Barford Close, Spaxton, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5

A Remarkable Place in Somerset History

Barford Gables dates from around 1860 and formed a later part of the former Agapemone estate, better known as the “Abode of Love”.
Established at Spaxton during the 1840s by former Anglican clergyman Henry James Prince, the Agapemone became one of Victorian England’s most unusual and widely discussed religious communities. Hidden behind high walls and surrounded by the countryside of the Quantock Hills, the community remained at Spaxton for more than a century.

Following the closure and subsequent dispersal of the estate during the 1950s, its buildings began new chapters. The former chapel within the wider complex became associated with the production of much-loved children’s programmes including Trumpton and Camberwick Green, while Barford Gables was later used as a residential care home.
In more recent years, the house has been used by previous and the present owners to run highly successful business’s from.

Today, Barford Gables combines this extraordinary provenance with the requirements of modern life. Its generous accommodation, substantial rooms and adaptable upper floor provide opportunities for family living, multigenerational occupation, working from home or the creation of a separate suite.
It is a home with a story unlike almost any other—and an opportunity for its next owners to become custodians of an important and fascinating part of Somerset’s history.


STEP INSIDE
Barford Gables is a wonderfully versatile home that can be arranged and enjoyed in a variety of ways. Its adaptability has been demonstrated throughout its history, while much of the original character remains beautifully preserved, particularly across the ground floor. High ceilings, tall windows and generously proportioned rooms create an impressive sense of space and allow natural light to fill the accommodation.

At the heart of the home is a substantial kitchen, providing an excellent setting for family life and entertaining. Wide double doors open into the magnificent sitting room, where a handsome marble fireplace provides an elegant focal point and large windows frame views across the gardens.

A separate study or snug offers a quieter place to work or relax and, being positioned beside the ground-floor shower room, could equally be used as an additional bedroom. Close to the rear entrance is a spacious utility and boiler room, offering excellent storage and practical working space.

The first floor provides a choice of four well-proportioned bedrooms. One is particularly impressive, with a large bay window enjoying views over the gardens towards the Quantock Hills. The bedrooms are served by a family bathroom with separate shower, an en-suite cloakroom and a further cloakroom located off the landing.
The second floor offers a dedicated suite or self-contained apartment, creating an ideal private retreat for family members, guests or multigenerational living, while also providing potential to generate an additional income. The accommodation includes a generous bedroom and living area, with windows capturing views towards the Quantock Hills, together with a compact kitchen, bathroom and dressing room.

STEP OUTSIDE
Double gates open onto the driveway and enclosed gardens, which provide an attractive yet manageable outdoor space in which to relax and entertain. Enjoying a pleasant south-westerly aspect, the gardens benefit from sunshine throughout much of the day and are principally laid to lawn, with mature planting and a historic mulberry tree adding character and interest.

A former garage has been thoughtfully converted into a studio or home office, providing an ideal environment in which to work while keeping business life separate from the main house. A detached double garage, together with a further garage currently used as a garden store, offers excellent provision for parking, hobbies, equipment and general storage.

Utilities and Services
Mains electricity, drainage and water are connected. Oil fired central heating.
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