4 bedroom detached house

Dating back to the 16th century, Preston Farm is a farmhouse typical of the period and was originally the house at the centre of the surrounding farm. It was sold in 2003 and has had two owners since, who between them have undertaken a complete renovation and significant, sympathetic improvements. In 2006 the property was awarded William Standwell Building Award by the Somerset Building Preservation Trust which recognises outstanding repair and conservation of historic buildings. The house is unlisted and is made from cob and local stone covered with lime-washed render and a natural slate roof.

Extending out to one side is an attached barn, which has been converted into a cinema and music room and incorporated into the house, together with an attractive yard of period stone-built outbuildings.

The house stands in an elevated setting with wonderful views over the surrounding countryside, with the one side facing east towards the Quantock Hills in the distance.

Great care has been taken to retain the original architectural features to preserve the farmhouse's charm and character. These include blue lias flagstone floors, beams, window seats, a beautifully restored elm plank and muntin screen in the hall and a large inglenook fireplace with wood-burning stove in the sitting room. There is underfloor heating throughout the ground floor except in the kitchen and utility room. There are five reception rooms on the ground floor including the garden room off the kitchen and the converted barn, which now serves as a music/cinema room with a mezzanine floor providing an occasional double bedroom with a large wet room below cleverly concealed behind fitted bookshelves. The kitchen/breakfast room is at the eastern end of the house and is fitted with a range of units under stone work surfaces, 4-oven AGA, gas and electric AGA Companion and a very large walk-in larder.

On the first floor are the principal bedroom, which has a vaulted ceiling, exposed roof timbers, window seat, built-in wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom with separate shower, two further double bedrooms and the family bathroom.

Preston Farm is situated at the end of a no-through lane, with a right of way onto a gravelled yard with space for several cars. Outbuildings are arranged around three sides of the yard: a good-sized single carport, a stable block incorporating two looseboxes with a hay store between and a milking parlour, which is thought to have been used as occasional accommodation in its history and would be ideal for conversion, subject to obtaining the necessary consent. The farmhouse is set back from the lane behind a lawn retained by stone walling and bisected by cobbled paths.

The garden extends round both sides of the house to the rear garden, which consists of a paved terrace, a gravel patio, lawn and several mature trees including a fine walnut tree. Beyond the lawn are a pond and a stream, crossed by two bridges leading to a mixed orchard planted with apple, quince, pear, mulberry, cob, plum, greengage and cherry trees. Above the garden behind a mature beech hedge is a large productive vegetable garden with a poly-tunnel and attractive soft fruit cage. Below the garden is a paddock bound by a ha ha and stock-proof fencing with a broadleaf spinney in one corner. In all about 5 acres (2.02 hectares).

Preston Farm is situated amidst beautiful and unspoilt countryside, a short distance from the village of Stogumber (1.5 miles), which hosts annual music and beer festivals, has a very active cricket club, village store and post office, church, pub, village hall and primary school (OFSTED rated 2 Good). For day to day requirements Wellington (8.1 miles) has a good range of shops and local businesses including a Waitrose supermarket and Taunton is also within easy reach with many well-known high street stores. For regional transport links the M5 is within a reasonable driving distance, Taunton has regular rail services to Bristol Temple Meads (31 minu