Central Wells Guide Price £460,000

A spacious period townhouse, Grade ll listed, with bags of character, a mature, manageable walled garden and a very convenient location, just off the High Street. Bridge House includes a hall, 3 reception rooms (sitting room, living room and dining room), kitchen, shower room and on the first floor, 3 bedrooms and bathroom. At the rear of the house an attractive courtyard garden and sizeable garden studio.

The lease is for 400 years from 1751 with a peppercorn rent and unknown freeholders. In such circumstances a tenant may apply to the County Court to acquire the freehold. Potential buyers are advised to take their own legal advice on this point prior to purchase

St John Street is an historic lane in the heart of Wells near the High Street. The houses are varied period properties reflecting the character of England’s smallest and very beautiful Cathedral City, with Grade 1 listed St John’s Priory setting the tone. All the facilities of Wells are within walking distance.

St. John’s Priory had a mill on this site utilizing St. Andrew’s stream which runs from the wells of the Bishop’s Palace. Bridge House is Grade ll listed, thought to date from at least the 17th Century, and probably has earlier origins. It’s an attractive building with a rendered and painted southerly elevation, a pantile roof and a central 4 panel door set in a doorway with Tuscan pilasters. The house has been extended and altered over the years and has a cross passage design restructured in the Victorian period with a staircase rising to the first-floor landing lit by a lancet style window with stained glass panes.

The history of the property is reflected in the fabric of the building with Victorian (mainly cast iron) fireplaces with decorative tiles, cornice moulding, sash windows and original pine timberwork. As well as period features the house offers well balanced accommodation with a central flagstone hallway running front to back.

The front door opens into a porch with a door into the hall. This is flanked by a sitting room to the left and a larger living room to the right which has timber flooring, an open stone fireplace with a fire basket and hood and a door into a small, shelved storeroom (perhaps previously a garderobe?) Further into the house is a dining room, again with a fireplace, and the kitchen. This has fitted units, sink, an oven, hob, a gas fired Rayburn range with a boiler and a pantry. Off the kitchen is a shower room with a basin, unit, space for a washing machine and beyond a tiled lavatory and shower area.

Natural light floods in through the beautiful stain glassed window on the landing. This combined with the antique timber flooring and the unique design of the landing creates a very attractive and unusual space. There are 3 bedrooms and a large family bathroom. The main front bedroom is spacious, 18ft. wide with 2 windows and a fireplace. The second bedroom has a fireplace and the third a garden view. The bathroom has an airing cupboard, basin, lavatory and a bath with a shower above.

At the rear of the house is a mature, stonewalled garden with water and electricity, a large, paved terrace, a brick paved pathway, mature trees and shrubs (mainly evergreen) and a large garden room/studio with electricity. To the side of the garden, in a deep channel, is the stream. The gentle sound of the tumbling stream provides an enchanting and relaxing soundscape that must be good for the soul.

Leasehold. The lease is for 400 years from 1751 with a peppercorn rent and unknown freeholders. In such circumstances a tenant may apply to the County Court to acquire the freehold (approx 2 years). Potential buyers are advised to take their own legal advice on this point prior to purchase Grade ll listed within a Conservation area. EPC exempt. Council Tax Band D. Mains services and gas central heating. Gas fired Rayburn.

Wells is the smallest city in England (population about 11,000) lying in beautiful countryside between the Somerset Levels and the Mendip Hills – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wells medieval centre has local markets twice a week, good restaurants, a thriving high street and many important ancient buildings, including the Cathedral and moated Bishops Palace and gardens. There are four major supermarkets on the edge of the city. Wells Leisure Centre has the usual facilities of gym and swimming pool to add to Wells Rugby Club, Tennis club, Bowling club and Golf course. There are also various public parks and footpaths leading to open countryside and the Mendip Hills (aonb).

Throughout the year Wells hosts festivals for Music, Literature, Art and Food, and has twinned links with Burgundy, the Rhineland and Northern Italy. There are many societies and clubs for those who would like to join a diverse social community. The major towns of the area, Bristol, Bath, Taunton and Yeovil are all within commuting distance. There are excellent state & independent schools in the area which include several good primary schools, Wells Blue School, Strode College, Wells Cathedral School, Downside, All Hallows and Millfield.

Wells is a transport hub for bus services, including daily services to London. Main line trains run from Castle Cary and Bristol International Airport is 35 minutes’ drive away.

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.