Withycombe, Minehead, Somerset TA24.

The Old Rectory is a spacious, south-facing, former rectory situated in a very peaceful and private location on the edge of the village, off a small, quiet lane. The house is believed to date back from 1688 and offers spacious and flexible family accommodation with the well-proportioned, high ceilinged rooms typical of the architectural period. Since 2017 the current owners have carried out a comprehensive programme of improvement works, whilst maintaining the period character including such features as window shutters, attractive fireplaces, original doors, deep skirtings, dado and picture rails and decorative cornicing. The improvement work included re-wiring, new central heating system, new kitchen and bathrooms and re-decoration, and the windows are double glazed, thus combining period charm with the benefits of modern living. The property is approached via high double wrought iron estate style electronic gates with security audio/visual system between pillars to the entrance drive leading to a broad parking and turning area with space for several cars beside the house. A path leads to the terrace and the double entrance doors open into the reception hall, either side of which are the two lovely, light and spacious main reception rooms with fireplaces with woodburners and the study with fitted bookcases. To the rear is the large kitchen/breakfast room with wooden cabinetry, an island with Corian worksurfaces, a Belfast sink, a walk in pantry, and a door through to the utility room. Off the rear hall is a further office with fitted bookcases, along with a very useful boot room/scullery and the cloakroom.

Withycombe is an attractive and popular small village clustered either side of a delightful stream at the end of a valley running down from Croydon Hill to the sea, just outside the north eastern edge of Exmoor National Park and close to the North Somerset coast and beaches. The village offers an active community and has a church and village hall. Nearby Carhampton has a pub and, about three miles away, is the beautiful and historic village of Dunster, famous for it’s National Trust owned Dunster Castle and grounds and it’s Yarn Market and providing a range of shops, cafés, pubs, restaurants and primary school. About 5 miles to the east, along the A39, is Williton with range of facilities including a greengrocer, butcher, post office, library, doctor’s and vet’s
surgeries. In the other direction, along the A39, is the seaside town of Minehead with full selection of amenities including supermarkets, local shops, hospital and junior and secondary schools. The village is close to the North Somerset coastline along the Bristol Channel and there is easy access to the beaches at Blue Anchor and Dunster and the delightful harbour and marina at Watchet. Exmoor is renowned for it’s spectacular scenery with it’s heather clad moorlands, rolling farmland, wooded valleys bisected by rushing streams and rivers, dramatic coastline and abundant wildlife, including the wild red deer, and there are many opportunities for walking, riding, fishing etc. on the doorstep. The County town of Taunton is easily reached via the A39 and A358 and provides a full range of amenities and excellent educational facilities, including Richard Huish College and a selection of private schools. There is a station with mainline connections to London (Paddington) and access on to the M5 motorway.

A most attractive main staircase rises from the hall to the first floor landing with the three large main bedrooms on the south side, overlooking the gardens. There is also a family bathroom with shower and bath and a further bedroom, whilst at the end of the rear landing is a suite of rooms suitable for being used as a separate first floor annexe flat with kitchen/dining/sitting room with fitted kitchen, bedroom, shower room and separate WC, with the rear staircase as access.