Knole, Langport, TA10

The Lake House is an elegant wing of a grand farmhouse built in the mid-nineteenth century by the Earl of Burlington, later the Duke of Devonshire, as part of the centrepiece to a model farm. It has been the subject of sensitive upgrading over the years, providing a generously proportioned and comfortable home. Built in local coursed and squared Blue Lias stone under a slate roof, the house lies in a tranquil situation to the south of Somerton, the Saxon capital of Wessex and enjoys extensive views over the rolling Somerset countryside. The house is set within Bineham Court, a prestigious private estate having a central court, reminiscent of an Oxford quad.

Entering the double fronted property from the court, a hall leads to an attractive sitting room, with two large 12-paned sash windows, a woodburner in the oak, brick and slate fireplace and a built-in television cabinet and bookshelves. The inviting, dual-aspect farmhouse kitchen comprises painted shaker style wall and base units and an oil fired four oven Aga (cream) with electric oven and hotplate. There is a fitted microwave, porcelain double butler sink, space and connection for a dishwasher and fridge freezer as well as ample room for a large table for family gatherings. The original flagstone flooring, high ceilings and exposed beams create an abundance of character. Off the kitchen is the fabulous dual aspect orangery, with stone columns, sprung oak wooden floor and two sets of French doors onto the terrace. A large space with a lofty ceiling, the double-glazed orangery provides an impressive dining and sitting area, ideal for entertaining or reading. A separate utility room and cloakroom completes the downstairs.

Upstairs lie four good sized bedrooms and a family bathroom. The generous, dual-aspect principal bedroom has an ensuite shower room, two double depth fitted wardrobes and lovely views across the garden, paddock and beyond. The property enjoys super-fast broadband, ideal for home working.

OUTSIDE
The gardens beyond the orangery and terrace are a delight, framed by mature hedges and with far reaching views. The terrace is perfect for outside entertaining and is surrounded by formal lawns featuring a flowering cherry, a Magnolia stellata and bordered by beds stocked with roses and hydrangea. A pretty rose arch opens into an informal area flanked by field maple and copper beach trees, with a gravelled barbeque area overlooking the paddock. An outside tap provides water from the well at the front of the property where there is a delightful court, with lawned quadrants and specimen trees affording privacy to the various dwellings. Beyond the garden is a small lake where among the lilies and reeds you can spot kingfishers, dragonflies and surfacing fish. A two-acre paddock, accessed by two five bar gates off the drive, as well as from the garden, offers a wonderful space in which to walk your dogs or for the family to play.

An attractive lime avenue leads to Bineham Court where The Lake House has a double garage with electric doors; there is also an area for guest parking. The court, driveways and lake are managed by a company owned by the residents with a service charge of £200 a quarter.

LOCATION
The hamlet of Knole, tucked away from main roads and surrounded by beautiful country, has remained unspoilt, due in part to strict planning controls and the wisdom of farsighted landowners, including The Duchy of Cornwall, whose policy has been to preserve the environment.
The nearest village is Long Sutton, a thriving community centred around the church, a first-class village shop and the Devonshire Arms Inn which enjoys an excellent reputation. Within a short drive are the market towns of Somerton and Langport offering a good range of facilities. The delightful village of South Petherton is also within easy reach and has a variety of traditional shops, bars and restaurants as well as a community hospital.

SPORT AND RECREATION
Racing at Taunton, Exeter and Wincanton. Sailing and water sports on the world Heritage Jurassic coast or Bristol Channel or Sutton Bingham. Golf at Long Sutton, Taunton and Yeovil. Extensive footpaths, bridleways and quiet lanes offer superb opportunities for riding, walking and cycling.

EDUCATION
The village provides a much-respected primary school that has a breakfast club as well as an after-school club for pupils. There are excellent state and independent schools in the area including Richard Huish Sixth Form College, Millfield, Wells Cathedral School, Taunton School, Kings College and Queens College in Taunton as well as Hazelgrove and the Sherborne Schools Group.