While many dream of getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the reality of life off the beaten track proves too isolating for many.

And though the rising cost of energy and increasing awareness of environmental issues is leading many homebuyers to look for eco-friendly properties, the idea of going completely “off-grid” often conjures up a lifestyle that’s too basic for most.

But the luxury home that’s just been unveiled as Raffle House’s Dorset Dream Home proves that a rural location and sustainable living don’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or connectivity.

Valued at £2.5m, the stunning three-year-old property combines total self-sufficiency with high-end design and modern conveniences.

All of the home’s energy needs are met by a high-capacity 25kW solar panel system, supported by batteries and an air-source heat pump.

The ethically designed setup provides ample power to run the 4,777 sq ft house, resulting in minimal running costs and an impressive EPC rating of A.

A back-up generator is also in place to cover any periods of inclement weather. A smart heating system and Lutron lighting add to the energy efficiency.

The property is also hooked up to fibre broadband, providing speedy and continuous access to the outside world.

And though the house enjoys a peaceful and secluded location on 7.5 acres of wild Dorset parkland, it’s within easy reach of local amenities.

The historic market town of Shaftesbury, home to a wide range of independent boutiques and supermarkets, is only 5 miles away, while the Georgian town of Blandford Forum is just 10 miles south. 

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For city excursions, Bath is around an hour by car, and in the opposite direction, seaside hotspots such as Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are a similar distance.

For commuters, a 20-minute drive north of the property leads to Gillingham, which offers direct train services to London Waterloo in around two hours. 

Blending the old with the new

The architecturally designed house combines Georgian influences with modern detailing.

An iron and lead-roofed entrance porch leads to a structure built from locally sourced Marnhull stone and timber cladding, allowing the property to sit naturally within its surroundings.

With a mixture of traditional sash and modern Crittall windows, the glazing further reinforces the overarching design goal of producing a property that is both classical and contemporary.

These windows are dotted generously around the house to make the most of the stunning landscape – some are frameless to maximise the outlook.

The initial views of the meticulously manicured gardens immediately encompassing the house soon give way to the undulating chalk grasslands beyond.

With vistas stretching all the way to the iconic Iron Age hillfort of Hambledon Hill, you’re more likely to spot a barn owl, deer or hare than a person while admiring the countryside.

Inside, the home is just as easy on the eye.

Traditionally styled with a muted colour palette and flagstone floors, the house is entered via a spacious hallway with gloriously high ceilings.

This flows into a 38ft open-plan living area, complete with a country-style kitchen, a sitting room and a dining space.

The main living area opens directly onto a south-west facing terrace, as does the more formal drawing room next door, which comes complete with a stone chimneypiece.

There’s also another reception room downstairs, as well as a cloakroom.

There’s even a handy boot room – with its own external access – for taking off the wellies after one of the walks or rides this corner of Dorset is famous for.

Upstairs, there are five bedrooms, including a double-aspect master suite with an en suite bathroom and separate dressing area.

The four remaining bedrooms share a large first floor landing and two family bathrooms.

With so much living and sleeping space, it seems unlikely you’ll need more.

But in the event you do – perhaps because so many of your friends and family want to visit or even to start up a rural retreat – there’s also scope for expansion.

Planning permission has been granted for a garage/annex and the roof structure was designed to accommodate conversion into an extra 1,500 sq ft of space, the latter allowable under permitted development.

Everything is covered

The house comes complete with all of the gorgeous fittings and furnishings and Raffle House also covers stamp duty costs and legal fees, so the winner will be able to move in without spending a penny.

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And, if it turns out the winner isn’t keen on moving into this beautifully designed sustainable home, they will also have the option to take home the cash value instead.

Paid entries to the draw can be purchased from £10, which gives players 15 chances to win the Dorset Dream Home.

There’s also the option to enter for free via post.

Entries to the draw close on April 30, and the winner will be drawn on May 8.

Those entering before March 31 will be entered into the draw for a Land Rover Defender 110 worth £60,000, or they can also take the equivalent sum in tax-free cash.

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