Overmoor Farm, Corsham, Wiltshire

“An exceptional Grade-II listed farmhouse with a rich history that stretches over six centuries”

Set along a private lane in the village of Neston, just outside the market town of Corsham, in Wiltshire, Overmoor Farm has evolved remarkably since the early 15th century. Its architectural history remains wonderfully intact, from smoke-blackened roof timbers and monumental stone fireplaces to mullioned windows and original timber floorboards. The former 16th-century dairy adjoins the main house; set over two storeys, the space invites wonderful potential to expand Overmoor Farm’s extraordinary sequence of existing living spaces. Beautifully enclosed gardens, an ancient orchard and a swimming pool surround the house.

Setting the Scene

The earliest records of Overmoor Farm date to 1332, with part of the present farmhouse being built around 1400 as a single-storey stone building beneath a thatched roof. With its original oak timbers smoke-blackened from centuries of open fires, a first floor and an extraordinary kitchen fireplace were eventually added in the late 1400s. Successive owners gradually transformed the house: the West family built the main farmhouse in the 16th century; the Long family introduced the elegant entrance porch and hall fireplace. The estate later passed to the Speke family before the Edwards family, who remained for 200 years and built many of the stone farm buildings.

Remaining a working farm as part of the Neston Estate until 1990, Overmoor Farm has retained its historic agricultural buildings. The east-facing farmhouse combines traditionally rendered rubble-stone front walls, a stone-tiled roof with hipped dormer windows, mullion windows dating to around 1550, and early 19th-century sash windows.

The Grand Tour

Entry is through a gabled porch with a studded front door to an entrance hall. Flagstone flooring, timber partitions and period panelling immediately establish the home’s rich character.

To one side lies the principal sitting room, centred around an inglenook fireplace with a wood-burning stove. To the other, the dining room has dual-aspect views, deep-set windows that draw in natural light and romantic window seats, while an impressive exposed-stone inglenook fireplace provides a striking focal point.

The kitchen occupies one of the oldest parts of the building, fitted with light-blue-painted cabinetry, a butler sink and appliances including a Neff induction hob, two ovens, dishwasher and microwave. Flagstone flooring runs underfoot, while the space is complete with a striking fireplace and its original bread oven. Doors open directly to both the front and rear gardens.

Elsewhere, a generous bedroom is fitted with an en suite shower room, and a utility, a garden room which was formerly a brewery, and a separate WC complete the floor. Underfloor heating warms the kitchen and the rooms at the southern end of the house.

A characterful staircase rises to the first floor, where the principal bedroom occupies the oldest part of the house. Its ancient smoke-blackened beams remain overhead, a reminder of the single-storey medieval hall that preceded the space before the upper floor was introduced. An en suite bathroom includes a shower and a jacuzzi bathtub.

Two spacious bedrooms, an office, and a spacious bathroom with a free-standing tub complete the first floor, with original timber floorboards and verdant views out to the gardens beyond. Two further bedrooms are arranged on the second floor.

The former dairy forms a considerable right ‘wing’, set over two storeys. Until recently, used as offices, a series of voluminous, light-filled rooms offer considerable flexibility, whether as studios, extensive home-working space or additional accommodation. Importantly, planning permission is already in place for its conversion into a separate dwelling, creating the possibility of an independent house alongside the historic farmhouse.

The Great Outdoors

Overmoor Farm sits at the heart of a remarkable intact historic farmstead. A series of traditional farm buildings includes numerous single-storey barns, stables, and a granary turned-self-contained-annexe with a kitchenette and bathroom. Beautifully landscaped gardens surround the house, with mature trees and flowering shrubs, as well as an ancient orchard bearing plum and apple trees.

A courtyard garden leads to a heated outdoor swimming pool, accompanied by a pool house changing room, an outdoor bar, and a cooking area. There is a large parking area on the driveway at the front of the house, and a gate at the rear opens directly onto footpaths to the fields and surrounding farmland.

Out and About

Overmoor Farm occupies an idyllic position along a private drive, surrounded by protected rural land on the southern edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding National Beauty. The house is perfectly positioned for easy access to the surrounding countryside, with an abundance of walks and national trails to explore.

The historic market town of Corsham lies just a short drive away, renowned for its handsome stone buildings, independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The city of Bath is within reach with its celebrated architectural landscape, museums, shopping and dining.

There are a variety of excellent independent and public schools in Corsham, Bath and the surrounding area. Mainline railway lines from Melksham and Chippenham stations provide frequent services to Bristol, Bath, Swindon, Reading and London Paddington.