Halse, Taunton, Somerset, TA4

THE AGENT SAYS... A rare opportunity has arisen to acquire an exceptionally attractive Grade II * Somerset farmhouse that has become available for sale for the first time in over 60 years. The property occupies a particularly enviable position located on the outskirts of the desirable rural village of Halse. It is found along a no through lane set within an idyllic setting surrounded by breathtaking countryside towards the Quantock Hills (AONB) with the attractive undulating Brendon Hills seen to the other side. Whilst the property now requires a degree of renovation and upgrade, the rooms are of a good size and are exceptionally light. Stoford House has immense charm and character and is of special architectural interest steeped in local history. Believed to date back to the 15th century the property retains many fascinating features evident within the interior and exterior of this charming house. Constructed using a combination of stone and cobb with plaster render and whitewash. A thatched roof over includes pretty gabled and half-hipped ends having recently undergone a maintenance and part refurbishment. The property is entered through an outer porch with WC off to one side. Following through an original studded plank door into a cross-passage hall. A further studded door seen to the far end opens out to the cottage garden with a thatched bonnet outer porch. There are three main reception rooms which are seen either side of the hall. To the far end a sitting room featuring a central brick surround open fire and hearth. A pretty leaded light window with seating looks out to the garden. Exposed ceiling timbers add charm and character. This in turn leads through into the drawing room, with a key architectural feature being a moulded cross beam plaster ceiling. Within the design are beautiful plaster mouldings of oak leaves, rosettes and strapwork motifs. A large inglenook fireplace with a central open fire with copper hood and an oak beam over. Above this further a plaster moulded frieze with oak leaf and diagonal strip flower spays. A leaded light window with seating looks out to the garden. An inner door to the side gives access to a secondary staircase rising up to an inner landing. To the other side of the hall is a dining room with dual aspect allowing an abundance of light in. A central feature to this room is a further inglenook fireplace housing a large open fireplace with copper hood over. Above a Bressumer beam stretching across. A bread oven is set within it. To the left side is a small nook (once a curing chamber) with a small, pointed arch window. To the other side a doorway opens into a former corn-drying kiln. An inner lobby with the main solid oak tread staircase spirals up to the principal bedroom. The kitchen/breakfast room includes a simple range of wall and base oak units providing storage with preparation space over. Beyond is an area used for informal dining. Access to the side leads out to the front courtyard and parking area. An inner door opens into the attached single garage with power and lighting. On the first floor the principal bedroom is spacious and light with elevated views looking out on to glorious countryside. Exposed ceiling timbers are evident with a range of built in wardrobe storage seen to one side with loft access overhead. Bedroom 2 is a further double which is spacious and light with further exposed ceiling and wall timbers evident and an attractive original panelled door. There are two further smaller bedrooms and a family bathroom. Additional eves wardrobe storage is located along the landing. GARDENS AND GROUNDS Stoford House occupies an enviable position found along a no thru lane on the outskirts of the desirable village of Halse. The property enjoys outstanding views of the Quantock Hills and is surrounded by glorious open countryside. The main entrance to the house opens into a courtyard setting with turning and parking for several cars. Access to the side for an attached single garage. The main garden is entered through a side gate following a pathway along to the main garden area. Pretty pathways and established borders are filled with an array of roses and herbaceous planting offering colour and interest throughout the year. Established ornamental trees and shrubs provide a degree of protection and shade. Lawned areas are central to the garden to feature an attractive well with thatched hood over. Beyond a pathway continues to a small post and railed paddock which runs along the far boundary of the garden. Agents Note. There is a further parcel of land, amounting to 0.22 acres adjoining the paddock with lane access that may be available by separate negotiation. A further garage may also be available by separate negotiation. SITUATION Stoford House is found on the outskirts of this favoured village of Halse. Halse is found approximately 6 miles northwest of the county town of Taunton and lies within attractive surroundings between the Quantock and Brendon Hills with wonderful views surrounding the village. There is an abundance of footpaths that enjoy the superb landscape of the surrounding area. Situated nearby is the highly successful community owned village pub, (The New Inn) that offers excellent food and a wonderful opportunity to socialise and immerse yourself in the vibrant village. In addition, there is the village Parish church and village hall. Local facilities are available at Bishops Lydeard about 2 miles away including a mini supermarket, garage services and health centre, whilst the county town is an easy drive some 10 to 15 minutes away by car with a wide range of shopping, recreational and scholastic facilities. Taunton enjoys excellent communication links to the rest of the UK with M5 interchange (Junction 25) and fast rail service to London, Paddington. SERVICES Oil fired central heating, mains electricity, water, septic tank. LOCAL AUTHORITY Somerset County Council Tax band G ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE EPC exempt. Agent's Note. There is a further parcel of land (0.22 acres) adjoining the paddock with lane access that may be available by separate negotiation. A further garage may be available by separate negotiation.