Stoodly Barn

DESCRIPTION A beautifully appointed linked two-storey barn conversion in an elevated position in the hamlet of Worminster, just south of the Mendip Hills, built to a high specification in 2013, with stunning rural un-spoilt, far-reaching views.

In brief, the extensive accommodation includes an entrance hall, kitchen/dining room, sitting room, 4 double bedrooms, 2 en-suite bathrooms and family bathroom, utility room and WC on the ground floor. Downstairs is a conservatory, study, gym, cinema room, steam room and sauna. On the hillside outside is a self-contained summer house (with further shower room) and two garages and a garden storeroom. Stoodly Barn is approached via a gravel driveway has ample parking for several vehicles and the grounds amount to 3 acres.

This former agricultural building was built in an L-shape and has been improved and extended by the current owners to include a unique glass atrium used as a working office plus trifold doors and Velux windows which allows natural light to flood the house on both levels. The barn perfectly combines period features and contemporary style to create a warm and bright family home.

A path leads up to the welcoming glazed entrance. To the left through a Japanese style wooden sliding door is a comfortable sitting room with feature exposed stone walls and vaulted ceilings with 'A' frame timbers and a fireplace with log burner with fitted bookshelves to either side. A French window overlooks the front garden and there are Velux windows in the ceiling.

Beyond this are two double bedrooms with high vaulted ceilings with beams, lovely views, as well as plenty of built-in cupboard space. These are serviced by a luxury family bathroom. At the end of the wing is the master bedroom with French doors leading out onto the garden with en suite wet room with 'Japanese' WC and 'his and hers' basins.

To the other side of the hall is the magnificent kitchen/dining room, upgraded in 2021 with a central island unit and semi-circular seating around a round table with feature integral LED lighting. This faces onto the 6 panel bifold doors with in-laid pleated blinds to the south with 'brise soleil' sun reflector blinds. Beyond is the simply stunning view over the fields into the valley beyond. This is a wonderful spot to sit and watch the changing light and seasons. The luxury kitchen has a wide range of bespoke Charles York Lay on Rio fitted units and Miele appliances include four electric ovens including 2 double ovens with steam oven and microwave/combinations, an induction hob, a Bora Pro teppanyaki hotplate, a downdraught extraction fan, dishwasher, and American style fridge/freezer. The worktops are of Corian & Quartz and the sink has a Quooker tap with filtered/boiling water features.

There are air-conditioning units to the kitchen and reception room which provide for cool and warm air. The heating throughout the house is underfloor.

Beyond the kitchen is a WC and utility room with fitted units, sink and A-rated Worcester Bosch boiler. A staircase leads down to the gym at the lower floor.

There is another bright double bedroom at this end of the barn which has French doors to the terrace as well as full width glass doors leading to the impressive atrium beyond. This bedroom has a separate walk-in wardrobe and bathroom with bath and separate shower.

From the lofty atrium landing there are spiral steps leading down the lower ground level, which has been built by the present owners. At the bottom of the stairs, the flexible accommodation, bathed in natural light, is used as a study area. Through a set of French windows beyond is a spacious gym. This leads through to a corridor off which are a sauna and steam room/shower/WC.

Finally, at the end of the property is a cinema room with a large screen, surround sound speaker system, concealed ambient lighting, fitted storage cupboards, and an air recovery system. A cupboard houses the communication systems (Sonos sound system, Skybox, Starlink broadband controller, etc).

Outside

Stoodly Barn is approached via a shared drive with 2 other barns. This leads to a private parking area and double garage (electric garage doors) with workshop. A paved path leads to the front door with lawned gardens to either side. The gardens have a wide array of mature shrubs, a decked area for barbecues and extend to three sides of the property. On the hillside behind the barn is a Cedar wood summer house, which was recently built, approached via steps with sensor lighting and which commands breath-taking south facing views from the bifold doors to the front. This contains a studio room with kitchen area, shower room and underfloor heating. It boasts a grassed sedum roof and a planted living wall and the terrace in front provides the perfect spot from which to enjoy peaceful, uninterrupted views over the countryside. The boundary of the property is planted with blackthorn and hawthorn hedging, providing privacy.

