£1,150,000 /Sale price

Old Farm is believed to be one of the oldest houses in the village, enjoying a lovely position with approximately an acre of gardens and south-facing views across its grounds and the fields beyond. Constructed with traditional Hamstone walls under a thatched roof, the property exudes immense character, with original features such as exposed beams and stonework.The current owners have undertaken an extensive renovation, enhancing the period charm while ensuring it meets the needs of modern living. The heart of the home is the fabulous dual aspect kitchen, fitted with bespoke cabinetry, granite worktops, and a cream 2-plate oil-fired AGA, complemented by an adjoining utility/laundry room. The dining room retains original flagstone floors and an inglenook fireplace with wood burner, creating an ideal space for entertaining.The family room, with parquet floors, original bread oven and wood burner, offers a relaxed setting, while the substantial triple-aspect sitting room enjoys a centrally positioned fireplace and French doors opening onto the south-facing terrace. A spacious cloakroom/bootroom completes the ground floor.Upstairs, the first-floor landing incorporates a generous open area, perfect as a study. The principal bedroom has dual aspect views and a spacious ensuite bathroom. Three further double bedrooms share a family bathroom. Many rooms enjoy lovely outlooks over the gardens.Along with the main house, the original stables and old chicken house have also had attention and been thoughtfully converted into a charming, completely independent one bedroom cottage. Built in local stone under a tiled roof, with an exceptionally spacious open-plan kitchen/sitting room with vaulted ceilings, features include wooden floors, exposed stonework, wood-burning stove and French doors which open onto a private terraced garden, perfect for those summer evenings. The fully equipped kitchen, with built in oven and electric hob, integrated fridge freezer and space for a kitchen island, lends itself to entertaining and whilst the building benefits from all modern conveniences, the owners have at the same time been sympathetic to its past, re-using the reclaimed roof tiles and cedar wood on the outside, allowing the building to effortlessly blend into its surroundings. Ideal for dependant relatives, the cottage is equally a lucrative asset and is currently let out for short term rentals generating significant income.OUTSIDEThe entrance to the property is off the lane, through a wooden five bar gate that leads onto a gravelled driveway with ample parking for several cars. Next to the main house and parking are various outbuildings along with access to the Cottage.The garden and grounds amount to approximately one acre, with the main garden extending out behind the house and cottage. Interspersed with a great variety of mature specimen trees, fruit trees and shrubberies, they are designed to be easily maintained, with an extensive lawned area. In addition, there is a well-established vegetable garden. Paved terraces extend behind the house and cottage so that each building has its own private outside area.LOCATIONThe countryside around South Barrow has changed little in recent decades. Dairy farming predominates and the green fields bounded by hedges and small areas of woodland provide a delightful environment through which quiet lanes gently wind their way. South Barrow is a charming hamlet, tucked away from main roads comprising mainly period houses and cottages built of the distinctive local stone. The market towns of Somerton and Castle Cary (described by the eminent historian, Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, as the prettiest town in South Somerset) are both within a short drive as are the larger centres of Yeovil and the abbey town of Sherborne. Notwithstanding the unspoilt rural nature of the area, communications are extremely good. To the south, the A303 is 2 miles away at Sparkford and the intercity mainline railway service to London Paddington takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Castle Cary.SPORTING AND RECREATIONRacing at Taunton, Exeter and Wincanton. Sailing and water sports on the world Heritage Jurassic coast or Bristol Channel or Sutton Bingham Reservoir. Golf at nearby Wheathill, Taunton and Yeovil. With both Cranborne Chase and Dorset Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty within easy reach there are extensive footpaths, bridleways and quiet lanes which offer superb opportunities for riding, walking and cycling. Hauser & Wirth at Bruton and the Newt Estate are also nearby.EDUCATIONThe area is particularly well known for its schools. Millfield and Millfield Prep are just outside Glastonbury, Hazlegrove is at Sparkford and the Sherborne, Bruton and Taunton schools, along with Downside, are all within easy reach.AGENTS NOTEStable Cottage, a separate one bedroom annexe/holiday let, is available to buy with Old Farm as a whole, under separate negotiation, price to be agreed. Please enquire.Planning permission for kitchen/dining roomextension has been granted. Planning numbers 23/02804/HOU and 23/02638/LBCThe property has recently received approval to be separated into two dwellings; the main house and The Stables. Final notification will need to be submitted and authorised with the Land Registry on purchase should the process wish to be completed.