Utterly enchanting Georgian house with oodles of potential for further sensitive development both within the house and the 0.3 acres plot.

Description

The house is sited on a quiet lane in arguably the best location in the village, with outstanding countryside views. Entering the front gate and walking through the walled front garden, the approach down the garden path to West Villa is enchanting.

On entering the house, you are met with a light and spacious entrance hall and a practical under-stairs space for coats and shoes. Almost reflecting one another, the Sitting Room to the west and Dining Room to the east offer wonderful entertaining spaces. Both flooded with natural light from the south, they are rooms to while away the day both in the summer or in the winter with a crackling fire; both rooms boast high ceilings, handsome original stone fireplaces; the Dining Room’s Inglenook fireplace and elmwood mantle above providing a stunning focal point in the room.

Through to the Kitchen, with access on one side to a store/utility/ boot room and rear walled courtyard and the original well pipe (not used by the current occupier); to the other side, the rear lawn, lean-to garage, driveway and paddock. There is plenty of scope for further development. Subject to usual planning consents, the Kitchen could be double-cubed in size by extension into the rear courtyard, with a ground floor rest room adjacent, and offer access through creating a natural flow for entertaining in house and garden.

The first floor comprises a spacious, brightly lit, charming hall area with seating to enjoy outstanding views, the Principal Bedroom suite, two further double bedrooms as well as a family bathroom. Should a prospective buyer go through with a ground floor extension, this could offer the foundations for a fourth bedroom and Jack and Jill bathroom (subject to the usual planning consents).

There is also a substantial attic space, lit by a Velux roof light, with impressively solid oak beams, currently accessed from the landing via an attached loft ladder, with potential for a loft conversion and dormer window for a fifth bedroom with ensuite, subject to planning consents.

Outside
The house is well positioned, with the majority of its 0.3 acres behind the house. The front garden is mostly laid to lawn with a smattering of mature trees and shrubs, as well as flower beds bordering the walls. The ample off-street parking to the side of the house is on a wide driveway, edged by a 7ft high swan-neck stone brick-lined wall, perfect for espaliered soft fruit trees, which leads through to the rear garden, currently laid to lawn with direct access through to the paddock at the rear.

A pre-application (available to see via Savills) submitted for plans to sub-divide the paddock to build an independent (or ancillary), single-storey dwelling in the Poundbury style, sensitive to the conservation area, with shared usage of the double-width driveway received a positive response c2022 from the local planning authority (Wiltshire Council). West Villa is within an easy, level-grounded walk to the village shop and post office, public house and bus stop. Were the single-storey dwelling built, it could provide comfortable accommodation for grandparents. Please see the artist's impression, proposed site plan and floorplans, all subject to the usual planning consents.

Outbuildings
The Store to the rear is used as a garage overwinter but is currently used for garden machinery storage.

Location

Great Somerford is a thriving and sought-after North Wiltshire village located in the foothills of the Cotswolds which supports a range of amenities, including a 2022 award-winning village shop and post office, C of E primary school, Grade I Listed Perpendicular church, and welcoming public house with al fresco dining. The village itself has consistently placed in the top 5 of the 'Best Kept Medium-Sized Village' in Wiltshire by the Campaign to Protect Rural England. The historic medieval hilltop town of Malmesbury nearby is the oldest borough in England, and offers an excellent range of everyday facilities including a magnificent Abbey, Ofsted rated outstanding schools, as well as pubs, restaurants, a swimming pool, and Waitrose. Additional independent shops, such as the King’s Highgrove Shop, and further cultural activities can be found in nearby Tetbury, as well as Cirencester, Bath and Bristol.

Recreational and sporting facilities in the area include eventing at Badminton and Gatcombe; high goal polo at Beaufort and Cirencester; riding to hounds with the Beaufort and VWH; golf at Westonbirt and Bowood; water sports at Cotswold Water Park; Malmesbury Cycle Club; and fishing with the Somerford Fishing Association. The village is blessed by myriad public footpaths and bridleways providing immediate access to luscious open countryside and a nearby river walk. Several livery stables punctuate the lanes to a continuity of riders out exercising their horses and ponies in all weathers. A perfect village for riders, walkers, cyclists, the elderly, and young families.In addition, nearby places of interest include the world heritage centre Westonbirt Arboretum and National Trust properties at Lacock and Dyrham Park. The property is also well placed for the commuter being accessible to the M4, LHR, and beyond. There are regular mainline train services from Chippenham and Swindon to London Paddington, taking just over 60 minutes.

Square Footage: 1,655 sq ft


Acreage: 0.3 Acres

Directions

From Malmesbury take the A429 south towards Corston. After about 0.8 miles turn left on to Grange Lane for 2.3 miles to Startley, then turn left. Continue onto West Street, after 0.2 miles West Villa will be on the left hand side.

Additional Info

Malmesbury 4.8 miles, Royal Wotton Bassett 8.4 miles , Tetbury 10.3 miles, Cirencester 16.4 miles, Kemble Station 12.1 miles, Chippenham Station 7.7 miles, Swindon Station 15.3 miles, M4 (J17) 4.1 miles, Bath 21.2 miles, Bristol 27.5 miles