An exceptional Grade II listed Georgian house in an elevated setting with far reaching parkland views, 2 bed cottage, extensive outbuildings, stables, tennis court, tree house and 51 acres.

Description

Harptree Court is arranged on an east–west axis, with the principal rooms facing north or south to maximise sunlight and views. The main rooms overlook the north lawn with a haha and a refurbished wooden bridge separating the gardens from the rolling parkland.

The wide doorway, with a patterned fanlight above, opens into the spacious entrance hall. At the heart of the house, it has a welcoming fireplace and aligned front and rear doors giving a lovely view through to the gardens. Leading from the hall, the large dual aspect drawing room has a magnificent fireplace and direct access to the dining room, itself a wonderful room with tall ceilings and a bay window over the grounds. The impressive panelled reception room at the end of the ground floor is triple aspect, with glass doors to a south facing terrace ideal for entertaining. The crescent shaped morning room makes an excellent study or reading room.

The staircase hall, lit by a circular ceiling light, leads to the kitchen with a four oven AGA, linked directly to the prep kitchen and pantry.

The staff flat, comprising kitchen, sitting room, bedroom and bathroom, lies at the end of the passageway, with independent access to a courtyard with bin, log and store areas.

The main staircase rises to a spacious landing and wide corridor off which all principal bedrooms lie. The principal bedroom has a bay window and an ensuite bathroom linking to a dressing room with superb views. Three further bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, while another has access to a bathroom or shower room.

Additional accommodation in the west wing includes a principal guest bedroom with adjoining nursery, using one of the newly presented shower rooms, ideal for guests with children. Four further bedrooms, a refurbished bathroom, laundry room and drying room complete this wing. A separate staircase leads to the rear hallway.

Laundry Cottage adjoins the stable yard and has a kitchen, living room, two bedrooms and a bathroom.

The Victorian stable yard forms a U shaped arrangement with garaging and carport on one side, a two storey stone stable block opposite, and a two storey range of stores, workshop and further stables alongside. Additional former stables lie behind.

The fully self contained treehouse, built in 2011, sits discreetly among mature trees to the north, reached via a fenced pathway. It has a large veranda and space for a king size bed, copper bath, shower and WC. The kitchen/sitting/dining area includes a woodburning stove, dishwasher, cooker, gas hob and fridge. It is currently used for holiday lets.

A range of former farm buildings lies to the northeast, out of sight, with independent access and potential for residential conversion subject to consents.

Other outbuildings include Victorian era greenhouses in the walled garden, once heated and capable of excellent restoration. Along the eastern wall are old apple and machinery stores. There are various field shelters and stores across the land.

Harptree Court stands in magnificent gardens and grounds. The lower drive sweeps through mature trees past spring fed lakes and over an ornamental bridge, offering glimpses of the house. The upper drive, lined with Lime and Sweet Chestnut trees, has views towards Chew Valley Lake.

Both drives arrive at the south lawn, with spectacular specimen trees. A rock garden, paved gardens and lily pond with pavilion are arranged around the house. The hard tennis court sits between the stable yard and the house.

The original walled garden, nearly two acres, lies to the east. Bordered by deep beds of perennial and seasonal planting, it includes a large lawn, fruit cages and cut flower beds.

The fields, divided by post and rail fencing with interlinking gates, allow easy livestock movement. Extensive woodland provides ample surplus wood for the house and ancillary buildings.

Location

Harptree Court is set back in a private edge of village position behind high stone walls and surrounded by beautiful parkland. The property is accessed via two principal drives from the north and east meeting at a circular carriage drive at the front of the house, with a third entrance gate opposite the stable yard to the southwest, directly into the village.

East Harptree is a highly sought after village in the Mendip Hills 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. The village has a Church of England primary school, a pre-school/nursery, village shop, church, village hall and cricket club. There are various local community clubs and social events.

Communications are excellent with the M5 motorway (Junction 21) about 15 miles to the west, linking to the wider national motorway network. Bristol Airport is about 9 miles to the north and East Harptree is not under any regular flight paths. Bristol Temple Meads provides regular mainline rail links to London, the Southeast and the Midlands.

The regional hubs of Bristol (13 miles) and Bath (16 miles) provide comprehensive shopping, recreational, leisure and commercial opportunities. The City of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with world• famous Roman Baths and is regarded as a cultural hub in the southwest.

Schooling in the area is excellent for both state and private education. Bristol, Bath and Wells all have a range of primary and secondary schools for boys, girls and mixed schooling. Notable private schools include Queen Elizabeth Hospital School, Bristol Grammar School, Clifton College, Millfield School, Kingswood School, Badminton School, Prior Park College, Monkton Combe, Wells Cathedral School and the Bruton Schools amongst many others. Chew Valley School is a highly regarded state school.

Sporting facilities in the area include golf at Wells, Maesbury Castle, Castle Cary and other local courses and National Hunt racing is at Wincanton, Bath and Salisbury. The Mendip Hills area is highly regarded for its walking, caving, rock climbing and bridleways, affording excellent riding out opportunities. Chew Valley Lake is 1.9 miles away and ideal for sailing enthusiasts.

Square Footage: 11,746 sq ft


Acreage: 51.7 Acres