Rowden Lodge, Frome, Somerset

This remarkable detached four-bedroom house lies within Frome Conservation Area, Somerset. Once a stable block for the adjacent Grade II-listed Rowden House, the building was sensitively renovated with contemporary additions in keeping with its storied past. Exceeding 2,700 sq ft, the internal spaces span two floors complete with a bright kitchen extension at the rear, and outside, grounds of a quarter of an acre include gardens to the south and west. The town centre is a 10-minute walk away, and Frome train station offers regular services to Bristol Temple Meads and Cardiff, and London Paddington.



The Tour



Dating from the 1870s, the house is set back from the street, concealed behind a line of mature trees and foliage, and delineated from its neighbours by a tall stone wall.



The elegant façade hints at the meticulous attention to detail with which the former stable has been re-purposed for modern living. Constructed from honey-hued local stone and crowned by a steeply-pitched tiled roof, the building retains much of its original character. Decorative timber detailing and deep-set windows lend the silhouette a quiet sense of craftsmanship, while dark-painted joinery provides a contemporary counterpoint.



The house is approached via a private driveway leading to a large parking area. The main entrance door opens to a large hall, where the original stone flooring has been preserved, and cast-iron stable partitions and timber boarding frame the walls.



A glazed door leads to the rear extension, where a sociable open-plan living and dining room is gently brightened by three rooflights overhead and large glazed sliding doors. Exposed timber trusses articulate the pitched ceiling, drawing the eye upwards and emphasising the room's impressive volume. Engineered oak floorboards with underfloor heating run throughout.



A bespoke deVOL kitchen anchors the space with a large central island. Sage green farmhouse cabinets are paired with quartz surfaces, and additional features include a Falcon range cooker and a walk-in pantry.



At the front of the plan, the inviting family room overlooks the front garden. It leads to a double bedroom, warmed by a log burner and connected to a neatly finished en suite bathroom with a bathtub and walk-in shower. There is also a separate WC and a utility room on this floor.



From the hall, stairs ascend to a galleried double-height landing. In the serene principal bedroom, dark-framed windows draw in abundant natural light, while soft carpet flooring extends underfoot and continues to the adjacent dressing room. The light-filled en suite bathroom is finished with a grounding colour scheme and tactile materials; pale green tiling surrounds the bath, while white marble-effect tiles enclose a walk-in shower.



Two further well-composed bedrooms and an additional bathroom occupy the first floor, along with an airing cupboard.



A fully-insulated double garage has a bedroom/home office and a bathroom on the first floor, which could easily be converted to a self-contained annexe.



Outdoor Space



At the front of the house is a private seating area under a privet tree, and a raised lawn bordered with beds of lavender and seasonal planting.



The rear extension opens to a gravelled terrace with further space for seating and outdoor dining.



A larger lawn to the side of the house is framed by laurel hedging and mature yew trees, providing a tranquil backdrop.



The Area



Rowden Lodge occupies a peaceful position on the western edge of Frome, one of Somerset's most vibrant market towns. Celebrated for its thriving creative community and historic streetscape, Frome centres around a network of characterful streets lined with independent shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants. Catherine Hill, with its collection of artisan makers and antique stores, is a particular local favourite.



The town has become known for its excellent food and cultural scene. Favourite destinations include Rye Bakery for coffee and pastries, Projects Frome for seasonal dining, and Cheese & Grain, a renowned arts and music venue hosting an ever-changing programme of events throughout the year.



Babington House is around a 13 minute drive from the house, and Hauser and Wirth and The Newt in Somerset, are both easily reached in under 30 minutes. The city of Bath is also around 30 minutes away by car, with plenty of alternative options.



Surrounded by rolling Somerset countryside, the area provides immediate access to a wealth of walking and cycling routes. Longleat Forest, the Mendip Hills and Cranborne Chase National Landscape are all within easy reach, while the picturesque villages of Mells and Nunney make for rewarding day trips.



A number of well-regarded schools serve the area, including Avanti Park School and Vallis First School. Independent options include Springmead School in Beckington, Bath Academy and Kingswood School in Bath.



Frome railway station is approximately 10 minutes away by car and provides direct services to Bath Spa, Bristol Temple Meads and London Paddington. The town is also well connected by road, with Bath, Bristol, Salisbury and the wider South West all within comfortable reach.



Council Tax Band: E