beautiful home in a stunning village, but its literary history makes it something quite extraordinary. There is a real sense of stepping back in time, yet with all the comforts of modern living. We expect strong interest in this remarkable property.”
For more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact Greg on 01305 757 300 or visit https://domvs.co.uk/properties/sale/dorset/dorset/piddlehinton-dorset/.
Media Contact
Greg Carter
DOMVS
T. 01305 757 300
About DOMVS
DOMVS is an award-winning estate agency with a network of offices providing sales, lettings, holiday lets and land advisory services across the entire Dorset county. With a reputation built on integrity, determination and empathy, DOMVS has been exceeding its clients’ expectations since 2005.
