Location

Compton Martin lies in the beautiful Chew Valley, an area of outstanding natural beauty with two stunning lakes at its heart. 12 miles to the North is the City of Bristol, famous for the quality and diversity of its cuisine, whilst the charming Roman City of Bath with its stunning Georgian architecture is just 17 miles to the East. On the Southern side of the Mendips is the historic City of Wells, England's smallest, with its ancient Cathedral and bustling twice weekly street market.

Compton Martin itself is part of a small parish and has all the facilities generally associated with a thriving village such as a post office, a public house, village hall and parish church. Nearby West Harptree has a general store and there is a further selection of shops and facilities available in Chew Magna 5 miles away.

There is a primary school in the neighbouring village of Ubley and Chew Valley School is the secondary state school 4 miles away.   There are also daily school buses from the Chew Valley to many of the local independent schools including Clifton College in Bristol, Kingswood and Prior Park in Bath and Wells Cathedral.

Leisure activities in the Chew Valley include a gym, sailing club, tennis club, rugby club, a number of village cricket clubs and numerous golf clubs in close proximity including Mendip, Farrington Park and Mendip Springs, as well as numerous other clubs including drama and singing. The Chew Valley and Blagdon Lakes are also famous for their fishing. There are some wonderful local pubs including the Ring O' Bells in Compton Martin and the acclaimed Litton nearby. Babington House, a members club and hotel and part of the Soho Group is just 15 miles away.

Communication links are good with mainline train stations in Bristol and Bath, access to the M4 and M5 via Bristol and Bristol Airport within 10 miles.

Description

This unique and very special Grade II listed home is tucked away from busy roads in a quiet rural lane yet perfectly placed for swift access into Bristol and Bath and with the glorious Chew Valley AONB countryside on the doorstep. During the course of the owners long ownership, the property has been comprehensively refurbished and lovingly maintained. The home certainly has a fascinating history, originally Bickfield Manor with origins to 1450, reputedly once a nunnery and becoming known as Moat Farm sometime after 1911. It is believed that the moat is almost certainly original but one can only speculate as to whether this was built for defensive purposes or perhaps just an early status symbol! Whatever the case, it adds a very special charm to the house and while it no longer completely encircles the house, it is now both an exceptionally pretty garden feature and acts as a haven for local wildlife.

Whilst private and peaceful, the house has the comfort and security of neighbours. The majority of the front courtyard is owned by Moat Farm with shared access to just three other residences. At the front adjacent to the large car barn is parking for further cars and a side gate opens to the inner courtyard which can provide useful overflow parking for large gatherings. We are reliably informed that this is a great party house and the paddock is certainly a lovely setting for hosting outdoor events.

On a day to day basis, rather than use the medieval porch, the house is entered via the side lobby, with access from both the front and the back of the car barn, perfect for those with muddy children or pets and for changing from outdoor boots and clothing. This lobby leads into the lovely informal kitchen/family room with Aga at the heart of the home which in addition to cooking, is a warm and comfortable area for socialising, eating and relaxing. Beyond the kitchen is the original hall and a large dining room with a Franklin wood burning stove, exposed stone walling, flagstone floor and beams with a boxed staircase to the first floor. The drawing room has a dual aspect and an open fireplace with a fine swan's nest grate. A good size study provides a quiet area tucked away at the far end of the home. Those seeking to accommodate a dependant relative could easily remodel the separate ground floor wing - presently the utility, snug and downstairs shower room to create a fully self contained apartment.

Located to the rear of the house and overlooking the moat (which has been safely enclosed for those with young children) is a large paved terrace, surrounded by a colourful rockery and border with a neatly manicured and level lawn beyond with a contemporary enclosed garden pod. There are 3 useful stone built stores for garden machinery, bicycles and workshop space. The grounds extend to 1.541 acres.