4 bedroom terraced house for sale

CATHEDRAL GREEN HOUSE

CATHEDRAL GREEN, WELLS, SOMERSET, BA5 2UB

An exceptional period home of considerable merit, standing prominently close to Wells Cathedral and the two notable 15th-century gatehouses, the Bishop’s Eye and Penniless Porch.

Grade II* listed, the house dates to at least the 17th century and is filled with character and numerous period features. Offering generous accommodation of around 3,600 sq. ft., it includes a spacious reception hall, inner courtyard, drawing room, dining room, kitchen and breakfast room, utility room and extensive cellars. On the upper floors there is a principal suite with bathroom, two further bedroom suites with bathrooms, a fourth bedroom, additional bathroom, and a magnificent second-floor family sitting room (37 ft. x 22 ft.). A large first-floor terrace completes the accommodation.

At the front of the house lies a courtyard garden, attractively screened by mature hedging, with a backdrop of The Green and the Cathedral.

In short - An historic home in a world renowned location adjacent to Wells Cathedral.

Location

The house occupies a privileged position in the historic heart of Wells, on Cathedral Green, with the Cathedral as a backdrop and only a short walk from the ancient Market Place, the moated Bishop’s Palace and Vicars’ Close. This highly sought-after area is surrounded by a wealth of medieval, Georgian and Victorian houses and buildings, contributing to its unique character and enduring appeal.

Description

Listed Grade II* for its Special Architectural and Historical Interest, the property was built in the 17th century (or earlier) against the city’s medieval wall and was extensively remodelled in the 18th century.

The house presents rendered and attractively colour-washed elevations beneath slated roofs with brick chimney stacks. Its elegant façade is distinguished from neighbouring properties by a fine portico flanked by Doric columns with triglyphs, an open pediment, and a striking semi-circular fanlight.

Internally, Georgian influences dominate, but earlier origins are also evident in the detailing. The house boasts an array of fine features including ornate plasterwork, ceiling cornices, panelling, mouldings, dado rails, chamfered ceiling beams, semicircular wall niches, stick and barley-sugar twist balusters, heavily moulded plaster ceilings, window shutters and a stone staircase. It is, in short, a treasure house for those who cherish historic character and architectural detail.

Accommodation

The front door opens to a grand reception hall with black-and-white marble checkerboard flooring, dado-height panelling, book shelving, and Doric columns framing double French doors into an inner courtyard. The hall also includes a cloakroom (with loo and basin), a fine staircase with cupboard below, and access to the cellars.

On the ground floor, there are two elegant reception rooms: the drawing room and the dining room. Double doors lead into the drawing room, which features panelled walls, window shutters, and a fireplace with a tiled surround and inset Jetmaster gas fire. The dining room is equally impressive, with shutters, panelling, an inset gas fire, and shelved alcoves.

The hall continues to the kitchen and breakfast room, fitted with units, a central island, dresser, beams, and tiled flooring. Integrated appliances include a six-ring gas hob, double ovens, extractor fan, and dishwasher. A bay window provides space for a table and chairs, overlooking the inner courtyard.

Beyond lies a storage area (with safe) leading to the utility room, with the boiler and space for washing machine and dryer. It is believed this part of the house was constructed over a medieval road originally running behind the Market Place.

First floor

The main staircase rises to a generous first-floor landing with storage cupboards. At the front of the house lies the principal suite, comprising a splendid bedroom with a heavily moulded plaster ceiling adorned with a central wreath and intricate decoration. Additional features include window shutters, alcove bookshelves, and a luxurious en suite bathroom with twin basins, slipper bath, large shower, loo, window seat, and shutters.

Also on the first floor is a further bedroom suite with a bay window overlooking the terrace, and a bathroom with bath, loo, and basin. The third bedroom is L-shaped, with both bay and side windows overlooking the terrace, the bay incorporating a fitted dressing table. From this bedroom there is access to a closed-off back staircase and a storeroom. A separate bathroom with bath, loo, and basin serves this level.

