Hurst, Martock, Somerset, TA12

With its impressive Hamstone five bay façade, stone columned porch and mullioned windows, Hurst House creates a significant impact on first sight. The detached, Grade II listed property, dating back to the early 1600s, features a cross passage layout so that on entering the light and airy hallway your eye is drawn directly through the glazed back door into the beautiful garden. The house has been sympathetically modified by the current owners to preserve its immense historical charm and architectural integrity, while offering generous accommodation fit for the demands of modern day living. This charming property displays many of the pleasing attributes associated with its history, including exposed beams, original doors, flagstone floors, decorative cornicing and mullioned windows with shutters and window seats.

There are two considerably spacious, dual aspect reception rooms, with an open fire and woodburner respectively and French doors opening into the garden. The large study is a well-equipped, comfortable room, with ample bookshelves and a woodburner in a stone inglenook. Spanning the width of the house, the splendid kitchen diner offers a great space in which to cook and entertain. The well designed, bespoke kitchen comprises painted tulip wood units under a granite worktop, Lacanche electric range cooker, built-in fridge freezer, larder and 1.5 porcelain butler sink. The breakfast island houses further units, while the adjacent scullery offers a sink and cupboard storage and a back door into the garden. The kitchen flows into the dining room which not only has space for a large table but also for sofas where one can relax by the elegant stone fireplace. A fantastic utility and boot room can be found in the Victorian extension with bespoke cupboards and space and connection for a washing machine. An elegant staircase rises from the hall to a galleried landing where the first floor offers four very generously sized bedrooms, two of which are dual aspect, showcasing historical features such as Victorian fireplaces, sash windows or a window seat. There are two well-appointed bathrooms with handmade units and cupboards. On the third floor, a wide landing leads to a large double bedroom while, opposite, a vast attic among the beams and window lights, currently used as a games room and storage, offers potential for any number of uses.

ANNEXE
Those requiring the flexibility of an annexe will be delighted by the Victorian ground floor extension which comprises a lovely, dual aspect bed/sitting room and an ensuite shower room. The adjacent utility room could be adapted as a kitchen if required.

Outbuildings and Garden
The beautifully secluded, walled garden offers a space in which to relax, entertain and exercise those green fingers. The kitchen and drawing room open onto a gravelled terrace looking over a formal lawn and a pretty, meadow area under the filtered light of silver birch and white lilac. The garden is well stocked with mature trees and shrubs including a red maple, Magnolia grandiflora, apples and cherries. Climbers adorn the front and rear walls of the house, amongst them wisteria, clematis and Japanese quince, while a Rambling Rector rose, pears and apples explore the high brick wall. The garden enjoys secure boundaries making it ideal children and dogs. The Victorian glasshouse, complete with original louvre system, basks in the sun against the garden wall producing delicious grapes and providing a hot space in which to grow tender plants. The gravelled drive offers plenty of parking space and there is an oak framed triple garage along with a set of brick-built buildings comprising a workshop, woodstore, store and WC. With its ample accommodation, historic character and secluded garden, along with garage and private parking, Hurst House presents a fabulous opportunity to live in a sought-after village with plentiful amenities and a friendly community.

LOCATION
This part of south Somerset is rightly regarded as one of the finest areas in the South West, as the undulating hills and valleys give way to the wilder and more dramatic scenery of West Dorset to the south. Hurst, a hamlet lying to the south of Martock, comprises at its heart mainly period houses and cottages. Most of the hamlet is designated a conservation area in which a policy of strict planning control has ensured that it has changed little over the years. However, the excellent Hollies Hotel, Rose & Crown pub, and the popular Old Dairy Cafe, certainly give this traditional village something to shout about. Nearby Martock has an excellent range of facilities including a doctor’s surgery, post office, pub, dentist, supermarket, newsagent, bakers, butcher and library amongst others. Further afield, Crewkerne offers a good range of everyday facilities including Waitrose and a swimming pool and fitness centre.
Communications to the area are excellent, the A303 lies about 0.5 miles to the south and is predominately dual carriageway to the M3, London to the east and Exeter to the west. There is a mainline station at Yeovil (Waterloo about 2 hours 25 minutes) and Castle Cary (Paddington 1 hour 40 minutes). Junction 25 of the M5 is within easy reach at Taunton. Rail connections are also available at Crewkerne (Exeter/Waterloo line) or Taunton (Penzance/Paddington).

SPORTING AND RECREATION
Golf is at Yeovil, Long Sutton, Sherborne and Taunton. Racing at Wincanton, Taunton and Bath. Fishing and sailing (by permit) at Sutton Bingham Reservoir near Yeovil.

EDUCATION
Local independent schools include Hazlegrove, Millfield and the Sherborne, Taunton and Bruton schools. There is also highly regarded local state schooling provision at both primary and secondary level.