St Mary Magdalen dates back to 1874, as the village church adjacent to Writhlington Manor. The current owner understands it to be the expansion of a much earlier church building, with some of the oldest elements still present. As a home, St Marys now offers a numinous space showcasing a beautiful fusion between its original period features and contemporary additions.

The quiet stone porch provides a gentle transition from the everyday. From here, thick oak doors open into the main living space which creates a breathtaking moment of “wow” – in part due to the vaulted ceiling and design choices including the statement black and glass screens, spiral staircase and striking black chimney.

Modern Crittall doors and screening lead into the kitchen/dining room with a contemporary wooden finish; and screened behind the bookcase with sliding ladder is the principal bedroom. There is a remarkably calming, contemplative atmosphere in this space – a still point of the turning world. Shifting patterns of natural light fall on the ancient stone and the historic inscription for the former altar, with a medieval cross positioned centrally beneath.

Beyond this is the bathroom and utility room, from here stairs lead up to the study or small bedroom.

Returning back to the living space, and ascending the spiral staircase is the galleried library, which is a wonderful space to really take in this stunning building. The current owner felt that the high ceilinged nave, in front of the arch and bookshelves, which was once the area where the congregation gathered, was the perfect place to build a transcendent, multimedia space for music and film. The area has been cabled by a leading local Hi-Fi specialist in readiness for this and a cinema screen and projector are housed within the bespoke metal bookshelves.

The furniture, largely modern, has been carefully chosen to bring out the best in every space through the ancient/contemporary juxtaposition which is characteristic of this home. In view of this, the current owner would be open to a discussion about its sale with the property.

The property benefits from a cool annexe, which provides a fabulous guest suite that complements the main building, comprising open plan kitchen/living room and shower room on the ground floor, with a double bedroom on the galleried mezzanine first floor.

The property is approached onto a private driveway where there is plentiful parking, in addition to the carport.

Externally the property benefits from mature grounds which look onto the sylvan setting of 'The Batch'. There are level lawns which wrap around the church, a wild flower meadow and a long grass meadow.

The wildflower meadow on the lower lawn has been created in the outline (based on research into public archives) of the old Writhlington Manor which used to stand there.

The area of rough longer grass surrounding the cottage, with paths and clearings mown into it, was envisaged being converted to forest (with the current paths and clearings preserved) using the fast-growth Miyawaki method, and the new owner might wish to pursue this.

Despite its age and style, St. Mary Magdalen is a warm property and the running costs are reasonable. EPC: G.

In all approximately 1.28 acres.

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The property is located on the edge of the village of Writhlington and is situated in a rural elevated position within a Conservation Area, overlooking the Wellow Brook valley towards Woodborough.

The popular market town of Frome is nearby providing a fantastic mix of independent shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs and the renowned monthly artisan market The Frome Independent. The nearby city of Bath offers first class shopping, restaurants, bars and cultural attractions.

Babington House, the private members' club, with its swimming pools, tennis courts, gym, bars and restaurant is only a short drive away and is an idyllic hub for relaxing and socialising.

Frome, Westbury, Warminster and Castle Cary stations provide rail services to London Waterloo and London Paddington, whilst the A303 (M3) provides good road access to London and the wider motorway network, in addition to the A36, M4 and M5 all being within easy reach. Bristol Airport provides a wide range of national and international flights.

Frome 6 miles, Bath 9 miles, Bristol 17 miles, M4 (J17) 20 miles (All distances are approximate).