High Street, West Coker, Yeovil, Somerset

Formerly two cottages, The Forge dates to the 18th and 19th centuries, with additions made in the 20th century. This historic home is nicely presented and has abundant character - flagstone floors, exposed beams, etc - but there is also plenty of scope for personalisation and improvement. The cottage requires modernisation in parts while outside the spacious lean-to outbuilding and former forge (a substantial stone building with tiled roof) are currently underutilised and have a wealth of potential. The cottage also has a delightful mature garden and unusually for a cottage of this age there is the bonus of offroad parking.

PROPERTY
Ground Floor
The front entrance opens into the bright and welcoming dining room which has light pouring in from the fully glazed door at the rear. The flooring is original flagstones and the characterful beamed ceiling has been painted white to reflect light. The kitchen adjoins the dining room and is decorated in a similar country style, with a large cream Rayburn range cooker at its heart. The kitchen is fully functional but does require renovation. The kitchen and dining room both lead out to the garden.

On the other side of the dining room is the cosy sitting room that is centred around an unusual stone fireplace with a woodburning stove. The fireplace forms a seating area under the front window and there is plenty of space for sofas and other living room furniture. Off the sitting room is bedroom two - a good-size double room - and a small ensuite shower room (also accessible without entering the bedroom). Both the sitting room and bedroom have doors into the lean-to outbuilding.

First Floor
The stairs to the first floor rise from the dining room and the stone wall has been exposed as a characterful feature. At the top of the stairs is a small shower room and the large family bathroom. The stylish monochrome bathroom has an impressive raised corner bath with shower over, wash basin, WC, vanity unit, and handy airing cupboard. There are three double bedrooms on the first floor with bedroom one having a small ensuite shower room.

OUTSIDE
There is off-road parking for two vehicles at the side of the property, in front of the forge, with access to the cottage via the lean-to outbuilding. The forge is set at a right angle to the cottage and connected via the lean-to. It is a substantial stone building (which still has the arch of the furnace visible inside) with double doors and windows at the front.

The rear garden is a delightful and somewhat unexpected oasis, elevated above the cottage with a sunny SE aspect. The house opens up to a gravel area with stone retaining walls (the outbuilding is alongside). Stone steps, flanked by shrubs, lead up to the lovely lawned garden which is wonderfully private. The lawn is bordered by trees and shrubs and has a hidden area at the top. There is a small timber shed and a colourful summer house.

SERVICES
Mains water, drainage and electricity. Solid Fuel Rayburn and Woodburning Stove.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE
N/A (Listed building exemption)

LOCAL AUTHORITY
Somerset Council - Tax Band C