Higher Farm Lane, North Barrow, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22

Converted from a former cider house in 2003, this charming property built of local Blue Lias is surrounded by beautiful gardens down a no-through lane in North Barrow, not far from the popular Somerset town of Castle Cary. The house has been tastefully renovated, incorporating natural stone features, high ceilings, exposed beams and fresh white walls to create a rustic but light and airy feel, particularly in the generous sitting room. The well-appointed Sheraton kitchen features an array of attractive oak units and quality, modern appliances, with plenty of room for a large kitchen table. The standout reception room is the fabulous Prime Oak orangery, with heated Blue Lias floor and two sets of French doors as well as two sets of bi-fold doors which open out to the terrace, which in turn provides an extremely elegant area in which to relax, dine and entertain all year round.

Two downstairs bedrooms, one with ensuite shower room, offer flexible living accommodation with the benefit of level access from the front door. There is a spacious utility area and boot room by the back door saving the risk of muddy boot and paw prints through the attractive slate hallway. A lofty stairwell leads up to two further double bedrooms with high, beamed ceilings and a family bathroom. The current owners have substantially improved the eco credentials of the property, having installed solar panels, an air source heat pump, a thermal accumulator hot water tank. There is under floor heating with independent thermostats throughout the house. Outside, there is a well with a pump to water the garden.

GARDENS AND OUTBUILDINGS
Amounting to almost half an acre, the glorious gardens are an absolute treat, both for the green fingered and for those looking to relax and enjoy the tranquillity. One of the owners is a garden designer and has created a series of garden rooms from a delightful gravel garden, through a formal lawn to a nature rich wild area with wildlife pond and a vegetable garden with raised beds, compost system, potting shed and polytunnel. Climbing roses and Clematis spread themselves along various walls, whilst the gravel drive is bordered by well-tended apple trees and spring bulbs. A mature walnut tree provides hammock shade in the summer, while a glorious Liquidamber along with ornamental cherries and productive damsons offer year-round colour and interest. The orangery terrace is constructed of cider imbued Blue Lias taken from the former cider house, adding a real sense of history to the garden.

In 2011 the owners built a pretty, wooden clad garden studio office and store rooms under a clay tiled roof with a loft. Having double glazing, insulation, waste plumbing, electricity and a telephone connection, this could be adapted to further living accommodation if desired. For the time being, however, the triple aspect studio looking out over the garden and vegetable patch really is a sublime place in which to work, create or simply unwind. The large garage with boarded joists, electricity and insulation throughout currently serves as an enviably equipped workshop, but also has potential for further development. Set in a landscape of old orchards, starry skies and clean air, The Old Cider House, with its fabulous gardens and flexible accommodation, offers rural peace and seclusion, while being within reach of Castle Cary and excellent rail and road links.

LOCATION
The country enveloping the hamlet of North Barrow has changed little in recent decades and comprises unspoilt and lightly wooded, undulating farmland, interspersed with delightful villages and ancient cider orchards. It is a small wonder that Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, the eminent architectural historian, described nearby Castle Cary as Somerset's prettiest town. Castle Cary centre is in a Conservation Area and is dominated by period buildings constructed, in the main, of the distinctive honey coloured local stone and boasts a number of traditional shops, excellent boutiques and regular markets. Communications to this part of the country are excellent. From Yeovil and Castle Cary there are regular train services to Waterloo and Paddington respectively, the latter in about 1 hour 40 minutes. The A303, much of it dual carriageway, links with the M3, thus putting London within about two and a half hours' drive.

SPORTING AND RECREATION
The area is well provided for with bridleways, lanes and footpaths suitable for cycling, riding and walking. Just 20 minutes away is the popular town of Bruton, which plays host to a plethora of attractions, cafes and restaurants, including Michelin-starred Osip, recently opened Briar at No1 Bruton, along with The Hauser & Wirth gallery, garden, Da Costa restaurant and farm shop. The Newt, now well renowned for its many first-class attractions, is just outside Castle Cary. There are sailing and water sports facilities on the Bristol Channel, Dorset coast or Sutton Bingham and Chew reservoirs. Racing is at Wincanton, Salisbury and Taunton. The are also numerous golf courses in the area and theatres are at Bath, Yeovil, Bristol and Salisbury.

EDUCATION
The area is particularly well known for its schools. Millfield and Millfield Prep are not far at Street, Hazlegrove is at Sparkford and the Sherborne, Bruton and Taunton schools are all within easy reach.