To say Cooks Farm is quite large, is a bit like saying Jeremy Kyle is slightly irritating - it's a massive understatement.

"The space we've got here means you never feel closed in," explains Caroline Beer, the current owner. "This is important when you've got four children."

Naturally, although you're more likely to lose one every now and then in this cavernous abode.

To give an idea of the size of this converted Victorian farm it's probably best to start outside. As you drive through the gates, the driveway forks each side of the house - go left and it will take you to the front door, whilst a right turn will take you to the back and the stables.

Out the front there's comfortably enough room to park a handful of Aston Martins, while around the back there's enough space for the same again - but with horse boxes in tow.

Which is convenient as this is where the nine stables and barn are located. If you've always longed to own a horse then this would be the perfect place to saddle up, especially with the four acres of ground that comes with the property.

That said, even if you have no aspirations to own a horse, these stables would be ideal to rent out to people who do - and there won't be a shortage of horse owners in this part of rural Dorset.

Next to the stables you'll find a barn. This could easily be converted into an office if you ran a business from home, although if you've always fancied yourself as a bit of a farmer then this could be used for its original purpose.

It's the stuff Hugh Fernley Whittingstall's dreams are made of.

Next to the barn you will find the pool house. At nearly 19m in length and 10 metres wide, this is not small either - there is loads of room to dive and brush up on your breast stroke. What's more because it is heated, because the floors are heated and because there are no fewer than two changing rooms, this is very much suitable to dip in all year round.

"If there's one thing we'll really miss it's the pool," explains Caroline. "We've had a lot of fun in here all year round, the kids love it."

With the stables, barn and pool house out the way, it's eventually time to have a look at the actual house - and that's no less impressive.

As you wander through the back door to your left is the fabulous kitchen. Of course this has been refurbished since the days when Cooks Farm was a working farm house, although the work has been done very carefully to retain the architectural period features typical in a house of this age.

"The decoration has been done very sensitively," explains Caroline. "The kitchen has been locally made and we have tried to use local tradesmen and craftsmen where possible."

And what a job they have done of it too. The four oven Aga they've installed makes you want to get your apron on and cook something, while the old bread oven, high ceilings, granite surfaces and double butler sink just make this a great room to be in.

Solid oak flooring runs through the principal rooms on the ground floor, which work with great effect, especially with the high ceilings, panelling and original coving, found throughout the house.

The drawing room, which is opposite the kitchen, is a light and airy living area - the marble fireplace (with working fire) and built in book case are particularly eye catching features in this room.

Next door is the study. Probably the smallest room in the house, this still offers a spacious and quiet area to actually get some work done from home.

Alternatively it would be an ideal computer room for the kids.

Opposite the study you will find the sitting room and the dining room. The sitting room is cosier than the drawing room and would be ideal for those cold winter nights. Not that the cold weather can easily penetrate the thick Stalbridge stone, that the house is made out of. Even so, if you do get a little chilly then the open fire place with inset wood burner would keep you warm.

As with the neighbouring dining area, the sitting room leads out to a magnificent South West facing conservatory, which offers stunning countryside views. "There are lovely walks up through the woods and around the countryside," says Caroline, looking out of the window. "We're discovering new ones all the time."

As for the bedrooms in Cooks House, they are spread out on the first and second floors. The rooms at the back of the house have the same fantastic views that the conservatory benefits from and all bedrooms can comfortably accommodate a double bed.

A bathroom can be found on both floors. These are both large and are kitted out with all the modern fixtures and fittings, yet the rooms still retain their original charm.

Caroline and her family are moving away from Dorset and sadly leaving behind this wonderful and unique property.

Cooks Farm, Stalbridge, Sturminster Newton is for sale at £1.1million. Symonds and Sampson 01258 473766.

10:27am Tuesday 1st July 2008

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