Location

This impressive property is located in picturesque East Cranmore just outside of Cranmore village. Cranmore boasts a fine medieval church (still in use), a historic country pub opposite the duck pond and a popular village hall. There is a thriving cricket club with grounds on the edge of the village, and a tennis club with a court for villagers' use. A central children's play area and the historic East Somerset steam railway and café selling local produce all add to the atmosphere of a welcoming, thriving village. There are well kept historic footpaths to explore this beautiful Mendip locality, taking in nearby Cranmore Tower, the East Cranmore lake, the Iron Age fort of Smalldown Knoll, or one of the many nearby villages for lunch.
   
Resting on the rolling Mendip hills, East Cranmore is 22 miles to the south of the World Heritage City of Bath and nearby Bristol. Closer still is the famous Cheddar Gorge, the historic Cathedral City of Wells and the ancient market towns of Frome, Castle Cary and Bruton. The latter is well known for its upmarket restaurants that include Osip, At the Chapel and the pharmacy, as well as being home to the Hauser and Wirth Gallery and the popular Roth Bar.

There is a wide selection of both state and private schools in the area, notably All Hallows which is close by. Other schools include Downside, Millfield, Wells Cathedral School as well as the Bath schools.

Transport links are good with mainline stations in Westbury and Castle Cary (London Paddington about 85 minutes), and Warminster (for Southampton, Bath, Bristol, and South Wales).

Description

Built on the site of a former Saxon church St. James' church was the creation of Thomas Henry Wyatt and constructed for the Paget family in 1846. The church then was then closed in the 1950's. The current owners took it over in 1985 and improved and enhanced the conversion to its current form.

Built in attractive Doulting freestone under a slate roof and still enjoying its imposing spire complete with weathervane this impressive church conversion boasts accommodation approaching 3,000 sq ft arranged predominantly over 2 floors whilst enjoying a spacious open plan feel and making the most of its ecclesiastical features. The property sits in grounds of 20 acres which comprise of formal gardens and a well-maintained paddock field. This affords for an open aspect to the rear and the peace and security of no near neighbours.

Inside the property enjoys a predominantly open plan feel to the ground floor with the former nave, chancel and vestry now providing a welcoming and impressive living area with impressive masonry complete with intricate detail, large ornate windows bathing the space in divine light and a practical stripped wooden and stone pennant flagstone floors. Accessed either from the main portico or the everyday side entrance door this impressive space has to be seen to be fully appreciated. For practical everyday use the is a bespoke fitted kitchen leading off as well a utility room and cloakroom. An ornate cast iron spiral staircase leads to the first floor and onto a large open plan occasional bedroom area (ideal for children and guests) which also then links and leads to the principal bedroom with its en-suite bathroom as well as bedroom 2 and a shower room. There are steps up to a bathroom, which has a staircase up to a study/bedroom 4. The first floor also enjoys some unique features which comprise of the large exposed wooden ceiling trusses complete with decorative inlays, ornate moulded stone windows and exposed stone work.

Gardens and Grounds    

The property enjoys glorious gardens. There is no graveyard. Immediately around the home are paved seating areas, gravel pathways and well stocked flower beds. There are lawns around these areas interspersed with beautiful box and conifer hedging as well as some specimen trees. There is access from the garden or the neighbouring country lane via a five-bar gate into the large 19 acre field which is ideal for keeping horses or live stock or simply offering the protection and privacy you may desire from this heavenly country retreat.