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 weekend 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 with a delicatessen 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 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 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. The Chew Valley and Blagdon Lakes are also famous for their trout 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 elegant and striking period home is Grade II listed, principally dating to the early 19th century and believed to have origins in the 1600s. Approached via a gated entrance and over a sweeping gravel driveway, the house is set in truly exceptional manicured grounds of circa 2.2 acres. Village homes of this calibre rarely become available in the Chew Valley which has proved to be one of the country's most sought after rural locations. There is delightful countryside on the doorstep, beautiful lakes, pretty ancient villages and wonderful bird and wildlife.

With parking for numerous vehicles and set behind a stunning specimen oak tree, two gentle steps lead to a central six panelled door with period fanlight and moulded round headed surround. Either side of the hallway are two reception rooms, the smaller of the two overlooking the front grounds with built in alcove cupboards framing the chimney breast. Opposite is the large drawing room with fireplace and triple, dual aspect windows with working shutters. Passing the staircase, the hallway leads through to the rear glazed entrance to the sheltered paved courtyard with large cloakroom and the most enormous boot room. This features stone flooring that runs through into the adjacent laundry room with the original built in storage cupboards. A further doorway opens to the driveway. Underfloor heating runs throughout the drawing room into the kitchen which in addition to the hallway and snug features oak flooring by Chaunceys. The kitchen is beautifully fitted with hand built cabinets painted in muted natural tones with honed granite work surfaces. Appliances include a built in wine cooler, fridge freezer and gas fired AGA stove.

Set at the half landing is a 14 pane arched window, bathing the staircase in a good deal of natural sunlight. New carpeting runs throughout the first floor which offers beautifully balanced and spacious family accommodation. There are five double bedrooms and a study that can easily be used as a small sixth bedroom if so desired. The principal bedroom has bespoke fitted wardrobes, a large en suite shower room, stylishly finished in faux period wall ceramics and a built in six drawer vanity unit with marble top and ovoid countertop wash basin. The guest bedroom at the far end of the property, again with built in wardrobes also has dedicated en suite with large walk in shower and built in linen cupboard. The family bathroom is certainly of a very good size with twin basins, again set onto a marble topped cabinet with free standing Burlington period style bath and separate shower cubicle. Both window ledges have also been replaced with marble to compliment the bathroom furniture.

Set immediately to the rear of the property is a beautiful paved seating area and across the courtyard is a very smart outdoor office/games room. This is a tremendous asset now that so many more people are choosing to work from home and the independence from the main house give this a sense of privacy. This office has electric heating, oak flooring and a high vaulted roof. The rear outdoor space has security lighting on sensors which extend to the barn which is utilised as a gym and fitness suite The barn would also make a characterful dining area with its exposed oak roof trusses and lime washed walls. This is heated by Norwegian eco electric panels and as with the home office has its own Wi-Fi point.

It is clear that the current owners have very much enjoyed their 2.2 acre grounds and they have cleverly created a series of distinctive outdoor rooms. One of the favourite areas is the Greek styled terrace with a stone built seating area with central oak table and shaded by a mature grapevine casting dappled shade on hot summer days. This sheltered terrace has commanding panoramic views across the sweeping lawn to the heavily wooded Mendip Hills beyond. The lawns are interspersed with fruit trees and a dedicated area for a kitchen garden that could easily be reinstated by a keen gardener. To the side of the barn is a three bay oak log and garden store and steps lead through a gap in the stone walling to a lovely Italian walkway, bordered by neatly clipped Yew hedging with Cyprus trees and deep set borders. The lower lawn is a wonderful play area for children and pets with a gate at the far end for ease of access to the village itself. Substantial ornamental trees are set along the lower boundary with further screening provided by a well-established perennial and mixed shrub border.