A 1950s mid-century home in Dorset with original wooden interiors and its own characterful cocktail bar

Space, light, materials, nature and decoration: this exquisite home in Wareham, Dorset, truly pays attention to each of the five design principles that we believe define a modern home. Oh – and it has its own cocktail bar. It’s little wonder why, then, we have selected it for this week’s Listing of the Week, our new series in which we further inspect and tell the story behind one of our favourite spaces for sale from the past seven days.

There is something uplifting about living with wood – and this mid-century 1950s home is far from short of it; the original wood panelling and floorboards that run throughout the space are certainly one of its most pleasing elements. The golden honey tones, patterns of the grains and warm texture bring plenty of personality to what might otherwise be a minimalist space, and on top of that, wood is also proven to reduce stress and relax the mind. We’re most definitely a fan.

Along with the wooden interior, the surroundings, in which the home lies harmoniously, have quite the calming effect. It sits on the border of Worgret Heathland, a beautiful pocket of the lush Dorset countryside. Views of the landscape, along with the garden – alive with shrubs, mature trees, and an array of flowering plants, which has been nurtured by the current owner, a keen gardener – can be pored over through the timber-framed windows.

Windows are of the picture variety, their frame doing an excellent job to make the views beyond as pretty as. It’s thanks to their sheer size, too, that the connection to nature here is second to none. And then there’s the abundance of natural light they welcome: sunlight pours through, making the living spaces bright and a delight to be in.

How’s a private cocktail bar for a surprising added bonus? It’s not every day you come across a house that has a unique and ever-so alluring space. The room is lined with tactile mid-century wood panelling, while the bar itself has been created with bespoke curved joinery. Handy timber shelving is situated behind the bar, perfectly positioned for you to line up all your favourite glassware.

We can’t help but imagine hosting here – whether that be a large party that spills throughout the whole house, or just a friend or two with whom to converse over a tipple at the bar. It’s an unexpected yet brilliant touch – and where better to sip a Negroni at the end of the week? We’re sold.

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