East Chinnock, between Crewkerne and Yeovil Guide Price £1,450,000

Courthayes dates back to around 1840, formerly known as 'The Laurels", and is one of the most prominent homes in the village's history. The property enjoys handsome Hamstone elevations under a slate tiled roof. It has been vastly improved in a sympathetic manner retaining all of its original charm alongside modern convenience. The main entrance to the property is from the parking area to the eastern side which accesses the welcoming and atmospheric reception hall. Here there is timber panelling, oak flooring, and an elegant oak staircase; as well as the novel addition of apples and pears upon the newel posts which pay homage to the Somerset setting.

On the southern side of the property, there are two reception rooms being the snug and drawing room. The drawing room was reconfigured during the Edwardian era when a hall and two smaller reception rooms were combined to provide the impressive 22' room we see today. The drawing room enjoys a lovely southerly aspect, and other features including ceiling beams, window seats, and a magnificent Hamstone fireplace with inset wood burning stove and storage within the alcoves. Sharing the southerly view, the snug room is a cosy living room which has a dual aspect and another wood burning stove set into a Hamstone fireplace.

The kitchen and breakfast rooms have been considerably altered, with the new improvements seamlessly complementing the exposed stone work, ceiling beams, and Blue Lias flooring. There are bespoke units fitted with Silestone worktops, and integral appliances including a Bertazzoni gas/electric range cooker, dishwasher, and fridge freezer. There is a central island with breakfast bar, and wine cooler. More formal dining is enjoyed in the adjoining dining room. Also on the ground floor, there is a cloakroom, a utility room, and a study which looks out to the westerly gardens.

Upstairs, there are four bedrooms arranged in a flexible layout with the principal and the first of the guest rooms taking in the lovely southerly views over the village and to the countryside beyond. The principal bedroom suite is of a similar size to the drawing room below, and is adjoined by additional facilities including a well-arranged dressing room, a walk-through en-suite bathroom and a separate WC - all finished to excellent standards. The further two bedrooms can be arranged as a completely separate wing, and they can be accessed from a separate staircase rising from the dining room. Within this wing there are two double bedrooms, and a bathroom of matching quality to the master. Above the first floor there is a large attic which could be converted to additional accommodation if desired with an easily accessible staircase already in place. The usual consents for conversion would be required.

Courthayes is set well back from the village road behind a stone wall and thick laurel hedgerow. The property occupies an raised position with the gardens gradually elevating above the village, and the views are spectacular at the top of the grounds. There are three main points of access into the grounds, with the main entrance through a set of wrought iron electric gates which open to an expansive parking area. A short way down the road, there is another entrance to the grounds with timber gates which could be reinstated to create a full drive-in drive-out driveway using the area between the house and wall for access. The third entrance is to the rear of the property, this driveway wraps round and leads to the barns and garages to the north of the house.

From the main parking area, a wide set of stone steps lead up to a formal lawn, surrounded by a high stone wall. Within the perimeter of the wall, there are deep borders planted with an immense variety of flowers which pass the baton to one another throughout the year to ensure a flourish of colour regardless of the season. Also within the walled garden, there is a pretty rose garden, and several mature trees including an extremely rare Goat Horn tree - one of only a handful within the country. The rest of the gardens include more lawned areas, thick borders and hedgerows, a pond, and vegetable garden.

Away from the house, to the north, there are two large barns arranged parallel to one another. Within the barns there are a total of six garages, a stable, tack room, and a store with a temperature controlled wine store. The two barns encompass around 2,500 sq. ft. and could be developed as holiday lets, ancillary accommodation or split entirely as one or more separate properties to the main house. Any developments would require the usual consents but the potential is clear. Within one of the garages, there is a fully functioning car lift, and various other items of mechanical paraphernalia which will be included within the sale. Above the barns, there is a lovely coppice area which has meandering pathways mown through the walks of poplar and lime with plenty of other mature trees and planting interspersed throughout. A green lane along the outer edge of the boundary is easily accessed from the house, meaning beautiful countryside walks are right on your doorstep.

Courthayes sits peacefully away from the road in the quaint village of East Chinnock, encompassed by untouched countryside offering splendid walking trails for miles. Nearby, the convenience of West Coker, just a 5-minute drive away, provides essential amenities including a primary school, a village shop, post office, butchers, two pubs, a doctor's surgery, and two petrol stations with attached convenience stores. The village, strategically positioned between the bustling market town of Crewkerne and the regional hub of Yeovil, ensures accessibility to various necessities. Transport options abound, with Yeovil Junction station offering direct routes to Waterloo (2 hours 19 minutes) and Exeter (1 hour 4 minutes), while Exeter, Bournemouth, and Bristol airports are all within a ninety-minute drive. Education is plentiful in the area, with a diverse selection of schools ranging from state-run to independent institutions. Notable among these are Perrott Hill (a mere 3.8 miles away), the prestigious Sherborne schools, Leweston, Hazelgrove, and Millfield, all within a 15-mile radius.

West Coker: 1.5 miles, Crewkerne: 4.5 miles, Yeovil town centre: 5 miles, Yeovil Junction station (Waterloo 2 hours 19 minutes & Exeter 1 hour 4 minutes): 5.5 miles, A303: 7.5 miles, Sherborne: 10 miles, Taunton/M5 (J25): 22 miles, Exeter Airport: 38 miles (Distances and times are approximate)

Mains water, drainage and electricity. Oil fired central heating. Calor gas for the Range cooker. Tenure: Freehold. Energy Performance Rating: F Council Tax Band: G

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.