Location

Tucked away in a tranquil part of rural Somerset, Stoodly Barn is within easy distance of the village of North Wootton with a church and village hall and further amenities are available in nearby Pilton. The market town of Shepton Mallet and the cathedral city of Wells are both under 3 miles away.
There is an excellent selection of schools. Independent schools include Cathedral School, All Hallows, Millfield Senior and Prep School. State sector schools include The Blue School in Wells and The Tor School in Glastonbury.

Wells and Shepton Mallet have direct bus services to Bristol Temple Meads rail station; Castle Cary rail station is only 7-miles away with a direct line to London, Paddington and Bristol International Airport is only 15-miles away.

Further information
- Freehold
- Mendip District Council - Band G
- Photovoltaic panels which provide a c.£400 annual return from the energy company
- Solar thermal panels
- Private water and water softener
- Private drainage
- Air conditioner/heating unit for reception sitting room and kitchen/dining room
- Pipe installed for possible air source heat pump if required
- Intruder alarm and exterior security camera which is linked to an App
- EPC rating B reflecting the efficiency of the heating and insulation
- Broadband - Starlink
- Electric charging point for Tesla in garage.
 

SELLER INSIGHT Set snugly in the surrounding landscape, this spectacular home combines the features of the old barn with exquisite contemporary architectural additions. The use of glass throughout the home brings the outdoors in and takes full advantage of the sweeping countryside views that surround this property. It was these views that captivated the current owners when they came to view the property for the first time.

It was through word of mouth that they discovered that this newly renovated barn was for sale, and it seemed to offer them everything that they desired. The location was important, as their child was attending Millfield School, and this home is close to transport links including, Castle Cary station & Bristol airport yet in the most tranquil of settings. All the properties they had seen previously that seemed to fit their criteria had required major renovation, and they wanted something they could move straight into. This home combined charming old features, such as the beams and exposed stone walls, with modern design and many eco additions that were important to them.

This property has an energy efficiency rating of B, thanks to the thought and planning that has gone into designing this home, a level of careful consideration has been continued in the work that the current owners have undertaken. Some of the features include excellent insulation, solar thermal heating, solar PVs that generate annual returns of £400+, underfloor heating, a sedum roof on the summer house, water bore holes and a log fire.

Of course, after moving in the owners wanted to put their own stamp on it: "we upgraded the aesthetics and created a home that worked for our family. We were extremely lucky during lockdown as we had absolutely everything here - the cinema room, gym, sauna, the paddock and home office."

The spiral staircase leads to the home office, which is flooded with light thanks to the atrium-style windows above. "It's a great place to work and very quiet as it is well insulated; the business of family life can be going on upstairs but it feels worlds away. The cinema room is another favourite space of mine, it is where we enjoy spending evenings together as a family."

For his wife, the best spot in the house has to be the kitchen, because of that view! "I love spending time in the kitchen. The round table in front of the island looks out across the gardens and the countryside beyond. You can be cooking and still feel an integral part of whatever else is happening in the room. Like a living painting, you can see the passing of the seasons from this room and throughout the house - I will miss this, and seeing the murmuration of the starlings creating captivating patterns in the sky."

"There is a peacefulness to living here. I have enjoyed designing the garden and we took care in selecting bushes and plants that give us different colours throughout the year. Even though it is secluded, you feel secure; as it is located in a hamlet, there are people close by and you can still be part of a community when you wish."

There is a pub about a mile away, and you can access all the amenities you need in Wells and the market town of Shepton Mallet, including a lido. Beacon Hill Woods provides a wonderful walk and is a fascinating place to visit, as it combines archaeological features with stunning scenery. A good local school is Wells Cathedral School, which is one of only five specialist musical schools for school-age children in the UK.

The barn is blessed with wonderful outside spaces, from the more formal garden with its lawn and thoughtful planting, to the paddock. The paddock is also home to the summer house, perfectly placed to take in the views, you can imagine relaxing there on a summer's afternoon enjoying a drink on its terrace with the scenery providing the entertainment. The land is ideally suited to those who have a horse or other pets; the neighbour's land is very much enjoyed by their dogs who love running and playing. The two large double garages and drive provide a wealth of parking.

There were certain words that the owners used many times when talking about their much-loved property and these were peace, quiet and tranquillity. On viewing this home, you will immediately feeling yourself relaxing; there is a sense of calm that takes over you and when you see the views, we know you will not want to leave.


Marketed by: Fine & Country Wells and Chew Valley, Wells