The Encombe Estate

Is this the most expensive property on the open market this year - You bet.

Encombe House is owned by Charles McVeigh, an American banker who purchased it from the Scott Family in 2002 for £15, 000,000.  The Scott's had owned it since 1807 and this will be only the fifth time it has been sold on.

Owners Mr and Mrs McVeigh said: "It has been a huge privilege to have lived at Encombe for the last six years and to have been its custodian over that time.  Both of us are passionate about the conservation of English country houses and we have now found another property to take on and restore."

Encombe House nestles in rural Dorset in a valley between the rolling Purbeck Hills and for £25m you get a grade-II listed property. Boasting three lakes, 60 acres of formal gardens, 10 estate cottages, a swimming pool, stable block and equestrian centre plus a Grecian style temple.  Most of the agricultural land is let to local farmers but the estate can still hold pheasant and partridge shoots.

The house has been lovingly restored by Mr McVeigh and his wife Jenny, including new electrical wiring and central heating.  Marble fireplaces can be found in the library, the dining room and the grand hall. The eight bedroom have large ensuite bathrooms and in the guest wing five more bedrooms.

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