Lamyatt, Shepton Mallet, BA4

Finding a country house that truly balances charm, practicality and setting is no easy task—but Speeds Farm manages it effortlessly. Tucked away on the edge of the sought-after village of Lamyatt, Speeds Farm is well-suited to people at various stages of life thanks to its flexible layout.

Lamyatt is a village with a genuine sense of community, with its 13th-century church and active village hall surrounded by a patchwork of attractive homes and countryside, yet within easy reach of Bruton and Castle Cary, along with an excellent choice of both state and private schools, as well as distractions such as Hauser and Wirth and The Newt.

Dating back to 1742 and built by Thomas Speed—whose initials can still be seen on the front elevation—the original Georgian house has a timeless elegance. Its symmetrical façade, sash windows and flagstone floors speak (quietly) of its heritage, while thoughtful extensions to the rear have created a home that works effortlessly for modern living. The drawing room, in particular, is wonderfully generous—so spacious that even a grand piano feels perfectly at ease.

Positioned at the edge of the village, the house enjoys a remarkable sense of peace. Sitting in the garden, looking out across open fields with no other houses in sight, it feels entirely private and removed. The garden is just perfect, with a level lawn ideal for summer games of Croquet, a marquee for those big family events. There is a mixed border along the front, with rose beds around the terrace, and an ancient Wisteria running across the front of the house. At the far end, a small copse with flowering cherry, willows and dogwood, and planted with spring bulbs and camellias, creates a quiet, almost secret retreat.

Closer to the house, a cleverly enclosed area bordered by mature hedging provides the perfect space for children to play, discreetly screening everyday paraphernalia from view.

Inside, the house has a natural flow that makes it both sociable and practical. The kitchen sits at its heart, as it should, with the drawing room and dining room opening from the same corner—creating a wonderfully connected space for entertaining, or simply for everyday family life where no one feels removed from the action.

Equally, the house offers the luxury of individual space for everyone. A more intimate winter sitting room, complete with a Jetmaster fire, provides a cosy space on colder days, while additional rooms lend themselves perfectly to home working, hobbies or a dedicated playroom—spaces that allow family life to spread out comfortably.

As expected in a house of this calibre, there is a substantial utility room with excellent storage, alongside a downstairs cloakroom—practical spaces that quietly support the rhythm of daily life. ???

Upstairs are four bedrooms and two bathrooms, all well-proportioned and filled with natural light. One room is currently arranged as a dressing room, but could easily be reinstated as a double bedroom if required.

Throughout, the house feels like a well-loved space—there is a pleasing sense of proportion, with generous wall space for art and room for meaningful pieces of furniture. The main drawing room is a standout space, centred around an inglenook fireplace and opening through double doors onto a patio beneath a pergola—an idyllic spot for all-day sun and long, relaxed evenings.

Across the driveway sits the beautifully converted “Cow Shed”, a self-contained annex completed by the current owners. Timber-framed and finished to a high standard, it offers underfloor heating throughout, two double bedrooms—each with its own modern en-suite shower—and a central open-plan living space. The kitchen is well-appointed with integrated appliances including an oven, microwave, dishwasher and hob. The sitting area, with its log burner, makes it a welcoming retreat in all seasons. It is ideal for guests, extended family, or even as an income opportunity.

The property extends to approximately four acres, comprising around 1.5 acres of gardens and a 2.5-acre paddock. There is a well-equipped stable block with three loose boxes, a tack room, a hay store, and a covered area/machine store—equally suited to equestrian use or to storage for vehicles and equipment. In the orchard is a field shelter, while at the far end of the paddock, a young “Covid wood” has been planted, promising to mature beautifully over time. A stream forms a natural boundary to the land, adding to the sense of seclusion and connection to the landscape.

With its predominantly south- and west-facing gardens, the house enjoys sunlight throughout the day, and from the terrace, there is nothing to interrupt the view—just open countryside and a profound sense of privacy.

Other info:
Independent Schools:
Hazlegrove - 10 miles
Sherborne Schools Group - 16 miles
All Hallows - 8 miles
Millfield - 15 miles
Kings Bruton - 2 miles

State Schools:
Bruton Primary School - 2 miles
Sexeys State Boarding - 2 miles
Ansford - 3.5 miles
Ditcheat Primary School - 2 miles

Transport Links:
Castle Cary Train Station (Paddington) - 2.6 miles
Gillingham Railway Station (Waterloo) - 14 miles

Distractions:
Hauser and Wirth - 3 miles
The Newt in Somerset - 5.3 miles
Stourhead - 12 Miles
Wincanton Racecourse - 6 miles
Bath - 24 miles