ORCHARD STABLES, HIGHER HADSPEN, CASTLE CARY, SOMERSET, BA7 7LX
An absolutely charming stable conversion, set within 1.75 acres of idyllic Hadspen valley countryside, close to Castle Cary and Bruton.
Orchard Stables has characterful and versatile accommodation including a reception hall, dining room, kitchen, breakfast room, two ground-floor bedrooms with a nearby shower room, a most impressive first-floor sitting room, and a master bedroom suite with a dressing room and shower room en-suite.
The gardens are neatly manicured with an excellent array of mature shrubs, trees and plants. In addition, there is ample parking with a double garage, paddock and orchard.
Accommodation
Orchard Stables has exceptionally attractive elevations, built from locally sourced Cary Stone, complimented by the beautiful countryside setting where just a collection of handsome detached homes adorn the landscape. The property is thought to have Grade II listed status, due to its connection with the neighbouring Hadspen Farm manor house.
The property is entered through the imposing studded oak front door, which sets the tone for the character and atmosphere within. The reception hall has a two useful cupboards, and wooden floorboards which lead through into the dining room adjacent. Here there are French doors leading out to the sunny terrace at the rear of the property, and internally there is a wonderful fireplace with exposed stone chimney breast, and inset Jetmaster fire.
In a semi-open plan style, the kitchen sits between the dining and breakfast rooms, and has plenty of storage within solid oak cabinetry, with a gas range cooker and dishwasher set within the units. The room has a lovely feeling of space due to the vaulted ceiling where the Velux windows allow light to flood in. Further features include the exposed beams, the clay tile floor, and the delightful view down the valley from the kitchen sink window. The breakfast room enjoys a dual aspect, and a back door which also leads directly out to the terrace.
At the far end of the reception hall, there are two bedrooms, and a family shower room. At present, one of these bedrooms has been utilised as a most useful study.
Upstairs, the bespoke oak staircase rises to the spectacular first-floor sitting room with eye-catching exposed timbers and idyllic views overlooking the garden towards the paddock. At one end of the room there is a seating area in front of the fireplace which also has a Jetmaster fire with shelves and cabinetry set within the alcoves and at the far end a doorway opens into the master suite.
The master suite is a luxurious feature of the property, with a spacious dressing room with built-in wardrobes, an adjoining en-suite and a generous double bedroom.
Outside
From Lime Kiln Lane, there is ample driveway parking for several vehicles in front of the detached double garage. From the parking area, a gravel pathway leads to the front door, and there is also a stone wall with a pedestrian gate set into a pretty archway that leads to the sun trap terrace at the back of the house. The terrace is predominantly laid to gravel with a variety of raised stone flower beds full of flourishing plants, and along the rear of the house there are beautifully planted borders full of fragrant roses climbing across the stonework. There is a patio area just outside the dining and breakfast rooms which is the perfect seating area nestled in total privacy and made even more peaceful by the water feature alongside.
Steps lead up through a number of neatly landscaped tiered flower beds and up to the main lawn. The lawn is enclosed by post and rail fencing, and interspersed with mature trees and shrubbery. At the far end there is a pond, teaming with tadpoles, newts and other pond life.
Beyond the garden, there is an enclosed paddock reaching up the side of the valley. To the side of the paddock is an orchard.
About the area
Hadspen is a charming rural hamlet where life gravitates around its vibrant village hall—a true hub of local activity and community spirit. Just a few miles away lies the picturesque market town of Castle Cary, once described by the eminent architectural historian Sir Nikolaus Pevsner as “Somerset’s prettiest town.” The town centre, designated a Conservation Area, is rich in character, with handsome period buildings crafted predominantly from the distinctive honey-hued local stone. It offers a traditional yet thriving high street, with independent shops, stylish boutiques, regular markets, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The surrounding countryside is gently undulating, lightly wooded, and largely unspoilt. A patchwork of farmland, hedgerows and idyllic villages provides a timeless West Country backdrop.
The area is well served by an extensive network of bridleways, peaceful country lanes and footpaths—ideal for walking, cycling and riding. Nearby, the historic town of Bruton has become something of a cultural and culinary hotspot, home to an array of popular cafes, restaurants and independent outlets. Highlights include the Michelin-starred Osip, the elegant Briar at No.1 Bruton, and the world-renowned Hauser & Wirth gallery, with its landscaped gardens, Da Costa restaurant and acclaimed farm shop.
Just a short distance away is The Newt in Somerset—a nationally celebrated country estate offering gardens, woodland walks, a spa, restaurants, and year-round events. Castle Cary itself now also boasts The Lazy Lobster and The Creamery, two well-regarded recent additions to its growing food scene.
For the sporting enthusiast, there is racing at Wincanton, Salisbury and Taunton, golf at several excellent courses in the region, and water sports on the Dorset coast or at Sutton Bingham and Chew Valley reservoirs. Theatres in Bath, Bristol, Yeovil and Salisbury provide further cultural attractions within easy reach.
The area is particularly well served for both state and independent schooling. Castle Cary has a respected primary school and Ansford Academy for secondary education. Bruton, just a short drive away, is home to the highly regarded King's Bruton and Sexey’s School, the latter a state boarding and day school. Hazlegrove Preparatory School, part of the Sherborne Schools’ Group, is located in nearby Sparkford and is also held in high regard. Sherborne itself provides a further range of renowned senior independent schools.
Castle Cary offers excellent transport links, with a mainline railway station providing direct services to both London Paddington (in approximately 1 hour 40 minutes) and London Waterloo. The nearby A303 gives swift road access to the M3 and the national motorway network, bringing London within approximately 2.5 hours’ drive.
Services
Mains electricity. Private water and drainage. LPG gas central heating.
Tenure: Freehold.
Energy Performance Rating: F
Council Tax Band: G.
Important Notice
Roderick Thomas, their clients and any joint agents state that these details are for general guidance only and accuracy cannot be guaranteed. They do not constitute any part of any contract. All measurements are approximate and floor plans are to give a general indication only and are not measured accurate drawings. No guarantees are given with regard to planning permission or fitness for purpose. No apparatus, equipment, fixture or fitting has been tested. Items shown in photographs are not necessarily included. Purchasers must satisfy themselves on all matters by inspection or otherwise. VIEWINGS - interested parties are advised to check availability and current situation prior to travelling to see any property.