The Old Rectory is a fine period house set within beautiful private gardens and nestled in the small village of Closworth on the Somerset/Dorset border. The property has the benefit of being free of any listing constraints and has been in the same ownership for 35 years.

As its name suggests, The Old Rectory was originally built for the church and remained in their ownership until 1948, when it was decommissioned. A datestone at the front is attributed to Hanc Holwey Rector 1606, which suggests the property is from the Jacobean period, however, it is believed there may be even earlier origins.

South facing, the house takes full advantage of its position with good ceiling heights, generous proportions and large windows resulting in a light and airy feel. Many original features remain such as some mullion windows, original working shutters, open fireplaces and sash windows providing all the character and appeal of a property of this age.

The front door opens to a generous hallway, off which are the principal rooms. Of particular note is the sitting room with a floor to ceiling sash window. A carved hamstone fireplace with an inset multi fuel stove provides a central focal point and ensures a cosy atmosphere. Opposite is the triple aspect music room with recessed bookshelves and a working hamstone fireplace. Following on is the generous sized family/ dining room with wood burning stove and sash window, the perfect place for parties and large family gatherings, yet light the stove and draw the curtains and it becomes a welcoming retreat.

Opposite is the discreet cloakroom, off which is the boot room with Grant boiler and plenty of space for coats and boots. A door leads outside.

Towards the rear of the house is the kitchen/breakfast room, very much the heart of the home, with exposed ceiling beam and plenty of space for a table and chairs. There is a good range of painted wall and base units incorporating new Bosch oven, Bosch ceramic hob, Bosch dishwasher and integrated Bosch fridge under a new oak worktop. There’s even a 2-oven oil Aga (blue) to keep you warm. A door leads to the impressive Amdega conservatory added by the current owners. There is a ceiling fan, roof vents and blinds, plus a limestone floor with under floor heating. French double doors open to steps down to the immaculate lawn. This is the perfect place to while away the afternoon with a book, whilst enjoying the lovely panoramic views of the garden.

Opposite the kitchen is the study with a wood burning stove and recessed cupboard with shelves above. An expanse of windows together with a stable door allow the outside in and provide lovely views over the garden. Adjacent is the utility room with rear window, Belfast sink and plenty of space for further white goods. A timber dresser provides useful storage space. A door opposite leads down to the good size cellar with pine cupboard, and separate wine bins.

From the hallway, stairs with storage cupboards under, rise to the first floor where there are four double bedrooms. The principal bedroom has a side aspect and a wall of fitted wardrobes. Bedroom two has a vanity basin with storage cupboard below and wardrobes either side. Adjacent is the family bathroom followed by bedroom three, with its mullion windows and a fitted wardrobe. Steps lead down to a separate shower room. At the back of the house, steps lead down to a guest suite, comprising a further double bedroom with fitted wardrobes and a good size bathroom with airing cupboard.

From the landing, through an archway, a staircase leads to the second floor, where there are two further bedrooms, one with a fitted wardrobe and wash hand basin. There is also a partially boarded attic. All the bedrooms on both floors have wonderful far-reaching views.

The enclosed gardens and grounds are a particular feature of The Old Rectory and have been lovingly nurtured over the years. The private and secluded setting, together with the wonderful far-reaching views out towards the Mendip and Polden Hills, perfectly complement the house.

The property is approached from the village lane via double iroko gates which lead to a substantial turning and parking area. At the front of the house is a small raised, stone edged area of lawn awash with wildflowers and bordered by an evergreen hedge, with adjacent timber pedestrian gate.

There are sweeping lawns which run along the easterly side of the house and wrap around to the north side, leading down to a traditional style heated Hartley botanic greenhouse. Immediately abutting the rear of the property is a private paved terrace, perfect for outside entertaining and the ideal spot to catch the last of the sun. A paved pathway leads along the west side of the house to the oil tank, coal bunker and log stores.

The side of the house is adorned by mature climbing roses, clematis and passionflower providing a colourful display. Bordering the lawn are beautifully planted well-stocked flowering beds and mature shrubs, including roses, weigela, peonies, lavender, salvia and montbretia which give year-round colour and interest. Mature trees include cherry, apple, a robinia, two horse chestnuts and a lilac to name but a few, which provide definition and shade.

To the east side of the garden is a further gated driveway, which leads from the lane to the detached coach house which currently comprises a garage, loose box, stalls and ample loft space, which could provide ancillary accommodation subject to the necessary planning consents. To the rear is a lean-to shed housing the pool boiler, oil tank and filtration plant.

Behind the coach house, and completely enclosed is a floodlit heated outdoor swimming pool measuring some 32’ x 16’. Beyond is the bell orchard with many mature trees including apple, willow, ginkgo and oak amongst others. So named as it was reputedly thought to be site of an Elizabethan bell foundry owned by the Purdue bell casting family who lived in the village.

Bordering the easterly driveway and accessed via a five-bar gate is a paddock of some 0.9 acres, which is a haven for wildlife. There is a little used public footpath which runs along the westerly boundary.

The lasting impression is of a wonderful historic family house enjoying some spectacular views and all set in delightful private gardens and grounds.

Closworth is a small Somerset village situated on the border with Dorset. Within the village is a 13th century church and a friendly community. Primary schools, a well reputed public house and a café, together with further amenities are available from the larger villages of East Coker and Yetminster, 2 miles away. There is also swift access to the A37 both north and south.

The larger towns of Yeovil, Sherborne and Dorchester are all within easy motoring distance, where a wider range of shops, leisure facilities and amenities will be found. There are mainline railway stations at Yeovil, Sherborne and Dorchester, the nearest being Yeovil, which provide rail links with London Waterloo and Exeter. WHAT 3 WORDS /// immunity.explain.delighted