Allerford, Holnicote Estate, West Somerset

Facing towards the southwest and surrounded by delightful open countryside, Allerford House stands as a splendid Grade II listed country house dating back to the 18th century, retaining the elegance emblematic of English architecture from the Georgian era. Nestled within the Holnicote Estate, entrusted to the National Trust in 1944, it resides in a serene rural setting, flanked by the wooded uplands of Selworthy Beacon and boasting direct access to approximately 150 miles of meandering footpaths and bridleways that connect to the South West Coast Path.

Throughout its history, Allerford House has been inhabited by notable figures, including Admiral Moresby and Captain Moresby, renowned for founding Papua New Guinea aboard their ship, 'The Wizard'—thus, the origin of Wizard's Cott (one of the apartments) on the lower ground floor. Crafted from local stone adorned with distinctive Acland Yellow limewash, the house features a Welsh slate roof and elegant sash windows. Its spacious rooms, characterized by lofty ceilings, span across three floors, encompassing upper and lower ground levels, as well as a suite of attic rooms now forming an internal apartment.

Undergoing alterations and expansions over time, the estate not only serves as an exceptional family residence but also houses three self-contained apartments converted from former staff quarters, while preserving numerous architectural elements that reflect its storied past. These include intricate cornices, functional fireplaces, ornamental shutters, picture rails, timber floors, a splendid internal fanlight adorning the reception hall, and a grand staircase illuminated by a domed stairwell window.

Ross Loves: Allerford House is a spectacular period home dating from one of my favourite eras in architecture - The Georgian era. Whilst grand, elegant and opulent, Allerford House still has the most comforting and welcoming feeling of warmth, seldom found in large country homes. As a keen gardener and lover of home grown produce, the grounds of Allerford House sing to me! The organic kitchen garden, lovingly created by my client, along with the ancient orchards provide a plethora of organic homegrown produce, allowing a self sufficient lifestyle. Together with the incredible earning potential of the apartments which have previously very successful holiday lets makes Allerford House an all round wonderful home.

The Vendors Love: We love so many things here and it's sadly our personal time to down-size now... but this place has been truly magical the last few years. The varied and interesting history of the house. The architectural Georgian styles and large rooms. Fantastic house for entertaining, indoors and out... and room for everyone. Love the huge AGA. The views and scenery everywhere, walking the dogs here, growing all our own Organic Veg etc; Even mowing the lawns is fun and relaxing with the sit on mower! The orchards have never failed to impress and give bountiful harvests. The village itself is really pretty and always been friendly, we've made good solid friends here. We shall miss Allerford but have our wonderful memories.

A most welcoming entrance hall opens to the principal reception rooms which face southwest, exuding warmth and charm with their open fireplaces, incredible period detailings and dual aspect sash windows providing glorious vistas across the gardens and beyond. A well-appointed kitchen/breakfast room is found together with a large utility room and pantry. The kitchen is fitted with traditionally styled bespoke painted cabinetry featuring a walk-in larder and an incredible four-oven AGA. A wonderful study can be utilised as part of one of the apartments or retains as part of the main house as is currently arranged by the vendors. The apartment aforementioned is independently accessed from a staircase to the rear of the property to can be completely self contained.

Ascending to the first floor reveals the south and west-facing principal bedroom boasting scenic views and a principal bathroom which can be accessed from the hall in addition to the two principal bedrooms. A further generous double bedroom is found together with a family bathroom, shower room and separate WC. A door opens to an original staircase leading to a suite of attic rooms which now form an annexe/apartment, ideal for a dependent relative although comfortably serves as additional accommodation for the main house.

The lower ground floor is home to an incredible self contained apartment (named 'Wizards Cott') which enjoys its own independent garden and entrance. Wizards Cott also houses an incredible centuries old range cooker next to which you would have found the dumb waiter ascending directly into the dining room above. There are a number of useful cellar rooms together with a single story wing of outbuildings housing further stabling, a gig house and additional storage adjacent to the rear parking courtyard.

Allerford House boasts the most splendid gardens & grounds and is accessed from a sweeping gravel driveway leading to a turning circle at the front of the house. An array of outbuildings are found including stabling.

The expansive grounds are a particular feature of the property extending to 2.92 acres, featuring a generous paddock with timber stable block, large level lawn with a mature tree and shrub border. Bountiful orchards provide an array of apples, pears, plums, apricots and cherries as well as a pair of prolific fruiting fig trees! In addition to the wonderful orchards is an impressive enclosed organic kitchen garden, complete with a large polytunnel and fruit cage housing raspberries and blackcurrants. Among the borders of the grounds are a plentiful supply of blackberries, sloes and elderberries, perfect for making your own gin, preserves and cordials amongst other things! For those who wish to live a more self sufficient lifestyle, the gardens will most certainly not disappoint.

Allerford House is conveniently located upon the western fringe of the picturesque Allerford hamlet, nestled within the expansive Holnicote Estate and embraced by Exmoor National Park. The village offers various amenities, including a post office, museum, tea rooms, and an owl/birds of prey center, alongside scenic walks, forests, and beaches. Nearby Porlock boasts a traditional butcher, pharmacy, post office, and hardware store, while Minehead provides comprehensive services, including numerous superstores along with a community hospital.

Taunton, the county town, lies within easy reach, offering access to the M5 motorway, regular rail services to Bristol and Paddington, and proximity to Exeter and Bristol airports. The region also boasts a plethora of educational institutions, both state and independent, such as Blundells in Tiverton, Taunton School, King's and Queen's Colleges in Taunton, West Buckland, and Wellington School.

Agents Note: Allerford House is a leasehold property with approximately 91 years remaining on the lease. The freeholders are the National Trust. The ground rent is £260 per annum and the buildings insurance is handled by the National Trust on your behalf at a cost of £800 per annum.
Council tax band E for the main house, plus two A bands for two of the apartments.