Fivehead, Taunton, Somerset, TA3

A characterful, GII listed residence sitting in over an acre with additional 8 acre paddock at the end of a quiet track, surrounded by open countryside. A true rural haven.

Dating back to the mid-16th Century, Squirrelsmead Cottage enjoys a wealth of character features throughout, whilst occupying a delightful plot of 1.17 acres with no immediate neighbours in the heart of the Somerset countryside. Having originally been used as farmhand cottages, the property has been subsequently extended and altered to create an attractive period home.

The property is accessed primarily through a timber stable door with storm porch over which leads into the utility/boot room, conveniently lain with tiles and hosting the oil fired boiler, a sink with cupboard under, along with space & plumbing for a washing machine and tumble drier. A large, shelved cupboard provides storage options, whilst a further door leads into the downstairs shower room, tiled throughout and fitted with a modern suite of large cubicle, pedestal basin and low-level WC, in addition to a towel rail.

The kitchen/diner is well-equipped with a range of solid wood units with worktops and upstands, matching dresser unit, space for electric range, stainless steel sink with drainer, and space & plumbing for a dishwasher. There’s ample space for a large dining table with pleasant views over both front and back gardens.

Beyond the kitchen is the original half of the home, where the character of the property shines, with exposed beams throughout a hallmark of any cottage of this age. The home enjoys three reception rooms of varying sizes, offering the spaces to be used flexibly depending on requirements. Two rooms feature attractive and individual inglenook fireplaces, with wood burning stoves in situ; the principal sitting room’s fireplace featuring a smoking chamber. The room also features a beautiful plank & muntin screen and leads out into what would have been the original front entrance porch, with a beautiful timber door which leads out into a small sun room and stone spiral stairs that lead to the first floor. Off the porch is a downstairs cloakroom with WC and hand basin.
To the first floor are three bedrooms—bedroom one features built in wardrobes across all of one wall and decorative fireplace. The room boasts an en-suite with panel bath, pedestal basin and WC and a further door leads through into a large attic room, perfect for level-access storage or potential conversion. Bedroom two is another fine sized double with exposed floorboards and beams, with a door that leads into bedroom three which features large chimney breast .
Despite its age, the property feels light and airy, thanks in part to the higher-than-expected ceilings and numerous windows along the south-facing façade.

OUTSIDE
Squirrelsmead Cottage boasts a wonderful, secluded and varied plot of over 9 acres, with open countryside on all sides. A driveway from the drove offers parking for numerous vehicles, with a small orchard planted with a variety of fruiting trees adding to the rural setting. Further, larger trees dot the boundary, which is fully enclosed. A pond to one side encourages an array of wildlife to the garden, with regular sightings of birds of prey, deer, rabbits, ducks, foxes and more. Attached to the property are four stables, currently used as very handy stores, whilst a further garage sits off the gravelled drive.. The Eastern part of the plot is an enclosed gardeners corner, with raised beds and a large fruit cage offering ample growing opportunities.
Adjacent to the principal plot and garden is an additional 8 acre paddock, which enjoys independent access as well as direct from the property. Please note there is a seldom used public footpath that runs across one corner of this paddock.

Squirrelsmead Cottage enjoys a private position but is by no means isolated. The centre of Fivehead is a short drive away offering a village pub, two churches and a village hall; the larger village of Curry Rivel (4 miles) hosts a petrol station with post office services, convenience store and the renowned Firehouse public house. The market town of Langport (6 miles) offers a more comprehensive range of facilities, including Huish Episcopi Academy with adjoining leisure centre with facilities for all ages.
Taunton the County town is 6-7 miles distant with an extensive range of shopping, scholastic and recreational facilities, including three noted public schools, two colleges, a major hospital, and multiple restaurants, bars, leisure centres, supermarkets .and retailers Taunton enjoys excellent communication links with a main line rail link and access to the M5 (J25). The cities of Exeter and Bristol are both within an hour's drive hosting international airports.