Blind Lane, Bower Hinton, Martock, Somerset

PROPERTY 
Built in the late 19th century, Gardenview Cottage is a charming and immaculately presented local hamstone character property that offers spacious and sociable living accommodation. Over time the house has been extended and walls knocked through to create double and triple aspect rooms that are awash with natural light. The property has been well maintained inside and out, with a new slate roof installed in 2019 (10 year warranty). 

The main entrance, protected by an enclosed porch with bespoke oak door, opens into a long and spacious hallway with original flagstone floor. To the right is the wonderfully light study which has an attractive fireplace and multiple windows. At the end of the hall is a WC (tucked under the stairs) and a half glazed door out to the rear garden.

Behind the study is the quintessential country kitchen that is centred around a sky blue AGA with a mantel shelf and Victorian ceiling airer above. There is a range of painted wall and base units, black granite worktops and splashback, and wood flooring (new in 2021) that flows through into the dining area. The integrated appliances including an eye-level electric double oven, induction hob, and extractor fan; a dedicated alcove houses an American style fridge-freezer with storage cupboards above. A peninsula subtly divides the kitchen from the dining area and cleverly wraps around the wall to form a breakfast bar with plentiful storage beneath. The dining area is a great size and can easily accommodate large gatherings of family and friends; French doors to the garden offer seamless indoor-outdoor living.

The large double-aspect sitting room has been cleverly zoned by the current owners to create a cosy and welcoming feel. The fireplace with wood burning stove  forms the focal point of the main seating area which overlooks the rear garden. The other end of the room has been turned into a reading/conversation area with armchairs and bookcases. The room was originally two but built-in storage - a log store and tall display cabinet - unifies the space and makes the transition seamless.

Stairs rise from the hall to the first floor where there are four bedrooms and the family bathroom. The large principal bedroom is filled with light and has the benefit of  built-in wardrobes and an ensuite shower room. Bedrooms 2 and 3 are good-sized doubles and both have built-in storage; bedroom 2 also has an ensuite shower. Bedroom 4 is a small single room. The family bathroom is a generous size with a shower over the bath, pedestal washbasin, WC, and plenty of space for freestanding storage furniture.

OUTSIDE 
The house is set back from the street with a generously sized front garden, enclosed by a stone wall and hedging. The lawned garden has planted borders, filled with small trees and shrubs, and a specimen silver birch. A paved path leads from the street to the front door. Alongside the house is a private gravel driveway which leads around the back and provides plenty of off-road parking. Double gates enclose the drive and are set back to enable them to be safely opened and closed.

The mature rear garden is a great size, private, peaceful, and wildlife friendly. A patio abuts the house and alongside this is the two storey stone outbuilding which comprises a garage/workshop on the ground floor and a games room and store above. Across the drive, hard and soft landscaping has been used to delineate various zones within the garden, with a series of linked patio areas on the right and a lawn divided by island beds on the left. Nearest the house is an attractive timber studio and at the far end of the garden is a children's play area and wildlife pond. Several seating areas dotted around the garden allow you to follow the sun/seek some shade as you wish. An archway leads to the kitchen garden which has raised beds with asparagus bed, rhubarb, and various other crops. There is also a new greenhouse, potting shed, orchard (apples, plum and cherries) and a soft fruit cage with summer and autumn raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries. 2000L capacity rainwater harvesting and garden well make watering easy.

TENURE / SERVICES 
Freehold. All mains services are connected. Gas-fired central heating with radiators.

RESTRICTIONS/EASEMENTS 
None

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE
Current Rating - Band D

LOCAL AUTHORITY 
Somerset Council - Tax Band F