Badgworth, Axbridge

A stunning period stone-built country house in the thriving Somerset village of Badgworth with a recently built architect-designed contemporary extension, creating a warm, bright family home. Hare House has been lovingly renovated by the current owners with much emphasis on light and practicality. The design includes floor to ceiling windows, roof lanterns, velux windows and with energy saving in mind, solar panels and central heating via a ground source heat pump. The extensive accommodation includes a separate indoor swimming pool complex and large timber barn/workshop. The plot extends to 6.34 acres with a level paddock to the rear and wide, unspoilt countryside views towards Crook Peak.

Seller's Insight - Enveloped by just over six acres of stunning gardens and grounds, and boasting spectacular panoramic views of the Somerset Levels and Mendip Hills beyond is Hare House, an outstanding family home that has been stylishly modernised by the current owners. The original cottage was built c1850, however in more recent years a huge two-storey extension has been added, creating a beautiful marriage of contemporary living and 19th century character and charm.

“We bought Hare House eleven years ago and it was a combination of the setting, the land and the huge potential of the property as a whole that drew us to it,” says the owner. “Back then the house was just a modest cottage, very cosy and sweet, but it was crying out for some TLC as it wasn’t in the best state of repair. We wanted to maintain its sense of history but at the same time transform it into a roomy family home, and one that would take full advantage of this amazing setting. So we enlisted the help of Orme, a multi-award-winning architectural practice that came up with a really clever design, which beautifully links the old with the new. The original part still has that cosy, cottagey feel, but the newer section is very open plan, so incredibly spacious, and it incorporates a huge amount of glazing, a lot of which is floor to ceiling, which not only floods the house with natural light but also brings in the views. We’ve also made the property much more energy efficient by installing ground and air source heat pumps as well as a number of solar panels out on the roof of the barn.”

“The land that surrounds the house was definitely a huge selling point and for me it’s something that has ignited a passion for gardening. During our time here I’ve cultivated around half an acre, creating different ‘rooms’ that are interlinked by a series of meandering stone pathways. We also had the space to add the large swimming pool and gym complex, as well as a pretty greenhouse that was designed by my husband and father-in-law.”

“The setting is definitely one of our favourite features. We’re located on the Somerset Levels, looking up to the Mendips, and because the house sits on a very quiet no-through lane on the edge of the village, when we come home and shut the gates we feel as if we’re a million miles from anywhere. However, we can walk into the village, which is a vibrant place with a good sense of community; the pretty market town of Axbridge is just ten minutes away by car, and from nearby Yatton station it takes just under two hours to travel into London, so we’ve never felt isolated.”

“It’s been a real labour of love transforming the old cottage into this amazing family home, and there’s so much that we’ll miss when we leave: the garden, the incredible sense of light and space, the breathtaking views and spectacular sunsets… It’s been such an idyllic place to live.”

Description - Approached off a quiet no-through country lane, through stone pillars and electric gates, Hare House sits in surrounding gardens with a wide stone paved drive and ample parking for several vehicles.
To the front of the property is the traditional front door with porch, whilst a new entrance to the side leads to a welcoming hallway, filled with light leading to an open plan layout.
The impressive kitchen/family room has floor to ceiling glass, allowing the light to flood into a bespoke fitted kitchen with central island, hidden pantry, white units, one and a half bowl sink and integrated appliances including two ovens and wine fridge. At the family room end, there is a log burning stove and views of the garden can be enjoyed throughout.
To the front of the house is a cosy study/sitting room. This has a brick fireplace to one wall with inset log burning stove. Also off the hall is a utility room with Belfast sink, water tank and plant for the heating system and a separate cloakroom.
An oak staircase leads to the first floor with wide landing and oak flooring, lit by two roof lanterns.

Upstairs - On the first floor is the dual aspect principal bedroom, again flooded with light from the picture windows. The dressing area features a dressing table and fitted wardrobes, leading through to the suite shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC. There is a guest room with en suite shower room and three further bedrooms on this floor, including two situated at the front of the house with wooden beams and vaulted ceilings and three in the extension at the rear. Also on the landing is a useful laundry cupboard with double doors which is plumbed for washing machine and has space for a dryer, with shelving above.
The family bathroom is a contemporary designed luxury suite with bath, separate shower, vanity unit with washbasin and WC.

Outside - The attractive garden has been recently re-designed, bringing a wealth of colour all year round, and includes a variety of fruit trees including apple, cherry and plum and mature shrubs. To the front of the property is a circular lawned area, with herbaceous borders and ornamental trees. Shaped pathways wind around to a tropical garden and through a pergola to the rear. To the southwest side of the property is a veg patch, wildflower area and greenhouse with attached potting shed. Adjacent to this is an impressive timber swimming pool complex which includes an indoor swimming pool heated by an air source heat pump, a gym, wet room, WC and plant room. The glazed elevation to this room overlooks the garden.
To the northeast side of the house is a spacious timber built shed separated into three rooms, which is used as a workshop and has plenty of storage space.
Immediately to the rear of the house is a lawned area with stone terrace and pond, perfect for outdoor entertaining and enjoying the rural views. Beyond the boundary to the garden lies a level paddock.

Location - Hare House is surrounded by farmland, on the edge of the village of Badgworth to the south of the Mendip Hills, which has an active community, church and village hall. The Badgworth Brewery holds weekly socials at The Tap Room, a popular experience amongst the locals. The property is also within easy reach of larger villages of Weare, Mark and Stone Allerton, with a wider array of amenities in Wedmore, approx. 4 miles away. It is 3 miles from the attractive and thriving mediaeval market town of Axbridge. Weare First School, which is under a mile away, is rated ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED, as is Axbridge Church of England First School. Local secondary schools include The Kings of Wessex and Hugh Sexey’s Middle School is 3 miles away. In the independent sector, Sidcot School and Millfield are nearby. The area is popular for outdoor activities such as walking in the Mendip Hills and horse riding. The property is well placed for access to the City of Bristol, Bath, Cheddar and Wells. There is easy access to the M5 motorway (5 miles), Highbridge Station (6 miles) and Bristol International Airport is 12.5 miles away.

Further Information - •Council: Sedgemoor, Band B
•Mains water & electricity
•Heating – ground source heat pump with underfloor heating
•Private drainage (installed in 2018)
•Truespeed broadband
•EPC rating A