Old Ditch, Westbury Sub Mendip, Wells, Somerset, BA5

A rare and immaculately presented Somerset longhouse with outstanding gardens.

Description

Dating back to the 16th century, Knyftons Farmhouse is an impeccable example of an Elizabethan Somerset longhouse with Georgian and Victorian additions that has been lovingly restored by the current owners. The house makes up around 4000 sq. ft and retains all its original charm with luxurious modern additions. The house was entirely re wired and re plumbed in 2000 and re roofed in 2005. The gardens make up around 1 acre and are simply spectacular, offering multiple areas for growing, dining, peacefulness and enjoyment.

The house, west facing and set back from the lane, is approached via a spacious drive providing parking for multiple cars and a charming front water garden with a number of streams and little bridges over them. There is a delightful, walled lawn with climbing Etoile de Hollande roses, tree ferns, willow, cherry and lilies. By the front door is a little nursery area with a greenhouse and a functioning well.

The front door leads into a spacious library (formerly the cheese room) with open Jetmaster fireplace and lias flagstones which run throughout much of the ground floor. Immediately to the left is an impressive, 30 ft drawing room (the oldest part of the house) with three oak framed windows and a substantial, original, Dulcote stone fireplace with raised hearth. Original elm beams run across the ceiling and groove and dowel holes show where plank muntin screen once was. A charming window seat makes a lovely spot to look out over the front garden and there is a sizeable integrated bookshelf with storage behind.

Through the drawing room to the rear of the property is a grand and superb, 30 ft kitchen dining room extension providing ample space for entertaining large parties. There are A-framed oak beams and a flagstone flooring with underfloor heating throughout and the multiple windows and skylights welcome in an abundance of natural light.

The kitchen includes a gas Aga with double oven and hotplates as well as an electric double oven and hob. There is a free-standing island as well as a double Shaws of Darwen sink. Granite worktops provide ample space for food prep and elm base units provide significant storage. A cool room off the kitchen is set at 6 degrees and provides a spacious, walk-in fridge.

The hall off the kitchen leads, via a Heritage lavatory, to a sewing or hobby room with the same charming oak framed windows and shutters, elm beams and two large storage cupboards. Next door is the slate tiled pump room or utility room (formerly the dairy) which houses the utilities and recently installed Worcester gas boiler (2022) with pressurised system. There is also a stone sink and an original bread oven.

An oak, spiral staircase leads upstairs to the first floor with a fabulous Dulcote stone mullion window providing plenty of light. The first floor, galleried landing has oak floorboards throughout as well as book shelving and a linen cupboard. Continuing through is a modern, Limestone tiled shower room and a family bathroom, both with Heritage units and window seats with shutters looking onto the rear garden.

All the bedrooms face the front of the property and are comfortable doubles (of varying sizes) with carpeting and original elm beams overhead. Bedrooms two, three and four benefit from integrated wardrobes whilst bedroom five has a Victorian feature fireplace. A sixth bedroom with ensuite shower room is located up a separate staircase just off the kitchen with a ladder leading up to a bed above a wardrobe providing an ideal kids bedroom.

On the top floor there is a mezzanine landing and a minstrels gallery overlooking the first floor landing. This floor was converted by the current owners in 2004. An original door leads into the master bedroom which offers abundant character, multiple skylights and exposed oak beams. A luxurious, Heritage en suite bathroom sits adjacent, and a substantial loft storage space is accessible via a bathroom cupboard.

Outside a walkway with wall fountains runs around the property and there is a little breakfast dining area immediately outside the back door. Climbing roses and wisteria dominate the rear of the building. A few steps lead up to a beautifully landscaped, lawned garden with pleached lime trees running around the perimeter. The garden is brimming with colourful sweet smelling flora including alliums, roses, peonies, iris, honeysuckle, jasmine and wisteria. A second, larger terrace provides space for al fresco lunching.

To the rear of the garden is a substantial, Celotex insulated outbuilding with electrics providing potential for conversion to annex, office or gym

A rose covered pergola runs up the steps to the rear of the lawn to a third seating area providing a lovely spot for sundowners. The steps continue up to a fourth, larger dining terrace which provides an outstanding space to entertain al fresco surrounded by olive and yew trees and a bountiful bed of Queen of Sweden roses.

To the rear is a substantial kitchen garden with 29 raised beds and fruit cages growing a wide range of produce from asparagus and artichokes through to sweet peas, redcurrants and blueberries. Further up the hill, the land becomes wilder with a beautiful wildflower meadow leading into an orchard with apple and pear trees, mown walkways and a border of dry stone walling.

Location

Westbury-sub-Mendip is a quiet, peaceful and historic village situated on the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills between the famous city of Wells and Cheddar Gorge. Knyftons Farm is blessed with exceptional views of the Somerset Levels and Glastonbury Tor. The village benefits from a vibrant local community and an array of societies and organisations. Amenities include a popular pub, village shop, post office and a highly regarded primary school. The City of Wells offers a further array of shops and amenities including cathedral, schooling and retail. A wider range of shops and facilities can be found at Bath, Bristol and Taunton.

The area is known for its excellent educational facilities, with a number of schools in the locality, including primary at Westbury Sub Mendip and Wells as well and secondary at Wells Cathedral School, Downside, Stratton on Fosse, Millfield at Street, Kings School, Bruton & Hazelgrove Preparatory School at Sparkford. Major communications are within reach, the A303 providing access to London. The A367 access to Bristol and Bath and the A39 to the M5. Mainline railway stations are situated at Castle Cary and Bath, both providing a service route to London Paddington. Bristol Airport operates regular services to many European cities.

Square Footage: 4,363 sq ft


Acreage: 0.96 Acres