East Stoke, Stoke-Sub-Hamdon, Somerset, TA14

Charming Grade II listed country house with extensive ancillary and secondary accommodation, standing in mature gardens and grounds.

Description

East Stoke House is a most handsome listed Grade II property between the villages of Stoke Sub Hamdon and Montacute, with spectacular views towards the Quantocks. Dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the house is built from local Hamstone and, with an array of characterful period features, this house has a rare elegance and is brimming with character. The immediate approach is impressive, with a parkland-esque setting created largely by the wonderful specimen trees.

In keeping with its era, all the rooms benefit from high ceilings, intricate cornicing and lovely proportions, making it perfect for entertaining. The large sash windows mean that even on a dull day the house is bathed in natural light.

The principal reception rooms are of particular note with both the dining room and drawing room having beautiful bay windows looking out over the front lawn. Also on the ground floor is a spacious reception hall, sitting room with open fireplace, kitchen, larder, utility and cloakroom. The imposing ceiling above the main staircase features intricate cornicing and roof lantern which illuminates a wide central staircase leading to the first floor. A well-proportioned principal bedroom with en suite bathroom and dressing room overlooks the garden to the west. There are five further bedrooms, with their own en suite or dedicated bath/shower room.

The east wing of the ground floor is the oldest part of the house and is currently separate from the principal accommodation. It comprises the former kitchen, scullery, pantry, flower pantry, games room and sitting room; these rooms are currently in need of renovation. Separately, there is an adjoining studio/home office with kitchenette and shower.

Above the east wing on the first floor is "Granny's flat", which has 2 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms, a cloak room, kitchen and dining room and features an impressive south facing drawing room with views over the front garden. Whilst it has independent access from the rear courtyard, it is also accessible from the main house and could be incorporated into the accommodation if desired.

The Coach House and Outbuildings
The stunning Coach House sits across the courtyard from the main house and is constructed of Hamstone. The ground floor is currently laid out to provide a workshop, garage, tack room and retains some of the original stables. The first floor has been converted into two extremely well finished apartments, which inter-connect and can be occupied as one. Both apartments have two bedrooms, two bathroom/shower rooms, open-plan kitchen/dining rooms and sitting rooms. The north west facing verandah spans both apartments and gives spectacular views over the surrounding countryside towards the Quantock Hills.

Next to the Coach House is a traditional stone barn which contains 2 large storage areas, fondly known as 'the boat house', and a squash court with a mezzanine viewing gallery above. One end of the barn currently provides a single storey home office. Further ancillary buildings include traditional outbuildings and modern single storey barns and lean-to’s surrounding an enclosed yard.

The Grounds
The beautiful gardens and grounds extend to approximately 22.1 acres and provide a stunning setting for this magnificent property. As you enter the drive through a pair of Grade II listed Hamstone pillars, the driveway sweeps around to the front of the house, where there is a large expanse of lawn wrapping around two sides of the house, with mature specimen trees, including ancient Lebanon Cedars. To the east of the drive is the tennis court, standing in an elevated position, with its own terraced lawn.

Behind the Coach House is a private swimming pool with its own pool house, totally enclosed via a traditional brick wall, which leads through into a fabulous walled kitchen garden and onwards to the gardens on the west side of the house. Complementing the gardens and grounds, there are paddocks and grazing to the north and east of the house.

Location

East Stoke lies beneath Ham Hill and has a fine 12th century church and a small village Co-Op.

The nearby market town of Crewkerne, about 7 miles, offers a Waitrose and as does Yeovil, mainline rail links to London Waterloo (from 135 minutes). Castle Cary is 16.8 miles with a mainline service to Paddington (from 108 minutes).

The Newt, renowned hotel, restaurant and gardens, is located about 17 miles from the property, just outside Castle Cary.

Yeovil is a functional hub for the area and has an excellent range of services including most high street shops, a hospital, cinema, two theatres and various supermarkets.

The medieval town of Sherborne (12 miles) has a beautiful and historic abbey, a range of artisan shops, supermarkets and hotels.

The property is very well connected, with the A303 about 2 miles away giving access to London to the east and Exeter to the south west. The M5 can be joined at Taunton.

The area is well served by both state and independent schools which include Perrott Hill, Hazlegrove, the Bruton Schools, Millfield the Sherborne Schools, Leweston School, and Colyton Grammar.

Sporting activities in the area include golf at Sherborne, Yeovil and Dorchester, National hunt racing at Wincanton and Taunton, flat racing at Bath and Salisbury and hunting with the Cattistock and Seavington.

Square Footage: 8,590 sq ft


Acreage: 22 Acres

Directions

Directions (TA14 6UF)
From London, take the A303 towards the West Country. Yeovil is the nearest town. Ignore the first Yeovil turn off, and take the second turn off which is the first exit off the Cartgate roundabout, onto the A3088 signed to Yeovil. Take first right hand turn off the A3088, signed to Montacute and Stoke Sub Hamdon. At the T junction, turn right towards Stoke Sub Hamdon. Drive past Stanchester School on the right and co –op on your left.

As you approach the left hand bend, the two gate piers to East Stoke House will be on the right hand side

Additional Info

East Stoke House - Council Tax Band G

Coach House East and Coach House West - Council Tax Band A

Planning - East Stoke House is Grade II listed. The entrance piers are also Grade II listed.

Fixtures and Fittings - All fixtures, fittings and garden statuary are excluded from the sale, although some may be available by separate negotiation.

Mains electricity and water. Mains gas fired heating and hot water systems.