Lower Keyford, Frome, Somerset

Occupying an extensive corner plot at the end of a quiet, tree-lined residential road in Frome, Somerset, this fabulously characterful four-bedroom house has seen an exacting renovation and extension in recent years. The interiors marry rusticity with a confidently contemporary palette, pairing of off-white walls with the warm-toned original floorboards that ground throughout. Light is drawn into generous living spaces through well-placed skylights and bifold glazed doors that open to foliage-filled gardens. The house is an easy ten-minute walk from Frome's town centre, well-loved for its independent shops and historic architecture, and also Frome's train station, with direct services from here to London in around 90 minutes.

The Tour

A blue front door opens directly into a porch with an adjacent boot room in the extended part of the house. Directly ahead is an open-plan kitchen and dining room that rings with sunlight from glazing above and along the westerly side. The dining space is arranged in front of a timber-framed glazed bifold door that opens to the terrace and gardens, creating an easy flow between inside and outside areas, with the original floorboards running underfoot.

Bringing a warm and welcoming feel to the heart of the house, the kitchen is characterised by bespoke ply-cabinetry which neatly houses the appliances, a large range cooker, and plenty of work surfaces for cooking and baking. A deep Belfast sink is set beneath a sash window framing pretty garden views. A large pantry and separate utility area lie off the kitchen, and there is also a WC on this level.

To one side of the open plan living space is a more intimate and cosy snug and play area, centred around a wood-burning stove. The main living room lies adjacent on plan; a room with excellent natural light, views to the garden, and a fireplace set on top of an elevated stone hearth. Sisal carpet runs through this room, and cupboards and lines of shelving have been fitted in the alcoves which flank the fireplace.

The central staircase ascends to the two floors above. On either side of the landing there are two beautifully light double bedrooms, each with plenty of in-built cabinetry and storage space. The primary bedroom is built into the timber-clad extension, where French doors open to a west-facing Juliet balcony. The family bathroom, also on this level, is complete with a bathtub and set-plaster coloured walls. On the second floor, two spacious bedrooms are set beneath the gentle slope of the eaves, with a shower room on this level too.

Outside Space

In addition to the main house, there is also a garden studio, currently used as a home workspace, but lending equally well to overflow accommodation. Terraces surround the house, creating a seamless transition between the inside and out, with plenty of sunny spots for play, or to enjoy a morning coffee or an evening sundowner. Care of the corner plot, a generous garden stretches around the front end of the house, layed to lawn and dotted with mature trees and raised beds for growing vegetables and flowers.

The Area

The house is set in Lower Keyford, close to the Conservation Area in the historic part of Frome, known for its stately old manor house and nunnery. The town centre is less than ten minutes' walk away.

Frome is routinely named one of the best places to live in the UK, thanks to its thriving cultural scene, wealth of historic architecture and easy access to the beautiful surrounding countryside. The town continues to garner high regard for its ‘flatpack democracy’, thanks to a coalition of independents who took control of all 17 seats on its council. This activity has contributed greatly to its growing community of independent shops, creative businesses and eateries, saturated in its artisan quarter on Catherine Hill. The house is a short walk from the town centre and its many independent cafés and boutique shops, including Rye Bakery, Projects Frome, Moo and Two, Frome Hardware, Eight Stony Street, and Frome Reclamation Yard. The Frome Independent, a monthly market showcasing local artisans and food producers, has helped put Frome on the map, attracting over 80,000 visitors annually.

The town is also within easy driving distance from the magnificent Georgian city of Bath and its slightly smaller sister Bruton, a small town that has grown a big reputation in the international art world thanks to Hauser and Wirth. We've written more Bruton over in our Journal.

There is a range of schools in the area, both in the state and private sector, including Frome Media Arts College, All Hallows, Downside, Millfield, Wells Cathedral School, Sunnyhill and King's School, Bruton.

A mainline railway service runs direct services from Frome to London Paddington in around an hour and 35 minutes, with an even faster line at nearby Westbury. Road connections are equally strong.

Council Tax Band: D