Hastings Cross

Our team are honoured to bring to market this extraordinary and versatile 4 bedroom detached barn conversion, additional 1 bedroom annexe, detached garage, occupying almost 3.5 acres of south-facing gardens and paddock in a rural/semi-rural private and highly exclusive setting.

A remarkable and unique opportunity to acquire this four-bedroom barn conversion with an additional one-bedroom annexe and detached garage, all set within almost 3.5 acres of level grounds and gardens in the exclusive hamlet of Hastings. In brief, the property comprises an entrance hall, dining room, sitting room, utility, WC, kitchen/dining room, garden room, study, ensuite bedroom to the ground floor, with a further three bedrooms, two of which are ensuite, and a family bathroom to the first floor.
Originally a derelict cider barn rebuilt in 1990, the present owners have extensively and meticulously renovated Hastings Cross to its current immaculate condition over a 5-year project completed in 2019.The property exudes quality from the outset, offering the very finest of modern-day living throughout. The renovation has stayed true to the roots of this property by retaining some of the original features, including flagstone flooring, beams, original barn door frame, and even the old cider barn wheel, whilst employing only local tradesmen to undertake the entire project.
With nearly 3,000 sq ft of accommodation, this really is the perfect entertaining house and will appeal to those who love to host friends and family. The internal space is noticeably light and airy with a purposeful and well-designed “flow”. The sitting room is a luxurious space to unwind and leads into the intimate dining room, ideal for those who enjoy hosting dinner parties. The heart of this home, and perhaps the most majestic spot to enjoy the endless views of the grounds and countryside, is the excellent kitchen/dining room, featuring a partly vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and skylights. Bi-folding doors lead from the kitchen onto the patio area of the garden, seamlessly merging inside with out.
The garden room has been specifically designed to maximise the views—a super space to watch the seasons unfold. There is also a designated study for those needing to work from home, and the fourth bedroom to the ground floor will be of note for those who want the ability to enjoy single storey living. Intriguingly and rather ingeniously, there is the option to integrate the garden room, study and bedroom into one self-contained apartment—perfect multi-generational living. All three bedrooms to the first floor are generous doubles, with the larger two enjoying the luxury of their own ensuites with underfloor heating and elevated countryside views to the rear. The third bedroom is serviced by the family shower room which also has underfloor heating. Hastings Cross is a wonderful home, ideal for families and those wanting idyllic, semi-rural life with excellent communication links.

ANNEXE
This fully renovated and well-appointed one bedroom annexe is tucked away in a secluded area of the garden, benefiting from its own access and patio. It will appeal to those looking for an income stream, holiday cottage and/or further accommodation for guests. It could also serve a multitude of purposes including gym, work space and/or business premises (subject to consents) It currently doubles up as an office and an entertaining space—set up as the owners’ very own “Garden Pub”.

THE GARAGE
An attractive building that offers a significant amount of flexibility depending on one’s needs. For car enthusiasts it’s a dry and substantial area in which to store vehicles. For those with pets, it’s a practical space with a purpose-built dog shower and enclosed washing/grooming area. Given its scale and proportions there is also the very real possibility of creating an additional annexe, subject to the necessary consents

Hastings is a small hamlet midway between Broadway and Ashill, in an area of natural beauty, set well away from all main roads. Local facilities nearby include the Flying Fish public house in Windmill Hill, local shop/post office/pub in Horton (1.5miles) and primary schools in Ashill and Broadway. Ilminster 5 miles, Chard 8 miles, County Town of Taunton 9 miles with its M5 motorway connection and mainline rail link to London. The County Town of Somerset has an excellent shopping centre, outstanding schools both in the state and the independent sector and a wide range of sporting facilities. Taunton is also the home of the Somerset County Cricket Club. The area has excellent walking, golfing and riding opportunities, both locally and within the nearby Quantocks, Exmoor and the Blackdown hills. The World Heritage Jurassic coastline with its popular resorts is just 30 minutes away by car.

Occupying a hugely favourable, private and secluded position, Hastings Cross can be found on the edge of this exclusive hamlet, surrounded by some of Somerset’s finest countryside. Set well back from a quiet country lane, the private driveway sweeps past a lawn with apple, pear and cherry trees to the front of the house, giving access to parking for numerous cars. The majority of the 3.4 acres can be found to the rear and faces due south. The formal gardens include an area of patio, softened by mature shrubs and colourful flora. In warmer weather it is reminiscent of a Mediterranean terrace, perfect for alfresco dining and entertaining. There is a luxurious 7-seater Jacuzzi hot tub, with views across the garden and as far as Ilminster. Beyond this lies a level lawn with a gravel driveway giving access to the garage, annexe and paddock. The paddock, with its large selection of specimen trees, opens up its own possibilities, especially for those looking to keep animals and those craving a taste of the good life. The views are sensational and stretch as far as Ilminster and the Blackdown Hills. The current owners have created a designated vegetable garden, with raised beds and a greenhouse for the green-fingered enthusiast, and there is ample storage in the three large sheds. Hastings Cross must be seen in person to fully appreciate all that it encompasses.

Marketed by: Greenslade Taylor Hunt, Ilminster