Halse, Taunton, Somerset

THE AGENT SAYS...
This property has become available for sale for the first time in over 60 years and occupies a particularly enviable position located on the outskirts of the desirable rural village of Halse.

Found along a no through lane within an idyllic setting and surrounded by breathtaking countryside with views out towards the Quantock Hills (AONB) with the attractive undulating Brendon Hills seen to the other side.

Whilst the property now requires renovation and upgrade, the rooms are of a good size and are exceptionally light.

STOFORD HOUSE
Stoford House has immense charm and character and is of special architectural interest, steeped in local history. Believed to date back to the 15th century. Exceptionally the house retains the character and striking features of its medieval origins, both inside and outside, but with sympathetic adaptations for modern family life, justifying its Grade11* listing.

Constructed using a combination of stone and cobb with plaster render and whitewash. A thatched roof over includes pretty gabled and half-hipped ends having recently undergone a maintenance and part refurbishment.

The property is entered through an outer porch with WC off to one side.

Following through an original studded plank door into a cross-passage hall.

A further studded door seen to the far end opens out to the cottage garden with a thatched bonnet outer porch.

There are three main reception rooms, which are seen either side of the hall.

To the far end a sitting room featuring a central brick
surround open fire and hearth. A pretty leaded light
window with seating looks out to the garden. Exposed ceiling timbers add charm and character.

This in turn leads through into the drawing room, with a key architectural feature being a moulded cross beam plaster ceiling. Within the design are beautiful plaster mouldings of oak leaves, rosettes and strapwork motifs. A large inglenook fireplace with a central open fire with copper hood and an oak beam over. Above this further a plaster moulded frieze with oak leaf and diagonal strip flower spays. A leaded light window with seating looks out to the garden.

An inner door to the side gives access to a secondary staircase rising up to an inner landing.

To the other side of the hall is a dining room with dual aspect allowing an abundance of light in.

A central feature to this room is a further inglenook
fireplace housing a large open fireplace with copper hood over. Above a Bressumer beam stretching across. A bread oven is set within.

To the left side is a small nook (once a curing chamber) with a small, pointed arch window. To the other side a doorway opens into a former corn-drying kiln.

An inner lobby with the main solid oak tread staircase spirals up to the principal bedroom.

The kitchen/breakfast room includes a simple range of wall and base oak units providing storage with preparation space over.

Beyond is an area used for informal dining.

Access to the side leads out to the front courtyard and parking area.

An inner door opens into the attached single garage with power and lighting.

On the first floor the principal bedroom is spacious and light with elevated views looking out on to glorious countryside. Exposed ceiling timbers are evident with a range of built in wardrobe storage seen to one side with loft access overhead.

Bedroom 2 is a double room, which is spacious and light with further exposed ceiling and wall timbers evident with an attractive original panelled door.

There are two further smaller bedrooms and a family
bathroom.

Additional eaves wardrobe storage is located along the landing.

GARDENS AND GROUNDS

The properties enjoy outstanding views of the Quantock
Hills and are surrounded by glorious open countryside.

The main entrance to the house opens into a courtyard
setting with turning and parking for several cars.

Access to the side for two attached garages.

The main garden is entered through a side gate following
a pathway along to the main garden area.

Pretty pathways and established borders are filled with an
array of roses and herbaceous planting offering colour
and interest throughout the year.

Established ornamental trees and shrubs provide a degree
of protection and shade. Lawned areas are central to the
garden to feature an attractive well with thatched hood
over.

Beyond a pathway continues to a small post and railed
paddock which runs along the far boundary of the
garden.

The Cottage has a further gated entrance opening out to a gravelled drive surrounded by continued gardens.

STOFORD COTTAGE

This delightful detached Grade II listed cottage, designed to enjoy the south facing view, offers privacy and its own separate entrance.

The cottage accommodation includes a kitchen, spacious reception room featuring a welcoming inglenook fireplace.
French doors open onto a lovely terrace.

To the first floor two bedrooms and a bathroom.

A rare opportunity to enjoy charming, self-contained living in a peaceful setting.

SITUATION

Stoford House and cottage enjoy panoramic views of unspoilt countryside on the edge of the sought-after village of Halse, between the Quantock Hills and Brendon Hills, with wonderful walks right from the doorstep.

Village life centres around the community-owned New Inn with its popular restaurant, just a short walk from Stoford. A parish church and village hall. Everyday amenities are available in nearby Bishops Lydeard, while the county town of Taunton is just a short drive away, offering extensive shopping, leisure and schooling.

Excellent transport links include the M5 motorway and fast rail services from London Paddington.

SERVICES
Oil fired central heating, mains electricity, water septic tank

COTTAGE- night storage heating, woodburning stove, mains electricity septic tank shared with Stoford House.

LOCAL AUTHORITY
Somerset Council tax band G
Stoford Cottage tax band D

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE
EPC exempt.