Period property in tranquil valley setting near Oakhill, Somerset

Fire Engine House is hidden away in the most tranquil secluded valley setting in the small hamlet of Benter just a short distance from Oakhill.
Surrounded by woodland and open countryside and set within an acre of beautiful gardens this lovely family home for over 46 years presents an opportunity for a new owner to enjoy this unspoilt part of Somerset.

Dating back to 1760 and in its former life a public house, Fire Engine House retains many of its original features with exposed beams, wooden floors and internal glazed doors. The attached barn previously used as the skittle alley and barrel store and now used for storage could easily be incorporated into the main house or developed as a separate dwelling or annexe subject to the necessary planning permissions.

To the front of the property a bright red door framed by a mature wisteria opens into an impressive entrance hall. With its double height ceiling, open staircase and galleried landing it is easy to see why it has been used to host many village Christmas Carol sing-a-longs. Sitting centrally within the property the hall leads to three large reception rooms.

The drawing room with its open fireplace and wood burning stove is filled with light from the windows to the front and back. Double doors open onto the terrace providing the perfect space for entertaining and summer BBQs. The hidden stone staircase in the corner is a particularly fun feature allowing an easy departure at the end of the evening to the master bedroom suite.

An arched doorway steps down from the entrance hall into a nicely proportioned dining room with an inbuilt cupboard and perfect storage for a dinner service and glassware. This in turn leads to the farmhouse style kitchen with its two-door Aga, pretty dresser and everyday dining table. The adjacent large and light filled home office with windows to the front and side together with the current kitchen could be combined to create a wonderful open plan kitchen/diner.

A good-sized utility/boot room with its useful barn style door opens to the sunny courtyard, parking and gardens. Beyond, the family sitting room, which can also be accessed from the front hall, is conveniently placed to access and enjoy the patios and gardens. 

On the first floor the galleried landing leads to the master bedroom and ensuite bathroom. Filled with lots of natural light, windows overlook the beautiful countryside to the front and gardens to the rear. The spacious ensuite bathroom features a classic white suite with a freestanding roll top bath. Simple plantation shutters provide privacy. 
Four further spacious double bedrooms each with their own features and character sit around a central landing with a large family bathroom. A walk-in cupboard housing the immersion tank provides further storage.  

Outside
Double gates lead to the gravel driveway and rear courtyard, sheltered by the house and attached barn and with ample space to park several cars. 
From here a pretty gate opens to the beautiful gardens and it is easy to see why the gardens at Fire Engine House were selected to feature in the National Gardening Scheme in 2023. Mature and established with generous lawns, well stocked colourful borders filled with herbaceous plants and narrow enticing pathways. Terraces and gazebos provide shade on a summer’s day and the patio area is perfectly positioned for the evening sun. A delightful tumble-down bothy leads to a small orchard with fruit and specimen trees, a kitchen garden and greenhouse.

Situation
Benter is one of a handful of Mendip Hill villages that make up the Parish of Ashwick. Oakhill is the closest village and with its vibrant community provides many amenities including a primary school, village hall, doctors surgery and local shop. There are churches at Oakhill, Ashwick and Binegar. 
The award-winning Oakhill Inn is well known for good food, real ales, log fires and rooms and the perfect place to stop off after enjoying one of the many walks in the area.

As well as the Church of England nursery and primary school at Oakhill there is a primary school in Chilcompton. Senior schools can be found at Shepton Mallet, the Blue School in Wells and further options in Radstock and Midsomer Norton.
Independent schools including Downside, a mile away, Wells Cathedral and All Hallows Prep school are all within easy distance. 

Benter is particularly well placed to reach Bristol and Bath whether for work, shopping or to enjoy the many attractions that the cities offer. Direct trains to London can be taken from Bath railway station (30 minutes) or Castle Cary station (20 minutes). Bristol airport is a 40 minute drive. 

Directions  
BA3 5BJ
What3words: ///tapers.starlight.grumble

Viewing by appointment only 


MATERIAL INFORMATION

In compliance with The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team’s Material Information in Property Listings Guidance.

PART A

Local Authority:  Somerset
Council Tax Band: G
Guide Price: £1,200,000
Tenure: Freehold

PART B

Property Type: Detached
Property Construction: Standard
Number and Types of Rooms:  See Details and Plan, all measurements being maximum dimensions provided between internal walls.
Electricity Supply: Mains electricity
Water Supply:  Mains water
Sewerage:  Private drainage
Heating:  Oil fired central heating
Broadband:  Please refer to Ofcom website.
Mobile Signal/Coverage:  Please refer to Ofcom website.
Parking: Private parking for several vehicles


PART C

Building Safety: Our vendor is not aware of any building safety issues or any planned or required remediation work but we recommend that you engage the services of a chartered surveyor to confirm. 
Restrictions: We are not aware of any significant/material restrictions, but we’d recommend you review the title/deeds of the property with your solicitor.
Rights and Easements: We’re not aware of any other significant/material restrictions or rights, but we’d recommend you review the Title/deeds of the property with your solicitor.
Flood Risk:  Very low chance of flooding
Coastal Erosion Risk:  N/A
Planning Permission: We are not aware of any undecided planning applications within the vicinity of the property 
Accessibility/Adaptations:  N/A
Coalfield Or Mining Area:  Historically a mining area
Energy Performance Certificate: to be advised

No other Material disclosures have been made by the Vendor. This Material Information has been compiled in good faith using the resources readily available online and by enquiry of the vendor prior to marketing. However, such information could change after compilation of the data, so Lodestone cannot be held liable for any changes post compilation or any accidental errors or omissions. 

Furthermore, Lodestone are not legally qualified and conveyancing documents are often complicated, necessitating judgement on our part about which parts are “Material Information” to be disclosed. If any information provided, or other matter relating to the property, is of particular importance to you please do seek verification from a legal adviser before committing to expenditure.