THE fire is lit, the hall is welcoming, and who knows, there may be a dusting of snow on the roof at viewings of Church Hatch.

What more befitting home could we feature in our December issue than this stunning Grade II-listed Georgian town house in Christchurch?

It’s beautiful both inside and out, and, as it dates back to 1741, you can expect some fine features, not least the classic elegant frontage.

It enjoys something of a fine location, too, at the far end of a cul-de-sac very close to the castle and impressive Priory.

For 70 years Church Hatch was owned by the Priory House Trust. Now it’s a warm family home, on the market for the first time since 1929.

Perfect for Christmas guests, the house has seven bedrooms and three reception rooms, including a 21ft drawing room with a lovely marble mantelpiece and large circular bay window.

There’s a large cellar for storing all that festive tipple, and if you want to get away from it all, a study offers a place for quiet contemplation. The ground floor also includes a kitchen, as well as a cloakroom and utility room that both form part of an 18th century extension beyond the dining room.

All the main reception rooms have impressive open fireplaces, oak floors, sash windows and working wooden shutters.

Wooden staircases lead to the first floor landing, off which are two bedrooms (each with en suite bathroom) and two further bedrooms. One of the bedrooms has glorious views out across the end of the street to the churchyard and another has stunning views across the garden through a large bay window.

Another staircase leads up to the second floor and three further bedrooms, which could be used as playrooms or work rooms. There is space for a family bathroom, subject to the necessary planning consent.

Beyond the utility room is an enclosed stone-paved courtyard providing access to a Mews Cottage which enjoys a sitting room, hallway, kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms.

The courtyard also gives access to the double garage which was once the coach house, and behind the house is a picturesque walled garden which adjoins the churchyard.

Christchurch itself has many shops, services, restaurants and banks, as well as a mainline railway station. When the summer comes around, watersport enthusiasts can make the most of the nearby Christchurch harbour with its Yacht Club and sheltered water for dingy sailing and wind surfing.

According to the current owners, local folklore has it that when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stayed in the house, he conceived the idea for the Sherlock Holmes story The Speckled Band.

But we’re not telling tales here. In all, this lovely home has 5,425 square foot of accommodation in around a third of an acre of land. Secure it and you could feel like all your Christmases have come at once!

You Home Estate Agents, Bournemouth, 01202 544500