£715,000 /Sale price

A characterful detached period cottage occupying a convenient position within the popular Lower Downside area, on the northern outskirts of Shepton Mallet. The property offers well-balanced accommodation complemented by a detached double garage, gardens and extensive driveway parking. EPC rating E.Downside Cottage is a well-proportioned and most appealing period home offering flexible accommodation arranged over two floors, set within a mature plot on the edge of Shepton Mallet.A door to the front of the property opens into a generous central dining room, which incorporates the staircase to the first floor and an attractive stone inglenook fireplace and feature bread oven. As well as exposed beams, this comfortable reception room has a solid mahogany floor which continues onto the staircase and into the sitting room. To the left of the dining room is the kitchen, which is fitted with a range of matching floor and wall units. The kitchen includes an integrated electric double oven, an electric hob with an extractor hood over, plus an inset Belfast sink unit. A door from the kitchen then leads into a useful utility room, housing the boiler for the oil-fired central heating system and access to built-in storage. Located off the utility room is the downstairs WC.On the opposite side of the dining room is the sitting room, which has a further stone fireplace and an open fire, providing a superb focal point. Beyond, there is a ground floor study, which could be utilised as a playroom or hobby space. Doors then continue into a light and airy garden room, which has three skylight windows and doors opening to the outside space.Upstairs, the accommodation is arranged around a central landing and includes four bedrooms. The principal bedroom benefits from a dressing room (could also be used as a nursery/office) and en-suite, while the remaining bedrooms are served by a family bathroom. The layout lends itself well to family living, with scope for reconfiguration if desired.A notable feature of the property is the south-facing 4kW solar panel array, installed under the original Government feed-in tariff, with approximately 12 years remaining and producing around £1,800 per annum, in addition to reducing household electricity costs.OUTSIDEA wrought iron gated driveway offers extensive off road parking and leads to a detached double garage/cabin, which is heated and has a set of double doors, light, power and two windows to the side. This versatile space is constructed of 45mm treated Scandinavian pine and would make an ideal studio, games room or workshop, if desired.The raised lawn is bordered by stone walls and features a beautiful Acer tree. The remainder of the garden is enclosed by established trees, shrubs and planting. To the rear of the property, there is a public footpath giving access to walks over open fields which can take you down to the centre of Shepton Mallet as an alternative to walking down Bath Road.Planning permission, application number 2022/0078/HSE, was granted in 2022 (therefore recently lapsed) for a 9m x 6m barn/store, designed with cavity wall double-skin construction. A purchaser could reapply for permission.Lower Downside is conveniently situated on the northern outskirts of Shepton Mallet, close to fabulous rural walks. The popular market town of Shepton Mallet is located five miles east of Wells, England's smallest city. Both the City of Bristol and the picturesque City of Bath, a World Heritage Site, are located just 18 miles away and are easily accessible. Shepton Mallet offers a range of local amenities and facilities including a Tesco superstore and adjoining shopping complex, a lido, a good choice of pubs and restaurants, dentist and doctors’ surgeries, a church and both primary and secondary state schools. There are also many highly-regarded independent schools (Prep & Senior) within easy reach, such as All Hallows Prep School, Downside School, Wells Cathedral School and Millfield School. For those travelling by train, Castle Cary station (which has direct services to London Paddington) is situated only six miles away.