Stocklinch, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19

Believed to date from the latter part of the 19th Century, Stocklinch Manor is an impressive country house, beautifully presented throughout and forming a much-loved family home. Very private with no near neighbours, the house sits centrally within about 5.74 acres of gardens and grounds, bounded by mature hedging and trees. From the upper floors, there are delightful views over the surrounding unspoilt Somerset countryside.

The house reflects the classic elegance of the period, with high ceilings and large sash windows creating a light and airy atmosphere throughout. Original architectural details have been carefully preserved, including fireplaces, working shutters, cornicing and a sweeping front staircase rising to the first floor. Beneath the reception hall is a suite of cellars with flagstone floors and original wine bins, offering excellent storage and a glimpse into the property’s history.

The hall leads on to a series of elegant rooms with fine detailing and excellent proportions. The sitting room and dining room are conjoined, creating a charming and versatile entertaining space, while the snug, study and large snooker room provide more informal settings for work and leisure.

At the heart of the home is the superb kitchen and family room; a beautifully designed space fitted with bespoke painted cabinetry and a four-oven electric AGA. The room includes distinct dining and seating areas and three sets of French doors open directly to the terrace and veranda, blending indoor and outdoor living with ease.

On the first floor, a broad, part-galleried landing leads to the principal bedroom, which enjoys far-reaching views across open countryside and an adjoining ensuite bathroom. There are five further double bedrooms, each with access to an ensuite or family bathroom. One of the largest first-floor rooms has been adapted to form a dedicated cinema room, ideal for family and guest entertainment.

Beyond the cinema room is a self-contained annexe, providing flexible accommodation with its own kitchen, shower room and double bedroom, perfect for guests, staff or multigenerational living.

GARDENS AND GROUNDS
The house is approached along a gravel drive that opens into a broad parking area in front of the house. The drive continues behind the property to the former stable yard, bordered on one side by the old coach house, now a triple garage, and on another by the former stable block which is now guest accommodation Neswick Cottage.

Beyond the coach house lies the heated swimming pool, sheltered on three sides and bordered by a charming loggia at one end, with a covered seating area and open fireplace, perfect for entertaining or relaxing. In addition there are changing rooms, a shower and separate WC, while behind the loggia stand two useful stone outbuildings.

Beyond the pool is the former walled kitchen garden, which now provides a picturesque setting for the hard tennis court. The gardens surround the house on three sides, with sweeping lawns, flowering shrubs, clipped hedging and fine specimen trees. Mature boundaries of trees and hedges enclose the garden, and an arboretum planted in recent years adds further interest and year round colour.

Lying behind the pool and tennis court is the paddock, enclosed by stock-proof fencing. Together, the gardens and grounds extend to c. 5.74 acres, providing privacy, beauty and a peaceful rural setting.

NESWICK COTTAGE
Neswick Cottage lies within the grounds and provides comfortable secondary accommodation. It includes a sitting room with wood-burner, kitchen, three bedrooms and a bathroom, ideal for guests, family or as a rental opportunity. The cottage enjoys its own garden area and separate access, offering privacy while remaining close to the main house.

OUTBUILDINGS
A range of traditional and modern outbuildings complement this impressive property, including a triple garage, garden stores, loggia, pool house, and greenhouse. These provide excellent space for storage, hobbies or potential stabling.

LOCATION
Stocklinch is a peaceful and sought-after village set amidst beautiful Somerset countryside. The village has a welcoming community, church and village hall, while nearby Ilminster offers a good range of shops, restaurants and services. Taunton, Sherborne and Yeovil provide more extensive facilities and mainline rail links to London.

The nearby A303 offers excellent road connections east to the M3 and London and west to Exeter, while the local road network offers access to Bristol and Bath.

SPORTING AND RECREATION
The surrounding countryside provides excellent opportunities for walking, cycling and riding, with a network of quiet lanes and footpaths linking Stocklinch to nearby villages and the scenic Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There is golf at Cricket St Thomas and Taunton, and racing at Wincanton and Exeter.
The nearby market town of Ilminster has a thriving arts and cultural scene, centred around the Meeting House Arts Centre which hosts regular concerts, exhibitions and community events. For dining and leisure, Ilminster also offers a good selection of independent cafés, pubs and restaurants, while Jordan’s Courtyard at Horton Cross is a multifaceted destination featuring a wellness and yoga centre, a cafe, and a selection of independent interior, kitchen and fashion boutiques, set in a restored 17th-century farm. Slightly further afield, The Newt in Somerset and Hauser & Wirth in Bruton provide world-class gardens, dining and contemporary art within easy reach.
The Somerset Levels and nearby Quantock Hills offer further opportunities for walking and wildlife, while the south coast can be reached within an hour, providing beaches, sailing and access to the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

EDUCATION
There are two highly regarded primary schools within a three-mile radius and Perrott Hill School, which comprises a co-educational Montessori nursery, pre-prep and prep school, is only about 10 miles away. In addition, there are many other private schools locally including the Sherborne Schools, Hazlegrove, Bryanston, Millfield, King’s and Queen’s Colleges in Taunton.