Kaylow, Frome, Somerset

This modernist house sits on an elevated spot in the heart of Frome, Somerset, a town routinely extolled as one of the UK's best places to live. Built in the 1950s, it was more recently renovated and extended by architect Giles Vallis, grandson of Ron Vallis, the architect responsible for the house’s original design. The versatile plan exceeds 3,000 sq ft and has five bedrooms, one of which can form part of a two-storey annexe with a kitchen and living space. Outside is a generous garden with a double garage and plenty of mature leafy trees.



The Tour



Kaylow is on a tranquil cul-de-sac, set back from the street behind a large front garden with a double garage and parking for multiple cars. With a flat roof and crisp white render, the façade unfolds neatly across two levels; aluminium heritage windows and black weatherboard accents lend visual depth.



The front door opens to the hall, with a built-in cupboard for storing coats and boots. Light spills in through several round windows set at different heights, while ash floorboards with underfloor heating extend across the level.



Ahead lies a sublime open-plan living space, where an intentionally pared-back scheme cultivates a soothing atmosphere. An absence of internal doors promotes a sense of cohesiveness, while subtle zoning adds definition. Windows on three aspects ensure a wonderful quality of light throughout the day.



The kitchen and dining areas are oriented toward a wall of glass doors that slide open to the rear garden. Bespoke units, topped with highly resistant Dekton surfaces, are complemented by a matching curved ash island with space for barstools. Integrated appliances include dishwasher, fridge, induction hob and dual oven. Tucked behind the kitchen is a handy utility and boot room, where a door opens to an outdoor terrace.



The sitting area is bookended by a wood-burning stove and a dual Vauni biofuel fireplace, the latter shared with the playroom. A tranquil garden room or study, with its own entrance, lies at the back, framed by aluminium heritage windows.



An original cantilever concrete staircase with an iron balustrade ascends to the first floor. There are four double bedrooms here. All have bespoke plywood doors and pine floorboards. A corridor with built-in wardrobes leads to the main bedroom, housed in the extension, with westerly views toward the town and valley beyond. The bedrooms share a large wet room and a separate bathroom, both with smart finishes.



There is a separate two-storey apartment that can be integrated into the primary plan, if desired. It has its own entrance, birch ply staircase and open-plan living space, with a Le Feu ceiling-hung biofuel fire. There is also a modern kitchen here, along with a shower room and a serene bedroom.



Outdoor Space



With several points of access across the ground floor, the house is seamlessly connected to the surrounding outdoor spaces and cleverly oriented to make the most of the far-reaching views. The reception area opens to a paved outdoor patio with plenty of space for dining and barbecues. A sweeping lawn unfolds beyond, bordered by mature trees and timber screens.



The Area



Frome’s popularity has surged in recent years, thanks to its thriving cultural scene, historic architecture, and beautiful surrounding countryside. The town continues to garner high regard for its ‘flatpack democracy’, thanks to a coalition of independents who took control of all 17 seats on its council.



This activity has contributed significantly to its growing community of independent shops, creative businesses and eateries saturated in its artisan quarter on Catherine Hill. The Frome Independent, a monthly market showcasing local artisans and food producers, has helped put Frome on the map, attracting over 80,000 visitors annually. The town centre has many independent cafés and boutique shops, including Rye Bakery, Projects Frome, Moo & Two, Frome Hardware, Little Walcot, and Frome Reclamation.



The Frome Festival is also a draw with its packed programme of art, music, history and nature, alongside the family-run cinema, The Black Swan Arts Centre and the Cheese and Grain. For further recommendations from those in the know, look to our guide to Frome.



Kaylow is also particularly well-positioned for easy access to the surrounding open countryside, with the sought-after village of Mells around a 10-minute drive west. The house is also within easy driving distance from the magnificent Georgian city of Bath, Babington House and Bruton’s highlights: Hauser and Wirth, At the Chapel, Osip and The Newt in Somerset. Also of note is The Three Horseshoes pub in Batcombe, run by Margot Henderson of Rochelle Canteen.



The area is renowned for excellent schooling options, which include Frome Media Arts College, All Hallows, Downside, Millfield Senior and Prep, Wells Cathedral School, Sunnyhill and King’s School, Bruton.



Frome rail station is a six-minute drive from the house or a 20-minute walk via Rodden Meadow. It runs direct services to London Paddington in just over an hour and a half, while more regular services from nearby Westbury have a slightly shorter journey time. Access to the national motorway network is via the A303 (M3) and Bristol Airport is less than 30 miles away.



Council Tax Band: C