Location

Situated in the natural amphitheatre of Porlock Bay, and within the Exmoor National Park, lies the hamlet of Hawkcombe, approximately 0.5 miles from the centre of the village of Porlock.

This delightful and attractive village has good local facilities and a thriving community including a selection if independent shops and galleries, a primary school, public houses, restaurants, and the 13th Century Church of St Dubricius. Porlock Weir has a small harbour and is a historic trading port, neatly positioned in a sheltered area of Porlock Bay.

On the doorstep lie the wide-open spaces of Exmoor, accessed by endless bridleways and footpaths beloved of walkers, horse riders, hikers and birdwatchers. Around 6.6 miles away, lies the seaside town of Minehead with its extensive sandy beaches, and a host of shopping, sporting and entertainment amenities.

The County town of Taunton, which is approximately 29 miles away, has extensive retail and commercial facilities, together with access to the M5 and a mainline station with fast trains to London. There are three independent schools, a theatre and the Somerset County Cricket Ground.

The M5 motorway is within easy reach, with Junction 24 at Bridgwater being 30 miles to the north east or Junction 25 at Taunton being 29 miles away. Halsecombe is ideally placed, being almost equidistant between Bristol and Exeter airports, both offering excellent domestic and international flights.

There are direct rail links between Taunton and London Paddington, taking about 1hr 40 minutes via Castle Cary and Reading. Regular trains between Taunton and Bristol take approximately 40 minutes.

Educational establishments in the area and county are superb with a wide range of independent schools nearby. These include near Taunton, Kings Hall preparatory school, Kings and Queens in Taunton and Taunton School. At Tiverton there is Blundells School, Wellington School at Wellington and, further afield, Millfield School.

Description

Built in 1886, Glen Lodge is a striking home, occupying a fabulous elevated position, surrounded by immaculate gardens and broadleaf woodland, enjoying far reaching views to Porlock Bay. Until 1936 it was the home of a local Exmoor tanner and soon after changing hands, it was requisitioned to house evacuees.

After the war, Captain Collins took on Glen Lodge whilst training the British Olympic Equestrian Team and some of the competing horses were stabled at the property. Today, the property provides the setting for a large extended family and also has the benefit of two self-contained holiday letting units.

The property provides a spacious and adaptable layout over three floors, extending to about 3,636 sq ft. There is an arts and crafts influence and numerous character features throughout including stained glass windows, generous proportioned rooms with tall ceilings and mosaic tiles.

On the ground floor, an elegant reception hall provides access to a fine selection of reception rooms, a kitchen/breakfast room and study. Domestic offices include a boot room, utility room, pantry, a cloakroom and shower room.

On the first floor there are three double bedrooms, all with en suites. The principle bedroom has a dressing room and impressive en suite. On the second floor there are three further bedrooms, one of which benefits from an en suite, plus a shower room and bathroom.

The former stable block and garaging have been converted to provide an impressive and adaptable space. On the ground floor there is a superb function room with adjoining kitchen. At the other end there is a gym/studio space with bi fold doors opening onto the courtyard, showers, two WC's and changing area.

On the upper level there are two well-appointed holiday let apartments in open plan studio style, each with separate outside decking areas. This ancillary accommodation provides additional income and figures can be given upon request. There is considerable storage space, a double garage and barn within the courtyard.

The property enjoys extensive formal gardens with numerous established shrubs, mature trees, terraces and areas of level lawn. There is a secluded hot tub terrace adjacent to the main house. A small orchard is situated beneath the house, in addition to the higher apple orchard which comprises of some 80 high yield trees.

A network of paths run through the garden and terraces, and continues within the 21 acres of fenced private woodland. Multiple waterfalls and cascades add romance to this magnificent setting.

Directions

From the M5 North, turn off at junction 23, signposted Bridgwater/Minehead A39. Follow signs through Bridgwater, for Minehead, on to the A39. Stay on the A39 and continue past Minehead, following signs for Porlock. Turn left by Porlock Church onto Parsons Street. After approximately half a mile turn left over a small bridge, Glen Lodge drive will be directly in front of you.

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Porlock about 0.5 miles, Minehead about 6 miles, Taunton about 29 miles.