A huge country estate in west Dorset which includes a village and a manor house is on the market for £30 million.

The Bridehead Estate, Littlebredy which covers more than 2,000 acres, is thought to be one of the largest English estates to go on the market this year.

The estate includes an early 19th-century Regency manor house with an indoor pool, a large area of countryside that includes the ancient Valley of Stones nature reserve, and the entire historic village of Littlebredy - 32 properties including cottages, a farmhouse, and a church.

The village is located at the head of the Bride Valley where the River Bride tumbles down a waterfall from its springs.

Dorset Echo: The estate village is said to have remained largely unchanged since its establishment in the 1800s, with most properties let on assured shorthold tenancies.

The estate's history dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where the village of Littlebredy was first recorded.

Dorset Echo: In 1797, Robert Williams purchased the estate and transformed it into Bridehead, enlisting Gothic Revival architect P.F. Robinson to restore and expand the manor house.

The estate is being sold by Sir Philip Williams, the seventh generation of his family to live at Bridehead.

Sir Philip, a former High Sheriff of Dorset, has served as a magistrate and on the Independent Monitoring Board of HM Prison/YOI Portland.

Some of the most gripping scenes of the ITV hit crime drama Broadchurch were filmed at Bridehead House, which became Axehampton House for the programme.

Dorset Echo:

In 2017 Sir Philip used the 'Broadchurch effect' to attract fans and opened up the house to raise money for charities. 

The sale is being handled by property consultants Carter Jonas which says the 2,047-acre estate with an impressive Grade II* listed family home is at the heart of a "diverse residential, farming, sporting and conservation estate".

“This estate is situated in the heart of the lush, picturesque countryside that is typical of West Dorset, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape,” said David Hebditch, a partner at Carter Jonas.

He added: “Bridehead presents a rare opportunity for anyone seeking an exceptional country estate with an established and diverse income stream.

“It also provides prospects to transform it into a formidable family home and business that can be appreciated for generations to come.”