Great Lane, Shepton Beauchamp, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19

A charming and impressive wing of a Grade II Listed 19th Century former rectory and seminary of mellow hamstone construction under a clay tiled roof.

In the 1970s the building was divided into two separate houses, each with its own garden. The Old Rectory Back comprises the rear, south facing portion, with substantial garden and enjoys splendid views towards St Michael’s Church tower.

The house is set in the centre of the village with all its amenities on hand yet is in an idyllic, tucked away position offering much privacy and seclusion.

With character in evidence throughout, this gracious property has much to recommend it, with many period features remaining, including some mullion windows, window seats, original working local stone fireplaces, and a striking former chapel with vaulted timber arch braced roof with stained-glass and lancet shaped windows. There is even a stair turret with turned newels and spindles, gothic leaded windows and a conical roof with bell tower.

On a practical note, the accommodation, which is set over two floors, has a sensible layout with well -proportioned, light filled rooms with high ceilings, many of which have exposed timber floors and lovely views over the gardens and towards the church tower.

During the current owners’ tenure, a sympathetic programme of improvements has been carried out, including: The resiting of the kitchen from the chapel to its current position, exposing the chapel’s lovely vaulted roof and glass rose window. A new bathroom was installed, and the shower room was updated, along with the hot water system and related plumbing. A ribbed gothic arched ceiling was added to the entrance hallway and the front porch was remodelled. Outside, the garden was re-landscaped and re-planted. The property now boasts beautifully presented accommodation decorated with style and flair, with all modern conveniences, but with period charm in abundance.

Approached via a glazed porch with pitched roof, which opens to a welcoming hallway and rear lobby, off which are the principal rooms. To the right, and through double gothic style doors is the chapel dining room with wood burning stove. This wonderfully atmospheric room provides the perfect place, both for entertaining and cosy family dining alike. Opposite is the kitchen/breakfast room with working fireplace and plenty of space for a table and chairs. There is a good range of painted base and wall units with timber worktop and inset double ceramic sink. Windows to two sides give super views over the gardens. A recessed gothic style glazed cabinet provides further storage. Appliances include an integrated Bosch dishwasher, a Flavel range style cooker and two under counter refrigerators.

An arched opening leads into the elegant sitting room with French doors to the garden and a further stone fireplace and hearth, which provides a central focal point and ensures a cosy atmosphere. Either side are recessed cupboards with shelves above. An opening leads into the study with window seat and super views of the church tower. There is a fitted desk plus recessed fitted shelving above. From here a door leads to the rear lobby, off which is the discreet cloakroom. Sliding doors reveal a recessed utility area with boiler, washing machine, and tumble dryer, plus space and connection for a freezer.

An attractive staircase rises to the first-floor landing, with exposed timber floor and mullion window to the east giving lovely views. From here there is access to the bedrooms, four of which are double and one single. The child themed bedrooms are of particular note, decorated in princess and fantasy style with clouds, arch and turret, plus built-in high bed and bunk beds. Additionally, there is a family bathroom with shower cubicle, plus a further shower room with twin basins.

Set in the heart of this most appealing village, the property stands in charming, secluded south facing gardens with pastoral views over the neighbouring parkland. Adjacent is the attractive parish church of St Michael, whose tower is visible from many rooms of the house.

The property is approached from a quiet village lane, via a shared driveway which leads to a private gravelled turning and parking area for several cars and a double garage. Adjacent are double timber vehicular gates which lead to the east side of the garden, where there is a hard tennis court. An arched timber side gate leads to a paved pathway which runs around the house to the rear, where there is a private secluded terrace and paved pathways, either side of which are mixed beds and borders planted with a wide variety of mature shrubs, climbers and flowering plants, including clematis, peonies, roses, delphiniums, phlox and lupins providing a riot of colour and cover for much of the year. Stone steps bounded by a stone wall leads to a substantial area of sweeping lawn. A variety of carefully curated trees including magnolia, oak, beech, conifers, weeping fruit trees and several apple trees to name but a few, provide shade and interest.

To the side of the house are further walled and paved entertaining areas, the perfect space for alfresco dining and barbecues, there is also a hot tub, which may be available under separate negotiation.

The lasting impression is of a wonderful family house, with a romantic, gothic feel and charming gardens within a tranquil, parkland setting, in a tucked away position, yet within easy walking distance of the village’s amenities.

The handful of villages surrounding South Petherton and Ilminster are well known for their beauty, with names such as Shepton Beauchamp, Barrington and East Lambrook and are counted among the best in the county. Period houses built of the local honey coloured hamstone blend into the landscape, much of which is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is thus protected by strict planning controls to prevent incongruous development. The evocative cider apple orchards, prevalent in this part of Somerset, have been producing famous cider for centuries.

The charming village of Shepton Beauchamp has a post office/store, butcher, primary school, public house, church and an active community. Nearby South Petherton has a variety of traditional shops whilst the larger centres of Yeovil and Taunton are both within easy reach. Of real benefit however are the excellent communication links with the A303 (predominantly dual carriageway to the M3 and London) and M5 close at hand. Train links are from Taunton or Castle Cary to London Paddington or Yeovil to London Waterloo.

There are a number of highly regarded schools for children of all ages in the area, including a primary school in the village.

The area is well known for the variety of sporting and recreational facilities including golf courses at Yeovil and Sherborne. Racing at Wincanton, Bath, Taunton and Salisbury. Water sports on the Dorset coast, or on Sutton Bingham reservoir, just south of Yeovil.

AGENT’S NOTE
There is a flying freehold, where part of the first floor is over the neighbouring property. Please refer to agent for further details.