Bellhorse Lane, West Harptree, Somerset, BS40

Panoramic lake views, timeless character & contemporary comfort.

Description

Bellhorse Cottage is an exceptional detached period home occupying an elevated position above Chew Valley Lake with breathtaking panoramic views across the lake and surrounding Somerset countryside. Believed to date from the 17th Century, the property has been extensively refurbished and thoughtfully extended to create a beautifully balanced home where period character blends seamlessly with contemporary design. The result is a light-filled residence of considerable charm, offering versatile family accommodation, modern energy efficiency and a wonderful connection to its spectacular setting.

Approached through iron gates, a wide gravel driveway provides generous parking and immediately establishes the property's sense of privacy and arrival. An impressive entrance atrium with vaulted ceiling and oak flooring welcomes you into the house and sets the tone for the quality of finish found throughout. Beyond lies the elegant sitting room, a particularly comfortable and inviting space featuring engineered oak flooring, bespoke alcove shelving and a wood-burning stove, creating a wonderful focal point for family life. Adjoining this space is a versatile study or fourth bedroom, ideal for home working, guest accommodation or a playroom.

Undoubtedly the heart of the home is the magnificent open-plan kitchen, dining and family room. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, this impressive space combines stylish contemporary design with practical functionality. The bespoke handcrafted ash and beech kitchen is fitted with quartz worktops, integrated appliances, twin electric ovens, an induction hob, central island and breakfast bar, whilst a walk-in pantry provides excellent additional storage. The dining area enjoys picture windows framing the remarkable views across Chew Valley Lake, whilst French doors open directly onto the terrace and gardens beyond. The abundance of glazing, together with Velux rooflights and carefully considered lighting, creates a wonderfully bright and airy atmosphere throughout the day.

Beyond the kitchen, a second reception vestibule features a striking reclaimed timber ceiling and an attractive antique stained-glass window which captures natural light beautifully. This area leads to a practical utility and laundry room, cloak and boot storage area and a useful ground-floor shower room, ideally positioned for returning from the garden or countryside walks.

A striking open-tread oak staircase rises from the kitchen to a galleried landing flooded with natural light from overhead roof windows. The first-floor accommodation comprises three generous double bedrooms, all enjoying attractive countryside aspects. The principal suite is particularly impressive, featuring triple-aspect windows, vaulted ceilings and far-reaching views together with a stylish en-suite shower room. The remaining bedrooms are served by a well-appointed family bathroom. The principal bedroom is of sufficient size to allow the creation of a fifth bedroom if required, offering excellent flexibility for growing families.

Throughout the refurbishment, significant emphasis has been placed on energy efficiency and modern living. The property benefits from high-specification insulation, double glazing, an air source heat pump supplying underfloor heating and hot water, together with high-speed Truespeed fibre broadband and Cat 5 cabling to all rooms. Bellhorse Cottage successfully combines the charm of a historic village home with the efficiency and connectivity expected of a modern residence.

Outside, the beautifully landscaped gardens extend to approximately one-third of an acre and are a particular feature of the property. Carefully designed to complement the rural setting, they include sweeping lawns, mature planting, wildflower beds, a natural pond with waterfall, raised vegetable beds and a charming summer house. A substantial terrace provides the perfect vantage point from which to enjoy the ever-changing views across Chew Valley Lake and the surrounding hills, creating an idyllic setting for outdoor dining and entertaining.

Location

Bellhorse Cottage enjoys a peaceful yet highly accessible position close to the sought-after village of West Harptree, situated on the northern edge of the Mendip Hills and within the heart of the beautiful Chew Valley. The village benefits from a strong community and offers a range of day-to-day amenities including a village shop and Post Office, bakery, doctor's surgery, dentist, church, village hall and well-regarded public houses.

The surrounding area is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty. Chew Valley Lake and nearby Blagdon Lake offer excellent sailing, fishing, birdwatching and countryside walks, whilst the Mendip Hills provide a wealth of opportunities for walking, cycling and riding. Wells, with its magnificent cathedral and twice-weekly market, lies approximately 7 miles to the south, whilst Bristol is around 12 miles away and Bath approximately 14 miles to the north-east. Bristol Airport is conveniently located some 11 miles from the property.

For commuters, Bristol Temple Meads Station is approximately 12 miles distant and provides regular services to London Paddington with journey times from around 90 minutes. Access to the national motorway network is available via Junction 18 of the M4, approximately 15 miles away.

The area is particularly well served by schools. State options include Bishop Sutton Primary School, Chew Valley School and Wellsway School. Independent schools within easy reach include Wells Cathedral School, Sidcot School, Kingswood School, Prior Park College, Monkton Combe School, Clifton College, Badminton School and The Royal High School Bath.

Everyday shopping can be found in nearby Wells and Keynsham, whilst Bath and Bristol provide extensive retail, cultural and leisure amenities. Golf enthusiasts are well catered for with Farrington Park Golf Club, Mendip Spring Golf & Country Club, Knowle Golf Club and Bristol & Clifton Golf Club all within easy reach.

Square Footage: 2,417 sq ft


Acreage: 0.3 Acres

Additional Info

Mains water
Mains electricity
Mains drainage
Electric heating system