Quarterly House, Frome, Somerset

This wonderful Grade II-listed four-bedroom house lies on a pedestrianised lane in Frome, Somerset. Exceeding 2,200 sq ft, the house retains much of its original character, while a recent timber-clad extension introduces light and a distinctly contemporary sensibility. A vibrant landscaped garden filled with seasonal flowering is at the rear, and a gravelled parking area with EV charging frames the approach to the house. The heart of Frome is a 10-minute walk away, while the town's railway station provides regular services to Bristol Temple Meads, Cardiff and London Paddington.



Setting the Scene



The house sits at the edge of the Frome conservation area on Gould’s Ground. This residential street is celebrated for its tranquil walled gardens and fine architecture dating back to the Georgian and Regency periods. The area lays claim to 18th-century Grade II*-listed homes and terraced cottages built to serve Frome’s flourishing position in the 19th-century wool trade.



The building has been lovingly maintained and updated, combining a traditional Somerset rubble-stone cottage with a striking contemporary extension clad in blackened timber, a counterpoint to the textured masonry. Beneath a roof of clay pantiles, the original section retains its simple gabled form and deep-set windows, while a stone-walled garden encloses the space.



The Grand Tour



The main entrance is in the new extension, where a secret door leads to the entrance hall, a handy space to neatly store muddy shoes after a walk in the countryside. The adjacent utility room is well-appointed with a sink, a built-in tower freezer, a dryer and a washing machine.



The plan flows into a sweeping kitchen and dining room, with glazed doors and that frame views of the garden’s seasonal flowerings. The bespoke Craigie Woodworks kitchen has natural oak cabinets elegantly paired with granite surfaces and brass fittings, while soft green tiling runs underfoot. Sliding doors open to the landscaped garden at the side.



A doorway connects to the sitting room, painted in a rich shade of ochre and centred around an exposed brick-and-stone fireplace. Original flagstone flooring extends underfoot. Adjacent and positioned at the other end of the space is a spacious sitting area, finished with an earthy colour palette and lined with soft carpet. Also on this floor is a bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a tranquil study with herringbone-patterned flooring.



A painted, timber staircase with turned balusters and carpeted steps ascends to the landing on the first floor, arranged with three well-composed bedrooms. Similar in size, all bedrooms are characterised by a unique colour palette and distinct outlook across the surrounding countryside.



The shared bathroom is off the landing; decorated in soft pastel tones, it has a pedestal basin and a walk-in shower framed by a tiled splashback with striped glazed tiles in a rich dark-red and off-white scheme.



A second staircase leads to the fourth floor, where the original timber beams have been retained. Set in the eaves, it is home to a further bedroom and a generous storage area.



The Great Outdoors



Enclosed by weathered stone walls, a south-facing garden has the character of a traditional Somerset cottage garden and wraps around the front and western side of the house. Herbaceous borders, summer lavender and mature trees create an enchanting and textured backdrop, while a raised paved seating area is positioned to capture the morning sun. Paved paths weave between terracotta pots that provide colour and fragrance across the seasons.



To the rear, gated gravel parking is complemented by an EV charging point.



Out and About



Gould's Ground lies moments from the centre of Frome, an ever-popular and charming market town in the Somerset valley. The town is renowned for having some of the best-preserved medieval and Tudor streets in Europe, now home to an eclectic mix of independent shops, galleries and workshops. Cheap Street in particular is famous for the open water stream (leat) that runs right down the centre of the pavement, lending the town a distinctive atmosphere. Catherine Hill, one of Frome's most celebrated streets, is lined with artisan makers, antique dealers and specialist retailers.



The town's food scene is equally plentiful. Rye Bakery is a favourite for coffee and pastries, while Projects Frome serves seasonal menus centred on local produce. The Cheese & Grain hosts a varied programme of live music, theatre and community events throughout the year, and the monthly Independent Market, showcasing up-and-coming and established contemporary designers & makers, has become a destination in its own right.



Beyond the town, Somerset's rolling landscape unfolds in every direction. Longleat Forest, the Mendip Hills and the villages of Mells and Nunney are all nearby, offering excellent walking and opportunities to explore the exquisite surrounding countryside.



Several 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 within walking distance and provides regular services to Bristol Temple Meads, Bath Spa and London Paddington. Bath can be reached in around 30 minutes by car, while Bristol, Salisbury and the wider South West are all easily accessible.



Council Tax Band: D