Aley Cottage

Superb smallholding with equestrian facilities with c. 1.5 acres situated in a wonderful position within the Quantock Hills AONB

Position - In the first area in England of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Location - The Quantock Hills provide many opportunities for walking, mountain biking and horse riding. All of this can be undertaken from the doorstep with no need to encounter through roads unless desired. From the top of the hills, views can be enjoyed across to the nearby coast. A short walk within the Hamlet is the Quantock Lodge with swimming pool, gym and sports hall facilities where local hiking groups also meet. The Great Wood, a family favourite fun space is close by as well as the Foxy Bean café which attracts horse riders and mountain bikers as well as the general public catering to many dietary requirements and offering a stop off paddock for horses. Nether Stowey is nearby with post office, general stores, butchers, doctors surgery, library, hairdresser, public houses and inns. The County Town of Taunton is 11 miles to the south and offers a wider range of scholastic, shopping and social facilities and there are numerous state and private schools in the surrounding area including Kings College, Queens College and Taunton School as well as Wellington School nearby.

Description - Aley Cottage, believed to form part of the original manor to the village, is an attached cottage over three floors and has been upgraded by the current owner and has retained much of its original period features. An impressive equestrian facility is available at the cottage, providing accommodation for horses and ponies and is within easy reach of extensive outriding on offer with a network of trails and bridle pathway running through the Quantock Hills an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Accommodation - The accommodation includes an entrance porch with cloak storage and this leads through to an open plan farmhouse style kitchen/diner/family room. The kitchen is fitted with a number of bespoke handmade oak fitted wall and base units, including work surfaces which run along one side of the room. There is an integrated electric oven with halogen hob, integrated dishwasher and double Belfast sink. Spacious dining area enjoys views over the garden and beyond. The sitting area features a beautiful hand-carved oak fire surround and a mantle housing a wood fire stove with a beam over. There are exposed ceiling timbers and ceramic tile floor including underfloor heating which extends through into a pantry with a Rayburn cooker. Beyond the snug is a natural wood staircase to the far side of the room. A utility room provides additional storage space for washing machine/dryer and there is a further Belfast sink with under storage units. This continues to the front entrance to the cottage with an oil-fired burner at one end and a bathroom. To the first floor there is a principle bedroom with views over the front garden which includes a storage cupboard and natural wood flooring. Bedroom two includes shelving and additional under eaves storage. Bedroom three, is a single with storage and shelving with desk area to one side with Velux window. There is a family bathroom which has been recently upgraded to offer a contemporary design including an overhead shower, vanity unit and basin running along one side. On the second floor is a large fourth bedroom/sitting room set within the attic space, with Velux roof lights to one side, a fitted kitchenette, shower room and extensive storage.

Outside - The property is approached through a small country lane onto a no through private lane access. There is a double wooden gate which opens on to a front garden with main pathway leading to the front of the house. There is a cottage garden to the front and side of the property which incorporates lawn areas and is surrounded by established borders offering a wide selection of plants, trees and shrubs and an ornamental pond to one side. The pathway leads to the rear which in turn leads to a stable yard. A separate secure gated vehicle entrance leads to the yard and a covered area, ideal for a trailer or horse box. A substantial purpose-built building includes two loose boxes (one currently used as a workshop) and a feed/tack room, with external tap. Beyond is a large chicken run and coop, a concrete turning area with additional parking to the side completes the yard.

The Paddock - Leading along a private track directly opposite the cottage entrance gates follow through a pasture field via a double gated entrance into an impressive hardstanding and feed area. A recently added field shelter/stable includes two further loose boxes and a covered standing area to one side. A smaller field shelter and hay store is on the adjacent side. This opens out to a large turned out field with access which approaches 1.22 acres and is currently sub-divided into smaller paddock areas with a pony run to one side. Automatic water troughs, connected to the mains, feeds the hardstanding and field areas.

Services - Mains water and electricity. Private draining. Oil fired central heating

Directions - Proceed out of Taunton and follow the signs to Nether Stowey, opposite Over Stowey Cricket Ground turn left and follow the signs to Aley, follow this road taking the first turning left as signposted Quantock Lodge. Proceed up an no through road. Follow this road and take the first turning right and proceed up the hill where the entrance of Aley Cottage can be found at the very end on the right-hand side.



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