Downside, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4

Characterful Period Home with Modern Energy Independence and Versatile Outbuildings. Occupying a premier position in the sought-after hamlet of Lower Downside, this detached 4/5 bedroom period cottage seamlessly blends 18th-century charm with exceptional 21st-century efficiency. The property offers well-balanced accommodation complemented by a detached double garage, gardens and extensive driveway parking. EPC rating E.


Downside Cottage is a well-proportioned and most appealing period home offering flexible accommodation arranged over two floors, set within a mature plot on the edge of Shepton Mallet.

Stepping inside, the cottage exudes warmth and authenticity. The central dining room features a magnificent stone inglenook fireplace with an original bread oven and exposed beams. This character is complemented by high-end finishes, including solid mahogany flooring that extends through the ground floor and up the staircase.

To the left of the dining room is the kitchen, which is fitted with a range of matching floor and wall units. The kitchen includes an integrated electric double oven, an electric hob with an extractor hood over, plus an inset Belfast sink unit. A door from the kitchen then leads into a useful utility room, housing the boiler for the oil-fired central heating system and access to built-in storage. Located off the utility room is the downstairs WC.

On the opposite side of the dining room is the dual-aspect sitting room with an open fire, providing a superb focal point. Beyond, there is a ground floor study, which could be utilised as a playroom, hobby space or 5th bedroom. Doors then continue into a light-filled garden room with skylights and doors opening to the outside space.

Upstairs, the accommodation is arranged around a central landing and includes four well-proportioned bedrooms, including a principal suite with a dedicated dressing room (ideal as a nursery) and en-suite facilities. Upstairs also offers a good size family bathroom with both a bath and seperate shower.

The layout lends itself well to family living, with scope for reconfiguration if desired.

INVESTMENT AND EFFICIENCY
The Solar Advantage:
A standout feature of this property is the south-facing 4kW solar panel array. Operating under a legacy "higher-rate" Government Feed-in Tariff (with approx. 12 years remaining), the system provides a significant, index-linked, tax-free income. Recent performance data confirms an annual yield of approximately £2,200 – £2,500, effectively acting as a "mortgage subsidy" or covering the property’s annual energy and heating costs in their entirety.

OUTSIDE
Beyond the main residence lies a superior, detached Scandinavian Pine cabin (45mm construction). Fully double-glazed, heated, and powered, this high-spec building offers a professional-grade office or creative studio separate from the main home—an essential asset for the modern hybrid professional.

A private, gated driveway with extensive parking leads to the double garage/cabin. The mature gardens are bordered by traditional stone walls and feature established specimen trees, including a beautiful Acer.

To the rear of the property, there is a public footpath giving access to walks over open fields which can take you down to the centre of Shepton Mallet as an alternative to walking down Bath Road.

Planning permission, application number 2022/0078/HSE, was granted in 2022 (therefore recently lapsed) for a 9m x 6m barn/store, designed with cavity wall double-skin construction. A purchaser could reapply for permission.

Lower Downside offers the perfect balance of rural and accessibility. Residents enjoy immediate access to open countryside walks via a rear footpath, while being just minutes from the amenities of Shepton Mallet and the historic city of Wells.

Both the City of Bristol and the picturesque City of Bath, a World Heritage Site, are located just 18 miles away and are easily accessible.

Shepton Mallet offers a range of local amenities and facilities including a Tesco superstore and adjoining shopping complex, a lido, a good choice of pubs and restaurants, dentist and doctors’ surgeries, a church and both primary and secondary state schools. There are also many highly-regarded independent schools (Prep & Senior) within easy reach, such as All Hallows Prep School, Downside School, Wells Cathedral School and Millfield School.

For those travelling by train, Castle Cary station (which has direct services to London Paddington) is situated only six miles away.