Second floor

The staircase continues to the second floor, where a fourth double bedroom is found, light and airy with fitted cupboards and a stone mullioned window overlooking the terrace. A medieval door leads to a small galleried landing above the oak staircase, and into the en suite shower room with corner shower, basin, and loo.

At a slightly higher level is a broad landing with bookcases, leading to the magnificent second-floor family sitting room. Measuring an impressive 37 ft. x 22 ft., this room enjoys gabled windows with spectacular views of the Cathedral and historic buildings. Features include fitted book shelving, a fireplace with inset gas fire, and French windows opening to a balcony overlooking the terrace.

Outside

The house is set back from The Green, with boundary railings topped with urn finials and set on a stone plinth. An arched entrance with overhead lantern leads to a paved courtyard, attractively landscaped with shrubs and hedges, providing privacy and contributing to the charm of the setting.

Within the property there is also an inner courtyard, and on the first floor a large private terrace.

Important -Please note

The gardens in front of the houses on The Green are not included within the curtilage but have been used privately for many years by arrangement with Wells Cathedral. Regarding parking, the current owner rents a space within 200 metres of the house, and we are advised that it may be possible to continue this arrangement.

About the area

Wells is the smallest city in England (population about 11,000) lying in beautiful countryside between the Somerset Levels and the Mendip Hills – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wells medieval centre has local markets twice a week, good restaurants, a thriving high street and many important ancient buildings, including the Cathedral and moated Bishops Palace and gardens. There are four major supermarkets on the edge of the city. Wells Leisure Centre has the usual facilities of gym and swimming pool to add to Wells Rugby Club, Tennis club, Bowling club and Golf course. Throughout the year Wells hosts festivals for Music, Literature, Art and Food, and has twinned links with Burgundy, the Rhineland and Northern Italy. There are many societies and clubs for those who would like to join a diverse social community.

The major towns of the area, Bristol, Bath, Taunton and Yeovil are all within commuting distance. There are excellent state & independent schools in the area which include several good primary schools, Wells Blue School, Strode College, Wells Cathedral School, Downside, All Hallows and Millfield.

Wells is a transport hub for bus services, including daily services to London. Main line trains run from Castle Cary and Bristol International Airport is 35 minutes’ drive away.

Important Notes

Please see all the notes below – particularly the section referring to identity and AML requirements

Identity verification & Anti Money Laundering (AML) Requirements

As Estate Agents we are require by law to undertake Anti Money Laundering (AML) Regulation checks on any purchaser who has an offer accepted on a property.

We are required to use a specialist third party service to verify the purchaser(s) identity.

The cost of these checks is £60 (inc. VAT) per person. This is payable at the point an offer is accepted and our purchaser information forms completed, prior to issuing Memorandum of Sales to both sellers and buyers and their respective conveyancing solicitors. This is a legal requirement and the charge is non-refundable.

Property Details

Roderick Thomas, their clients and any joint agents state that these details are for general guidance only and accuracy cannot be guaranteed. They do not constitute any part of any contract. All measurements are approximate and floor plans are to give a general indication only and are not measured accurate drawings. No guarantees are given with regard to planning permission or fitness for purpose. No apparatus, equipment, fixture or fitting has been tested. Items shown in photographs are not necessarily included. Buyers must rely on information passed between the solicitors with regard to items included in the sale. Purchasers must satisfy themselves on all matters by inspection or otherwise.

VIEWINGS

Interested parties are advised to check availability and current situation prior to travelling to see any property.

All viewings are by appointment with the Agents.

Roderick Thomas, 1 Priory Road, Wells, BA5 1SR.

P.S.

A few extra comments

Mortgages – we can help.

Bridging loans – We can help.

Moving house is complicated and stressful when a sale and purchase needs to be tied together in terms of finance and timing.

Sometimes we can negotiate an agreement to suit both sellers and buyers.

Sometimes a bridging loan can solve problems and remove stress.

Call us for information on any of these points