Hardington Mandeville, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22

Welkin Cottage is a most appealing Victorian house, believed to date from around 1900, offering characterful and comfortable family accommodation in a sought-after Somerset village. The house is built of red brick under a slate tiled roof, with a double-fronted façade and oak porch adorned with jasmine and climbers. The sitting room enjoys a triple aspect with far-reaching views over the surrounding hills and fields. French doors open directly onto the terrace, while a stone fireplace with tiled hearth and wood burner forms a comforting focal point. The kitchen/breakfast room is equally impressive, dual aspect with wonderful views and fitted with a central island, granite style composite worktops and a range of wall and base units. Built-in appliances include a double eye-level oven, whilst there is space for a large fridge/freezer. There is ample room for a dining table and sofa, with bookshelves flanking a recessed fireplace.

A fabulous dining/sun room maximises the outlook over the Somerset countryside, being dual aspect and an inviting space for year-round enjoyment. The generous utility room provides space and plumbing for appliances, houses the Worcester boiler and offers direct garden access. A study completes the picture downstairs.

Upstairs, the principal bedroom is dual aspect with delightful views, fitted wardrobes and under-eaves storage. There is a further double, with fireplace and two single bedrooms. The modern shower room includes a large walk-in shower, fitted storage and WC, with potential to reconfigure to include a bath. The property is attractively presented throughout, with a mix of painted and natural woodwork and a notably light-filled interior.

OUTSIDE
The house is approached via a tarmac drive with a garage and space for several cars and is bordered by box hedging and trellis adorned with passionflower and clematis. To the rear, the gardens have been thoughtfully landscaped to create a series of seating areas that follow the sun throughout the day. Directly below the sitting room is a terrace, while a summer house with power and Wi-Fi offers a peaceful retreat or a garden office, with its own gravelled terrace. The garden features a mature walnut tree, apple trees, a wildlife pond and a sloping lawn leading to a potager with raised vegetable beds and cut flower borders. There is a greenhouse, potting shed, compost area and an efficient rainwater harvesting system with 2,600-litre potential. Access to the garden is available on both sides of the house, in addition to a gate leading onto the lane.

Location
Welkin Cottage sits on the edge of the popular village of Hardington Mandeville on the Somerset/Dorset border which is host to a pub, The Royal Oak, a shop with Post Office and a church, along with a gardening club, amateur dramatics group and WI, amongst others. The village hall and community playing field provide a variety of activities for all ages. Many people who move here stay for many years, such is the attraction of the village community.
Surrounded by magnificent rolling countryside, this is a beautiful part of the country yet remains extremely accessible due to the A30, A303 and good rail links from Yeovil Junction on the Exeter to Waterloo line. In addition, the M5 is within easy reach at Taunton and the village therefore enjoys the best of both worlds, being secluded yet accessible. The regional centre of Yeovil is within easy reach and has the full range of facilities whilst alternatives include Crewkerne, a typical Somerset market town and Sherborne, dominated by its Abbey and historic schools and offering an array of boutique and high street shops.

SPORTING AND RECREATION
There are numerous golf courses within easy motoring distance including Sherborne and Yeovil. Racing at Wincanton, Salisbury, Bath and Exeter. Water sports on the Dorset coast (about 18 miles) or on Sutton Bingham Reservoir near Yeovil. Riding and walking on an extensive network of bridleways and footpaths. Theatres at Bath, Taunton, Salisbury and Bournemouth. The Newt country estate and Hauser and Wirth in Bruton provide further cultural opportunities.

EDUCATION
The area offers excellent schooling options. Locally there are well-regarded primary schools. The Yeovil area has a range of state secondary schools, while Sherborne is home to the highly regarded Sherborne Schools Group (Sherborne School, Sherborne Girls and Sherborne Prep). Other nearby independent schools include Leweston, Hazlegrove, Perrott Hill and Bryanston.