Abbotsbury
The Town
Intent on a property search for peace and seclusion? Ask Recoco property finders about Abbotsbury. Buyers agents can help you locate this charming small village; it’s about 1 mile inland from the coast of the English Channel, around 7 miles to the north and west of Weymouth, and 8 miles south and east of Bridport. Real estate buyers agents will confirm the entire parish lies within the boundaries of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Recoco buying agents can show property buyers the characterful, thatched stone houses on Abbotsbury’s one long, main street: some date from the 1500s. Real estate buyers agents can also show you the old market square. Your property buying agents can also confirm current population figures: it’s under 500.
Our property search company can explain the protective nature of the Ridgeway Hills. Many subtropical plants thrive in the resulting microclimate, as property buyers can see for themselves in the dedicated gardens.
Transport
The B3157 road runs between Burton Bradstock and Abbotsbury, with both the X53 Jurassic Coast and the summer only ‘Slow Coaster’ bus services stopping here. Property buying agents can update you on other transport links, including Upwey railway station, 6 miles away. Bournemouth International Airport is 35 miles away. Weymouth railway station is 9 miles away.
History
The Iron Age hill fort site, Abbotsbury Castle, is about 1.5 miles to the north west. Buyers agents can confirm a 1023 record. King Canute granted land to his steward, Orc, who founded a Benedictine monastery, later one of the richest in Dorset. Abbotsbury was recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book as Abedesberie or Abodesberie.
The Abbey was destroyed in the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, but the tithe barn survived. For those who are interested, Recoco buying agents can present the village’s six Grade I and six Grade II* structures. As well as the barn, they include the 14th century St Catherine’s Chapel, and the Parish Church of St. Nicholas.
Ask our property search company about the 20 acres of formal and informal layouts of Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, founded in 1765 by the Countess of Ilchester and once a kitchen garden for the castle. Walled gardens and woodland walks make a refreshing break from your property search.
In World War Two, the lagoon near Abbotsbury was used to test prototypes for the bouncing bombs that the Dambusters later made famous.
Education
Chickerell is the nearest primary school. One of the closest secondary schools is Budmouth Academy; All Saints Church of England Academy is a secondary school in nearby Weymouth. Check with Recoco buying agents for the nearest independent schools, which include Sunninghill Preparatory School in Dorchester, Leweston School in Sherborne, Sherborne Girls and Sherborne Prep, Milton Abbey, Hazlegrove Prep, and Clayesmore.
Leisure and Events
Make sure you ask your property buying agents about Abbotsbury Swannery, which is over 600 years old. Besides mute swans, many other waterfowl nest and breed here. Abbotsbury an ideal location to cycle, play golf, go fishing, take a boat trip, or enjoy sailing your own vessel. The world famous Sailing Academy is in nearby Portland. Abbotsbury also has its own cricket ground.
For the convenience of property buyers, the village shop incorporates a post office and cash machine. There is also a family-run fishing tackle and bait shop.
Need a break from your property search to stretch your legs? Take a stroll up the hill to historic Abbotsbury Castle. Alternatively, ask your real estate buyers agents about the panoramic views of the stunning local landscape accessible at the top.
Ask your property search company for recommendations for further exploration of the Dorset Jurassic Coast. Local footpaths include The Hardy Way, The Jurassic Coast Path, and the Ridgeway Path which has been called Britain’s oldest road.
Celebrity Connections
As Recoco property finders know, this is the heart of Hardy country. Films based on Hardy’s works often use Abbotsbury as a backdrop, including 2015’s Far From the Madding Crowd. The Swannery has also featured in films in the Harry Potter series.
Foodies’ Corner
Feeling a little peckish? A farm shop sells local produce, or Recoco property finders can recommend tearooms in Abbotsbury, including The Bellenie’s Bake House and The Old School House. There are two pubs in the village, The Swan Inn and the Ilchester Arms. Buyers agents can outline further options in Weymouth.
Fun Fact
St Catherine’s Chapel survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries due to its usefulness as a landmark for ships in Lyme Bay.