Doulting, Somerset, BA4

An immaculately restored farm house in rural Somerset, with ancillary accommodation, outbuildings, and gardens and grounds approaching 58 acres.

Description

Farncombe House is a beautifully restored Grade II listed former farmhouse, where historic character has been thoughtfully balanced with contemporary comfort to create an exceptionally versatile family home. Once inside, an immediate sense of space and warmth prevails, with generously proportioned rooms arranged across three principal floors and amounts to in excess of 8,400 sq ft (to include the leisure wing).

The ground floor offers outstanding flexibility, providing an impressive drawing room with far reaching views from the tall sash window, a dining room with impressive flagstone floor and large inglenook fireplace as well as a cosy library/home office that can be configured to suit both formal entertaining and relaxed family living. There is a large inner hallway with impressive oak staircase rising to the first floor with practical cloakroom leading off and doors to outside or the leisure building. There is also a convenient lift to the first floor. The heart of the home is the kitchen/breakfast room which comes complete with an Aga and bespoke fitted kitchen. There is direct access to the gardens as well as the leisure wing. Overall each space has been carefully enhanced during the restoration, retaining period detailing while allowing for modern day flow and functionality.

Upstairs, the accommodation extends to seven bedrooms over two upper floors, making the house well suited to larger families, multigenerational living or those requiring additional guest or staff rooms. Bedrooms are well balanced in scale and enjoyment of light, while the house is served by five well-appointed bath/shower rooms, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout. The bedrooms all pretty much enjoy open country views over the surrounding gardens and grounds.

Complementing the main house is a self contained one bedroom cottage, called The Cider House, ideal as guest accommodation, staff quarters or a private home office, offering welcome separation while remaining within the curtilage of the property.

A particular highlight is the architect designed indoor leisure complex by Mark Saxton, which elevates Farncombe House beyond the ordinary. Designed for year round use, the complex centres around an impressive 41ft x 16 ft swimming pool, flanked by dedicated his and hers changing and shower facilities. Above, a first-floor viewing gallery and deck provides an elevated perspective over the pool and out to the rolling countryside beyond, perfect for relaxation, entertaining or simply enjoying the architectural drama of this exceptional space.
Throughout Farncombe House, the emphasis has been on quality, space and adaptability, resulting in a home that is both practical and luxurious, while remaining true to its historic farmhouse origins.

Outside

Farncombe House is approached via a long driveway, which leads to its gated entrance and the gently unfolding countryside beyond. This sets the tone for the seclusion, scale and presence of this small estate. Surrounding the principal house are an exceptional collection of attractive natural stone outbuildings extending to approximately 4,323 sq ft, each contributing to the property. These buildings offer enormous versatility and currently include a party barn, ideal for entertaining on a grand or intimate scale, as well as ancillary spaces suited to leisure, hobbies or further adaptation (subject to any necessary consents).
The gardens immediately surrounding the house are beautifully established and thoughtfully designed to complement the historic farmhouse setting. Lawns, planting and terraces create a sequence of inviting outdoor areas for relaxation and entertaining, all sheltered and private, yet opening out to the wider landscape beyond. There is a small woodland of maturing deciduous English trees planted in 2010 by the current owners. A high-quality climate controlled greenhouse and garden room sits harmoniously within the grounds, providing an inviting space for year round growing, work or quiet retreat.
Beyond the formal gardens, the land extends to over 50 acres of paddocks and pasture, including the ownership of Maes Down, a well known local landmark. These are currently grazed or to be used for small-scale farming, whilst providing conservation and enjoyment of space and freedom. The land is predominantly level around the home and undulating further afield interspersed with hedgerows and open boundaries, creating a classic patchwork of Somerset countryside. From many viewpoints across the property there are open country views, enhancing the feeling of tranquillity and immersion in nature. Despite its rural position, Farncombe House enjoys a remarkable level of privacy, with no sense of neighbouring intrusion, making it a rare combination of accessibility beauty.

Location

Farncombe House is perfectly situated to take advantage of some of Somerset’s most sought-after towns and villages. Approximately 8 miles to the east is Frome, one of its most fashionable market towns and featured in the Sunday Times as the best place to live in Somerset in 2021. The town has a comprehensive choice of retail outlets, especially independent shops and all the usual amenities. Founded in 2013, the “Frome Independent” is an award winning independent street market. Equally fashionable Bruton lies approximately 7 miles to the South with its famous Hauser And Wirth Art Gallery and Roth Bar, ‘@thechapel’ well regarded restaurant and bakery, plus the new addition of Osip Restaurant and Number 1 Hotel, all of which get frequent national recognition. The cathedral city of Wells lies 7.5 miles to the west and once again offers a bustling High Street, weekly markets excellent state and independent schooling and architectural charm along with the impressive Cathedral and Bishops Palace.

Babington House, Soho House’s country mansion lies approximately 9 miles to the North. Other local amenities include Stourhead gardens, The Newt outside Castle Cary and a collection of excellent local pubs and restaurants.
Communication links are excellent with Bath and Bristol within commuting distance with the A303, A36 and M4 and M5 all within reach. Access by rail is found locally with stations at Castle Cary approx. 7 miles away and Bath (London Paddington from 100 minutes).

Schools
Local schools include Wells Cathedral school, All Hallows Prep, Downside, Kings Bruton and Millfield. The Bath schools are all accessible and include Prior Park, Monkton Combe and King Edwards. The property is served by several of the named schools bus routes- do check for latest updates.

Square Footage: 8,147 sq ft


Acreage: 58 Acres

Directions

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