Mill Close

Mill close is a truly magical period house set in approx. eight acres of land in the pretty village of Lovington. Dating from the early 18th century, this remarkable single storey thatched house has been extended over the years and now offers spacious and flexible accommodation. The gardens were designed by Simon Johnson, a notable protégé of Penelope Hobhouse, and are simply stunning… set in the midst of the Somerset countryside, it is a rural idyl yet just a stone's throw away from Castle Cary and all the amenities that this popular market town has to offer.



The house is approached through a pretty front garden that sits in the shadow of a magnificent and rare weeping Ash tree. A seasoned stone pathway culminates in front of an aged 18th century elm front door that sits beneath a beautiful thatched porch. A fine reception hall retains significant charm with oak beams that straddle the ceiling, exposed timber floors and a handsome stone fireplace. Two internal doors open to the sitting room that also comes with a stone fireplace and a charming window seat. From the hall are two further rooms that have recently acted as bedrooms but could be put to a variety of uses. One has doors that open directly to the garden.



To the rear of the house, a hall runs to two further bedrooms (one with en suite bathroom), a shower room, utility room and cloakroom. The en-suite bathroom is furnished with high end, traditional fixtures and fittings, a chrome heated towel rail and built in shelving along one wall. One of the bedrooms features a pretty flight of stairs that rise to a mezzanine floor.



Beyond the hall is a study that in turn leads to the kitchen/diner housed in a later extension and with direct access to a pretty terrace outside. The kitchen is warmed by an attractive wood burning stove and features a ‘Falcon’ range cooker and timber work tops. All the rooms have beautiful views of the garden and the sight of pretty windows that peep out from beneath the thatch is charming. Whilst the existing layout throughout works well, there is significant scope to reconfigure the current arrangement and allow its new owner to maximise this house’s significant potential.



Outside

The gardens are truly stunning and define this beautiful property. Magnificent, 25 year old Beech hedges have been planted in perfect lines to create gardens within gardens. Rows of mature Fastigiata hornbeam trees frame a picturesque glade. Pretty arches sculptured within the hedging offer picture perfect views back to the house. Elsewhere, post and rail fencing form the boundaries for two paddocks that could be home to a variety of livestock. The blossom that embellishes a multitude of crab apple trees is a magnificent display. One of the highlights of the landscape is an enchanting 2 acre wood planted with a wide variety of trees that include oak, ash and beech – this would be a splendid place to go glamping. Closer to the house, a gravelled terrace offers the perfect place to enjoy a BBQ on a summer’s evening whilst a trio of pear trees lend shade to the lawns. Formal gardens of such beauty are rare and are truly a haven of peace and tranquillity.



Situation

Mill close is situated in the pretty village of Lovington just 3 miles south of Castle Cary, a bustling town with many attractive and historic buildings including its 19th century Market house and the 18th century Roundhouse. The main street offers an assortment of individual shops, cafes, restaurants and delicatessens. Market day falls on a Tuesday where fish, organic vegetables and homemade breads are sold on the cobbles in front of the Market House. The Newt in Somerset is close by and was recently described by the Telegraph as ‘one of the most exceptional country house hotels Britain has seen' . The gardens are open to the public and visitors are welcome to walk through amazing woodland gardens and to dine in the restaurants and cafes. Good local pubs include the Red lion in Babcary and the Alhampton Inn in Alhampton.



There is an excellent local bakery in the village and a choice of supermarkets are not far away in Wincanton and Shepton Mallet. Also close is the fashionable town of Bruton with several well-known restaurants, pubs and bars including “At the Chapel” and “The Roth Bar” at the world-renowned Hauser & Wirth Gallery. The town also has a doctor’s surgery, pharmacy, vet, post office, several mini supermarkets, a fuel station and numerous independent shops. For further shopping and recreational activities Frome, Bath, Bristol, Wells are all within an hour’s drive.



Schools

Lovington Primary school is within walking distance and is rated as "Good" by Ofsted and Ansford secondary school is situated in Castle Cary. There are excellent local independent schools nearby that include Hazelgrove, Millfield School, King’s School Bruton, Bruton School for Girls and also the state owned boarding school - Sexey's. The popular Brue Farm day nursery is also in Lovington and within walking distance.



The A303 a few miles south provides a direct route to London via the M3 and there is a new fast train rail service from Castle Cary to London Paddington (approx. 1hr 25mins). Airports in Bristol and Exeter offer connections within the UK, Europe and beyond.



Directions

From Castle Cary head south on the B3153 (through Alford) for 2.6 miles. Turn right and continue for 0.2 miles – Mill Close is on the right hand side.



Postcode BA7 7PS

What three words: comments.prance.instructs



Services

Mains electricity water and drainage, oil.



Council Tax Band F



Local Authority - Mendip district Council



Tenure

Freehold



Every care has been taken with the preparation of these details, in accordance with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, but complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. If there is any point, which is of particular importance to you, please obtain professional confirmation. Alternatively, we will be pleased to check the information. These details do not constitute a contract or part of a contract. All measurements quoted are approximate. Photographs are provided for general information and cannot be inferred that any item shown is included in the sale. The fixtures, fittings & appliances have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. No guarantee can be given with regard to planning permissions or fitness for purpose. Energy Performance Certificates are available on request.



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