Foddington Lane, North Barrow Guide Price £2,950,000

In recent years, Higher Farm has been extended and considerably improved with the addition of a Coach House and Clock Tower, as well as additional accommodation and garaging which adds to the allure of the original majestic 19th Century farmhouse. The surrounding 8 acres have been meticulously maintained, and also much improved with many trees having been planted within the last 20 years, furthering the privacy and creating a wonderful parkland feel. The property is set well back from the quiet countryside lane, with electric gates opening to a tree lined driveway which leads up to the main house. With a symmetrical facade built of Blue Lias stone and a slate roof above, Higher Farm is a distinctive and handsome property enhanced by a flowering wisteria climbing over the front porch. Despite the extent of the improvements, the house retains all of its charm and enjoys many features throughout including flagstone flooring, sash windows, and window shutters.

The front door enters into a lobby area which subsequently leads into a welcoming entrance hall. Either side of the hall there are light and airy reception rooms and a study. The drawing room is a capacious living room measuring nearly 29ft. There is a focal limestone fireplace with an inset wood burner, and a dual aspect which like almost every outlook from the property takes in the lovely views of the surrounding grounds. The study sits at the front of the property, commanding a view back up the driveway across the front garden. Adjacent, the dining room has a characterful feel, with the splendid flagstone floor tiles, and beautiful sash windows with window shutters. The kitchen is positioned centrally within the house, with French doors opening out to a sun trap courtyard by the swimming pool. There are shaker style kitchen units, granite worktops, an oil fired Aga, separate electric oven and hob, plus a central island with an inset secondary basin. In addition, there is a useful pantry for extra storage. Adjacent to the kitchen, there is a utility room housing the boiler, and a cloakroom. Also adjoining the courtyard is the sitting room which has an impressive vaulted ceiling, oak floorboards, and an electric log effect fire. Light floods the room through full-height windows facing out to the south and west. A rear hall/boot room connects the access from the parking area to the house. Off the hall there is a ground floor shower room and sauna, a wine store, and stairs leading up to a first floor family room which could also provide additional sleeping accommodation if required.

On the first floor of the house there are six double bedrooms, a loo, airing cupboard, and three bath/shower rooms. The master bedroom suite is well away from the other rooms giving a lovely feel of privacy and exclusivity, including a large bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, bathroom and ample additional storage. The bathroom off the master bedroom is finished to a high standard, including a bath, separate shower, w/c, bidet, and twin basins. The guest bedroom also has en-suite facilities and a built-in wardrobe.

At the entrance to the property, an electric gate with intercom access is set within an impressive set of stone pillars. The opening gates tease the superb view down the driveway which has carefully planted trees lining either side. The driveway passes the house and ends within a courtyard formed by the house, garaging and coach house to the eastern side of the property. There is a triple garage adjoining the house, and five further garages within the coach house; several of which would make excellent workshops.

Stone cobbles wrap around the coach house and discreet hedging offers privacy from the house itself. There are stairs at the back which rise to the staff apartment. This fully self-contained annexe has a living area with kitchenette, and a bedroom with adjoining shower room. The living and kitchen area has a vaulted ceiling above with exposed beams and Velux windows filling the room with natural light. In addition to the maturing trees alongside the drive, there is a beautiful cypress walkway in front of the house, furthering the satisfying symmetry of the facade. There are more trees planted around the perimeter including silver birch, oak and chestnut to name a few.

Enjoying a sun trap westerly position with complete privacy, the swimming pool is equipped with a retractable cover and provision for heating. By the swimming pool, there is a lovely courtyard with a BBQ area and plenty of room for seating. A side gate connects to the walled front garden which is beautifully landscaped with a manicured lawn, attractive stone tiling and deep borders filled with mature flowers and shrubbery. Just outside the walls of a side garden by the pool, there is a Nordic barbecue hut, and a detached stone store. The rest of the grounds are a mix of grassy paddock and meadow land, ideally suited for equestrian use and if desired, the garaging within the coach house could be converted to stabling. The property totals around 8 acres.

North Barrow is a small rural village in rolling unspoilt countryside. The village is on a national cycle route, has many local footpaths from the door, a children’s park & village hall for social activities. Castle Cary, the nearest town, is characterised by period buildings constructed of the distinctive honey coloured stone for which the area is well known. It remains a delightful small market town with a weekly market, a number of traditional shops, boutiques & eateries within a Conservation Area in which a policy of strict planning control operates to prevent inappropriate development. These shops cater for everyday needs whilst Bruton, Glastonbury, Street, Wells, Frome, Wincanton, Sherborne and Yeovil are all close by and Salisbury, Taunton, Bath and Bristol are within easy commuting distance.

Castle Cary has a railway station with direct line to Paddington (90 minutes), Bristol/Bath (75min) or Sherborne is just 8 miles south with a direct line to Waterloo. The A303 road link is just over 2 miles south. “The Newt in Somerset” nearby is home to beautiful countryside walks and gardens set in the grounds of a Georgian country estate. Within the estate there are an Hotel & Spa, Farm shop, restaurants and house & garden shop. There are excellent state and independent schools in the area including Hazlegrove, Sherborne, Bruton, Millfield and Port Regis. On the sporting side there are several golf courses nearby, various equestrian activities including racing at Wincanton and Bath and many other societies and clubs for a huge cross section of activities.

Mains water, and electricity. Private drainage. Oil fired central heating. Tenure: Freehold. Energy Performance Rating: Council Tax Band: E Important Notice 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. 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.

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. 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.