6 bedroom house

East Lambrook Farm is an elegant, detached former dairy farm house built in the late 1600s, and is justifiably Listed Grade II of architectural or historical importance.

Constructed of mellow hamstone under a thatched roof, this gracious house has much to offer, with a number of original features remaining, such as mullioned windows, working fireplaces, chamfered ceiling beams, window seats and some flagstone floors.

Quietly situated in the heart of the village, East Lambrook Farm has views over its delightful well-stocked gardens but in addition has the benefit of a detached two-bedroom cottage providing circa 1216 sq ft of generous ancillary accommodation ideal for dependent relatives, staff, or to provide a letting income.

The main house is accessed via an oak front door which leads into a charming open entrance hall, off which is the wonderfully atmospheric dining hall, perfect for entertaining, with exposed ceiling beams, window seat and a working hamstone corner fireplace with wood burning stove. A door leads to the discreet cloakroom and a further door opens to the useful butler’s pantry with sink, wall and base units.

Following on from the dining hall is the impressive drawing room with fitted timber book cases, plus an attractive stone fireplace with inset wood burning stove providing a central focal point and ensuring a cosy atmosphere. This lovely room is large enough for parties and extensive family gatherings, where the period feel comes to the fore. Its triple aspect affords views over the delightful gardens. French doors give direct access to a private south facing walled garden and terrace. However, light the fire and draw the curtains and this beautiful room becomes a wonderful private retreat.

Off the entrance hall is the sitting room with an impressive inglenook fireplace with a mighty bressummer beam over. Again, this is a generous room with a lovely period feel, with window seats and views over the gardens. Following on is the kitchen/breakfast room with a good range of painted timber wall and base units with recessed pantry, slot in dishwasher, plus space and plumbing for an American style fridge/freezer. There is even a two-oven oil Aga (cream) to keep you warm! Further cooking facilities are provided by a Belling 3 oven electric cooker with induction hob. A part glazed door opens to the kitchen garden. A further door leads to the butler’s pantry.

Off the kitchen is the useful boot room with new boiler, ample space for coats and boots, plus a part-glazed door which leads to the parking area. From here a door opens to the utility room with space and connection for a washing machine, tumble dryer and fridge/freezer. There is further storage space, currently used to store wine, plus a walk-in shelved pantry with rear window.

Back to the hallway, oak stairs rise to the first-floor landing, where, as on the ground floor, period features abound. There are four bedrooms, all west facing and all with lovely views over the garden. To the north side of the house, the landing splits and gives access to bedroom two, with fitted wardrobes and a fitted dressing table area with shelving above. Following on is the double aspect family bathroom with shower, bath, airing cupboard, a separate WC and a recessed shelved storage cupboard. The landing then extends to the south side of the house off which is bedroom three, with fitted wardrobes and bedroom four. At the end is the principal bedroom with fitted wardrobes and steps which lead down to a dressing room and well fitted en-suite bathroom with double shower cubicle.

The property is approached from the village lane via a gated private driveway which leads to a turning and parking area in front of the garages.

The delightful gardens are completely secluded and enclosed, having been lovingly nurtured over the years to provide a truly private and serene place to while away the afternoon. A variety of richly planted well-stocked flowering borders and mature shrubs provide year-round interest and colour. There are many mature trees including two magnificent magnolias, a towering gingko tree, majestic conifers, flowering cherry and several fruit trees including pear, apple, mulberry, plum and walnut, which provide form, definition and shade. A beautiful lilac wisteria adorns the old stone wall which borders the driveway and encloses a further private south facing garden where there is a pond and paved area leading to the drawing room. Three varieties of quince adorn the front of the house along with an ancient red climbing rose over the front door.

To the front of the house is a substantial manicured lawn bordered by laurel hedging and a low stone wall. At the top end, a wrought iron pergola heavy with climbing roses provides the perfect place for alfresco dining. Adjacent is a beautifully planted rose garden with Italian cypress accents. Accessed from the boot room is another paved seating area, where there is an attractive hamstone water feature providing soothing sounds of running water, perfect to enjoy evening drinks and to catch the setting sun.

Off the parking area is a further area of lawn accessed via double wrought iron gates where there is a productive vegetable and herb garden together with a fruit cage and greenhouse. Useful storage is provided by a row of Georgian pigsties. Towards the top end of the grounds is a disused hard tennis court requiring renovation. Following on is a small orchard of cider apple trees, beyond which is further access to Scott’s Lane via a timber 5-bar gate. There are two discreetly sited oil tanks, a gardener’s loo, outside lighting, power sockets and taps.

The lasting impression is of a wonderful family house just brimming with period charm and with the added bonus of a separate cottage all set within delightful and extensive private gardens.

A handful of villages surrounding South Petherton are well known for their beauty and East Lambrook is no exception. In the village is the church of St James, as well as the Rose and Crown public house and restaurant. Period houses built of the local honey coloured hamstone blend into the landscape, which has changed little in recent years, much of which is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is protected by strict planning controls to prevent incongruous development.

The evocative apple orchards, prevalent in this part of Somerset have been producing famous cider for centuries. The delightful village of South Petherton has a variety of traditional shops as does nearby Martock, whilst the larger centres of Yeovil and Taunton are both within easy reach. There are excellent communication links with the A303 (predominantly dual carriageway to the M3 and London) and M5 close at hand. Train links are from Taunton or Castle Cary to London Paddington, or Yeovil to London Waterloo.



Marketed by: Jackson-Stops, Sherborne