Grade I-listed Ven House has nine bedrooms, six reception rooms, a galleried reception hall and an orangery. Set in 34 acres, three miles from Sherborne, it comes with two cottages and a tennis court
Agent: Knight Frank, 020 7629 8171, www.knightfrank.com; Savills, 020 7409 8885, www.savills.com
They say: One of the most complete examples of a country house as devised and perfected by wealthy Englishmen in the 18th century
We say: Don’t get too carried away when it comes to the bidding — the house went for £8.8m when it last changed hands two years ago, despite a guide price of £6.5m