5 bedroom detached house

The Wildings is an exceptionally charming farmhouse, constructed from local stone under a tiled roof. Having been in the current ownership for the past 25 years, the property has remained within the same family since 1785 when purchased as part of the Hadspen estate. The farmhouse has undergone a meticulous and significant programme of restoration, blending ambitious architecture with traditional materials. The result is a stunning fusion of stone and timber, creating an impressive and versatile living space that remains true to its original character, making it perfectly suited to the demands of modern day living. The property enjoys an enviable location, in a secluded valley close to Castle Cary and Bruton.

At the heart of the house lies the striking, vaulted reception hall. This grand space is flooded with natural light through large windows and showcases the exposed beams, along with beautifully reconstituted limestone floors. Underfloor heating ensures comfort throughout this room. The reception hall flows effortlessly into the drawing room, dining room and kitchen/breakfast room beyond. This impressive kitchen features bespoke, painted units, double Belfast sink, integrated Bosch dishwasher, Aga (white) and double fan oven with grill, providing everything needed for both everyday living and entertaining. The generous layout offers ample space for a large dining table and chairs, as well as an area for sofas, making it an ideal spot for gathering family and friends.

Large, double-glazed windows with enchanting seats, attractive fireplaces, iroko detailing, and clever joinery in various reception rooms are perfectly complimented by a fabulous staircase that leads to the galleried landing, where the five spacious bedrooms can be found. Worth a special mention is the stunning triple aspect vaulted bedroom, which includes a dressing room with built in wardrobes, an ensuite bathroom with separate shower cubicle, and double sinks. The versatile layout lends itself perfectly to family living and without a doubt, it is a true testament to refined living in a fabulous location.

Grounds
The property is approached via a very quiet lane, leading to gravelled driveway boarded by lavender, iceberg roses, and a beach hedge. The gravelled courtyard offers ample parking for several cars. Surrounded by meticulously planned gardens, the property features a stunning variety of specimen trees, including copper beech, weeping lime, red maple, walnut, tulip and oak as well as cooking apple, quince and plum trees. Mahonia, roses, herbaceous perennials and a mix of bulbs and box hedging ensure year-round structure and interest, even during the winter months. The thoughtfully designed formal and vegetable gardens boast an array of fruit, including raspberries, gooseberries, and both black and redcurrants, alongside a large wildlife pond, home to koi and grass carp. Completing the picture is the cider apple orchard and woodland, adding further charm and character to this already exceptional property. The total land holding extends to approximately 6.28 acres.

Indoor Swimming Pool and Tennis Court
A standout feature of the property is the state-of-the-art indoor swimming pool, built by Oakmasters in 2017. Designed with a vaulted ceiling and bi-fold doors opening onto the garden on two sides, this light-filled space offers an inviting retreat for year-round swimmers. A separate shower room adds convenience, completing this luxurious addition. Furthermore, the 10kW of solar panels on the building help to reduce ongoing energy costs, making it both eco-friendly and cost efficient. For sports enthusiasts, the tennis court provides the perfect space for outdoor recreation.

Outbuildings & Additional Potential
The property also offers a range of versatile outbuildings, including a double carport with a workshop. A large garage with a craft room above, presents the potential to convert into an annex, subject to the usual planning consents, if desired.
With its serene setting, expansive grounds, and a host of luxurious amenities, The Wildings offers a truly unique opportunity for those seeking an idyllic countryside retreat.

Location
Hadspen is a delightful hamlet surrounded by magnificent countryside within easy reach of Castle Cary and Bruton. Part of a thriving local community that incorporates nearby Pitcombe and Cole, life often centres around the very active village hall. It is small wonder that Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, the eminent architectural historian, described nearby Castle Cary as Somerset's prettiest town. Its centre is dominated by period buildings constructed, in the main, of the distinctive honey coloured stone for which the area is well known and of which the focal point is the duck pond. Castle Cary has carefully preserved its status as a market town and has a number of traditional shops and excellent boutiques within the Conservation Area. Surrounding the town is unspoilt and lightly wooded undulating farmland where dairy farming predominates interspersed with delightful villages.

Sporting and Recreation
The area is well provided for with bridleways, quiet lanes, and footpaths suitable for cycling, riding and walking. Within close proximity lies the town of Bruton, which plays host to a plethora of attractions, cafes and restaurants, including recently opened Briar at No1 Bruton and the Michelin-starred Osip. The Hauser & Wirth gallery, garden, Da Costa restaurant and farm shop, are within a short drive. The Newt, now well renowned for its many first-class attractions, is also nearby. Newly opened restaurants in Castle Cary are Lazy Lobster and The Creamery. Sailing and water sports on the Bristol Channel, Dorset coast or Sutton Bingham and Chew Valley reservoirs. Nearby racing is at Wincanton, Salisbury and Taunton. There are also numerous golf courses in the area and theatres are at Bath, Yeovil, Bristol and Salisbury.

Education
There are good schools for children of all ages within easy motoring distance, including the Sherborne Schools' group. There is a primary school and Ansford Academy (secondary education) in Castle Cary. Nearby, Bruton is well known for its schools, most notably King's Bruton and Sexeys School - a state day/boarding school. Hazlegrove Prep School at Sparkford offers further well-regarded private education.
Communications to this part of the country are excellent. From Castle Cary there are regular train services to both Waterloo and Paddington, the latter in about 1 hour 40 minutes. The A303 links with the M3, much of it dual carriageway, thus putting London within about two and a half hours' drive.