Rode, Frome, Somerset, BA11

Finished in 2006, The Dower House forms a significant part of an exclusive estate of six properties that were either constructed or redeveloped on the site of some former tropical bird gardens that closed in 2001. Known as Rode Manor, the estate lies just beyond the popular village of Rode. As a result, the whole site has magnificent mature gardens and grounds. The Dower House extends to just over 15 acres in total, including a large grazing field.

The wide entrance hall is even more welcoming thanks to the large skylight in the roof that floods the heart of the house with natural light. The main rooms lead off from here, including a well appointed study that overlooks the driveway to the house. A pair of doors leads into the double aspect sitting room, with French doors leading onto a balcony with steps down to the lawns below. A further set of double doors opens into the dining room, creating an enfilade spanning the whole width of the house and a great entertaining space. A side passage connects the dining room with the kitchen for ease of access.

The kitchen has an Aga with side companion and a large island with integrated appliances and bespoke wall and floor units. There is plenty of storage and the excellent flow throughout the house continues here as it connects with the large living room with doors opening on the terrace beyond. A side hall connects the entrance hall with a boot room, stores and the back door towards the parking and garages.

The lower ground floor currently provides a further large study, boiler room with stores, laundry space, gym with shower room and a games room. Separate access to the outside means this whole floor, or more likely a large part, could be configured into a self contained annexe or flat.

Upstairs, the principal bedroom occupies the southeast corner with lovely views over the gardens, lakes and grounds beyond. It has a large bathroom with walk-in shower and a pair of basins. There is also a walk-in dressing room which the owners have connected to a former bedroom to create a further dressing room. In total, there are currently five bedrooms, two dressing rooms and four bath or shower rooms.

As the site of a former manor house, the grounds are far more mature than one would normally expect for a modern country house and provide an idyllic setting for this fine house. Stone gate piers with automated wrought iron gates open onto a sweeping gravel drive flanked by box hedging and herbaceous borders that lead to the front of the house with a welcoming stone portico and parking for ample cars. The detached triple garage is easily accessible with its separate annexe.

The annexe has its own door with stairs leading to the open plan kitchen / dining / living room, with a separate bedroom, shower room and den.

A path sweeps gradually down the lawn from the parking area to provide a separate access to the lower terrace and ground floor, with a south-facing seating area overlooking the lake below. Stone balustrades flank steps up to the principal rooms and balcony on the raised ground floor. Leading out from the living room and to the west of the house is a large terrace, ideal for evening drinks and alfresco dining.

The grounds have been enhanced since the owners moved in, with eye catching features such as the series of ponds that have been enlarged and improved, feeding into the lake that is surrounded by specimen trees and shrubs. Simple systems ensure they can be easily managed and maintained.

The owners have also created a ha-ha separating the gardens from the large paddock to the south to ensure uninterrupted views from the house. There is also direct access to the lane. The paddock is often let out to a local farmer who grazes sheep. One large shed houses the waste treatment plant and another provides machinery storage.

Bradford-on-Avon 5 miles, Bath 9 miles, Frome 13 miles, Westbury Station 7 miles, Bristol Airport 25 miles (All mileages are approximate)

This sought after village lies approximately 9 miles to the south of Bath. The village boasts excellent local amenities including a village hall, several pub / restaurants, a post office / local shop, church and a popular village primary school.

The Georgian city of Bath provides excellent shopping and extensive leisure, recreational and cultural opportunities including the theatre and opera.

The area is well known having a number of excellent schools. Bath offers both state and private education which includes Monkton Combe, Prior Park, King Edwards, The Royal High School, Kingswood, Beechen Cliff and Ralph Allen School. Further afield schools include Badminton, Millfield, Downside, Sexey's and
Dauntseys. Bath University is highly recognised as one of the leading UK universities.

Road and rail links from Rode are excellent. Access to London Paddington is approximately 80 minutes by train from Bath Spa or Westbury Station. The M4 and A303/M3 provide excellent road access to both London and the West Country. Bristol Airport is 25 miles away.