Broomfield, Quantock Hills, Bridgwater, Somerset

AN ABUNDANCE OF OPPORTUNITY
A rare opportunity has arisen to acquire a most attractive period farmhouse in an exceptional peaceful position, alongside a two-bedroomed barn conversion, a collection of original period outbuildings, paddocks and its own wooded streamland. This very special property sits at the head of an idyllic rural valley, surrounded by glorious countryside within the heart of the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

SITUATION
Ducks Pool, a much-loved family home, has for the very first time in 36 years become available for sale. Dating back to at least 1659, as carved on its date stone, this farmstead was originally part of the Fyne Court estate.

The property enjoys a most enviable, peaceful and secluded location yet is within 5 miles of the County Town of Taunton. Bridgwater a similar distance. Each provides a comprehensive range of shopping and recreation. The main line train station puts London Paddington within two hours. Superb access to three junctions of the M5 motorway and A303 eastwards. Local Airports include Bristol 33 miles and Exeter 39 miles from Ducks Pool.

There is an excellent range of local schools to include King's and Queen's Colleges, Taunton School, Millfield, King's Hall Prep and Richard Huish Sixth Form. For those interested in sport, there is a renowned golf course at Enmore and in Taunton, the County Cricket Club.

Immediately accessible from Ducks Pool is a vast network of bridleways and footpaths offering exceptional outriding, walking, cycling and other outdoor pursuits. Hawkridge Reservoir is close by for fishing and sailing with sea coasts within easy reach. The sought-after Parish of Broomfield has a stunning medieval church and village hall that hosts a variety of local gatherings. Broomfield was the home of the visionary scientist Andrew Crosse, with a deep love of his native Quantock Hills, he was known for entertaining leading literary figures including Coleridge and Mary Shelley.

THE FARMHOUSE
The Farmhouse is based on the traditional cross-passage design typical of properties from the 16th century. The wide front door leads into the reception hall with main staircase. Polished wood flooring, which extends throughout the ground floor, leads you into a most attractive dual aspect sitting room which includes a wealth of original features, most notably an impressive crossbeam ceiling and an open fireplace set on a clay tile hearth.

The dining room is central to the downstairs layout offering a spacious entertaining space, filled with immense charm and character. The focal point is a large inglenook fireplace with a stone and brick surround and original bread oven. A large wood-burning stove, with hood over, sits on a clay tile hearth with an impressive elm beam along the top.

A door to one side leads to the kitchen. From the dining room, an original wooden door leads into the library and an attractive stained-glass door leads into the back kitchen with butler sink. A cloakroom WC is off to the side. Beyond is the utility room (former dairy) with a further butler sink and space for washing machine and dryer. The main kitchen/breakfast room is arranged in a u-shape with a comprehensive range of traditional wall and base units and an extensive area of work surface. A two-oven Aga (LPG gas) provides the main cooking source together with hob and electric oven.

French doors open out to the south garden enjoying a sunny secluded area ideal for outdoor entertaining. (There is planning consent for a Garden Room.) An inner stable door opens to the rear hall with secondary staircase. A spacious and most useful boot room set on a clay tiled floor has access to the side and rear gardens.

The main staircase leads up to five spacious bedrooms, three of which are dual aspect. The principal bedroom is bright and spacious and includes an ensuite shower. There are four further double bedrooms, two of which have ensuite facilities. All bedrooms enjoy stunning views. A large family bathroom includes an oversized panel bath with a pedestal basin and this room boasts a large built-in linen cupboard with double doors. A very useful housekeeper’s cupboard, in addition to a further store cupboard with fixed wooden stairs giving easy access to the attic, are along the hall.

THE STONE BARN
The Stone Barn has been sensitively converted to include an impressive double height open-plan living space with huge glazed screen window boasting elevated views across the courtyard towards the ducks’ pool beyond. Polished wood flooring, exposed timber scissor trusses and Velux skylights make this a light and airy space, which opens into a kitchen/diner. To the side are a separate utility lobby and bathroom beyond. The impressive mezzanine floor houses bedroom one, whilst bedroom two/study is accessed via steps leading down. A private garden area is exclusive to the barn. The Stone Barn offers a number of options for extended family, house guests, a home office, art studio or business.

THE LINHAY STABLES
The Linhay Stables feature distinctive circular stone pillars that run along the length of the courtyard which in turn connects to a store and tool shed by the main entrance. The Stone Barn, connecting to the Linhay Stables, has planning consent offering a further exciting opportunity to extend the accommodation to create a second dwelling (planning numbers are available on request).

THE WAGON BARN
A substantial detached Wagon Barn situated to the south of the Farmhouse has an independent entrance leading on to an extensive level hard standing area which runs behind the Farmhouse. A lean-to with solid concrete floor offers further covered storage. The Wagon Barn opens out to extensive grazing at the rear.

This area provides enormous possibilities and potential for further development including equestrian facilities such as dressage arena and stabling, other amenity use or additional buildings (subject to the necessary planning consents).

GARDENS AND GROUNDS
A natural stone wall edges the boundary leading to both entrances of the property. An independent rural track leads from the lane up to the hard standing and paddock.
Gardens to the front and side of the Farmhouse include a variety of fruit trees and run along to the far end and through a wooden gate into a private and secluded area, which provides another superb outside entertaining and dining area. There is a large log store at the end.

The front lawn area looks across to the exceptionally pretty spring fed duck pool. Edged by yellow flag iris, bamboo and native willow, this in turn spills over into wooded streamland and continues down the valley. A pretty pathway leads over a bridge following an enchanting trail through a woodland habitat, carpeted with colourful wildflowers - bluebells, celandines, primroses and cow parsley. On one side is neighbouring National Trust Fyne Court and on the other, a superb strip of pasture ideal for grazing horses or livestock. This runs the whole length back to the house with vehicular access to the lane.

Additional grazing runs along the far boundary to the south and west sides, clearly marked by stock fencing. This could be divided into paddocks for livestock or horses with access located near to the lane entrance. The gardens and grounds as a whole are approaching 6 acres.

SERVICES
Mains water & electricity. Private drainage. LPG central heating.

Farmhouse Council Tax Band F

The Stone Barn Council Tax Band B

Sedgemoor District Council

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE

EPC Rating - The Farmhouse Rating F

EPC Rating - The Stone Barn - Rating E