6 bedroom detached house

A beautifully refurbished and historic Georgian rectory of immense charm with a new indoor swimming pool and a luxurious self-contained apartment.

Description

An exquisite Grade II listed former rectory that boasts a rich history. A former resident Lord William Rees-Mogg documented that whilst the property was the home for a succession of Rectors for the next door Church of St Margaret, the original garden walls have Medieval origins, in support of this claim a previous owner is reported to have found a medieval gold coin in one of the flower beds.

The property is nestled within the heart of the tranquil and picturesque village offering a serene and idyllic setting for its residents. It is a quintessential English village home in a prime location, situated across the green from the popular village pub, The Ring O’Bells.

The current owners have invested significantly in enhancing and expanding the property, undertaking major works to improve its infrastructure. Among the notable upgrades are the newly upgraded bathrooms throughout the house, providing style elegance and comfort. Additionally, they have created a luxurious two-bedroom apartment, offering ample space for guests or additional family members. In recent years this has enabled the owners to generate significant income through Air B & B, establishing that there is no shortage of guests keen to base themselves close to both Bath and Bristol and to enjoy relaxing breaks in this outstandingly pretty part of rural Somerset.

An impressive addition by the current owners is the superb heated indoor swimming pool. With a mirrored ceiling and subtle lighting, they have created the feel of a luxurious boutique spa, a total sense of calm and a touch of opulence to the property. The pool itself is a 7 meter L-shape, maintaining a consistent depth of 1.2 meters throughout, perfect for both recreational and fitness purposes.

Stepping into the Old Rectory, you are greeted by a high ceilinged, yet welcoming entrance hall with sweeping staircase, which serves as the central focal point of the home. Original blue lias flagstone floors harken back to the property's historic roots, shaped and worn over the centuries, setting the tone for the charm and character that awaits within. A fine drawing room has two Georgian 28 pane sash windows which flood the room with natural sunlight with a delightful aspect over the front grounds and countryside beyond . As a further nod to its historical significance, the property boasts seven original fireplaces, adding warmth and character to various rooms. The formal dining room is adorned with traditional panelling, evoking a sense of grandeur and sophistication. It provides an ideal setting for hosting lavish dinner parties and gatherings whilst the adjacent breakfast room is a relaxed alternative for informal day to day living. A library is fully lined with bookshelves and is both cool in summer and a cosy winter retreat when a fire is lit in the substantial grey marble fireplace. As with many country properties, the kitchen is at the heart of the home, offering a quality and bespoke feel, a traditional Smallbone design, and a 6 door Aga stove set into an inglenook fireplace with original bread oven (4 gas ovens and an electric oven and grill). A separate pasty kitchen offers a further range of storage units and a secondary electric oven/microwave. A small gym (which could be reinstated as a garage) leads through to the swimming pool and an internal link to the independent apartment. Six bedrooms (plus a large nursery/office off bedroom 3) are spread over the 3 remaining floors, served by 5 bath/shower rooms and from these upper floors the far reaching country views are particularly special.

Mature and carefully tended gardens of just under an acre surround the home, with views over countryside beyond from many of the rooms. They include an abundance of flowering shrubs, spring bulbs and scented roses and honeysuckle, providing colour and interest throughout the year. A number of specimen trees include a ‘sacred yew’ believed to be on a lay line to Glastonbury and a magical place to sit under in the dappled shade on a hot day. A sheltered courtyard bursting with fragrant shrubs, with the backdrop of Wisteria is located adjacent to the breakfast room and provides a perfect enclosed al fresco dining area.

Location

The property is situated in the heart of Hinton Blewett, a most desirable village in the Chew Valley. Nearby villages of East Harptree and Bishop Sutton have junior schools and Hinton Blewett lies in the catchment area for the Chew Valley Comprehensive School at Chew Magna. Independent Schools can be found in Bristol and Bath and Wells Cathedral School is within 9 miles. The village is equidistant between Bristol, Bath and Wells and only 10 miles from Bristol Airport. The Chew Valley offers plenty of sporting facilities with fishing and sailing on the Chew Valley Lake, Golf at Farrington Gurney and Wells, riding on the Mendips Hill, and excellent walking from the doorstep.

Square Footage: 8,140 sq ft



Additional Info

Mains water
Mains electricity
Mains gas
Mains drainage

Gas central heating