Hayes End Manor, South Petherton, Somerset, TA13

A home to make life a little easier, without making it any less beautiful.

Set within the wonderful surroundings of Hayes End Manor in South Petherton, this charming two-bedroom cottage enjoys a particularly lovely position, looking across the landscaped courtyard gardens and towards the meadow beyond. To the rear, there is also a private patio garden, giving you your own little outdoor retreat when a quiet cup of tea in the sunshine is called for.

Built in a traditional style that sits beautifully alongside the historic Manor, Flax Barn and Granary, the development has a real Somerset feel, with warm stone elevations, tiled roofs and mature communal gardens creating a rather special setting.

Step inside and the accommodation is both comfortable and practical. The entrance hall leads to a ground-floor cloakroom/shower room, while the main living space includes a generous sitting room opening through to the dining room, creating an easy, sociable flow. The kitchen has also been updated, so there is far less of the “lovely house, but the kitchen has to go” conversation.

Upstairs are two good-sized bedrooms, with built-in wardrobes providing useful storage, together with a further shower room. Storage is particularly well catered for, with cupboards throughout and a large part-boarded loft accessed by a pull-down ladder.

Outside, the cottage has its own private rear patio garden, while the beautifully maintained communal grounds provide plenty of space to enjoy without spending every weekend following a lawnmower around. There are also allotments for those who still enjoy getting their hands dirty.

And, always an important box to tick, there is a garage.

Hayes End Manor was developed for the English Courtyard Association in 1998 within a delightful former farm setting. The development is centred around the old Somerset farmhouse and its secluded courtyard, together with the beautiful listed stone Flax Barn and Granary.

Residents benefit from resident Estate Managers, a personal alarm system, laundry room and guest suite, making it easier for friends and family to come and stay.

South Petherton's shops and local amenities are within reasonable walking distance, while the nearby A303 provides convenient road connections, with railway stations at Crewkerne and Yeovil.

With a 55+ age covenant, 150-year lease from 1988, this is a home that offers independence, practicality and a wonderfully attractive setting.

Perhaps life doesn't need downsizing quite as much as it needs simplifying.

"Please note that an AML fee is chargeable to the buyer once an offer is accepted to cover the cost of carrying out the required identity and anti-money laundering checks. Once these checks have been completed, the fee cannot be refunded, even if the property purchase does not go ahead."