SOMERLEAZE HOUSE, WOOKEYNR WELLS BA5 1JU Wells 1 mile, Glastonbury 5 miles, M5 (J22) 16 miles, Bristol 21 miles, Bath 22 miles. (Distances approximate)Somerleaze House is a distinguished and substantial country residence, with Georgian and Victorian origins, set in a delightful private parkland setting with far-reaching views across its grounds and towards the rolling hills of the Mendips.
Approached along a tree-lined driveway, the house enjoys a peaceful position, surrounded by mature trees, gardens and open paddock land. Located just a mile or so from the historic Cathedral city of Wells.
Constructed with rendered elevations and stone-dressed windows beneath a slate tiled roof, the house presents an elegant and timeless appearance. Internally, it retains a wealth of architectural character and period detail including decorative cornicing, dado rails, wood panelling and fine joinery throughout. Of particular note is the impressive staircase, with beautifully carved wooden balustrades and handrail rising through the heart of the house.
The principal reception rooms are exceptionally well proportioned, with 14ft high ceilings and large stone mullioned windows that allow natural light to pour in while framing the views across the gardens, parkland and surrounding countryside.
The accommodation is arranged over two floors and is both generous and versatile, equally suited to formal entertaining or relaxed family life. Extensive cellars provide additional space including a gymnasium, sauna and games room.
Altogether, Somerleaze House offers a rare combination of architectural character, generous accommodation and a wonderfully peaceful rural setting.
LocationSomerleaze House is set up a tree lined driveway well away from the road in a discreet and quiet setting. Wookey is a pretty village only a few minutes’ drive to the centre of Wells. It has Saxon origins and was the site for the original Bishop's Palace.
The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside offering excellent walking and riding, with numerous footpaths and quiet lanes leading through fields and along ancient routes including the historic fords which border the village.
A paved footpath connecting Wookey to Wells, allowing convenient access on foot, approximately forty minutes, to the many cultural, historic and everyday amenities of this vibrant Cathedral city.
DescriptionA sweeping driveway leads you through the impressive stone pillared porch into the large entrance hall. The ground floor comprises of three grand reception rooms, a Billiard Room, Dining Room and Drawing Room, complete with elegant fireplaces are positioned at the front of the house. There is an additional fourth reception room, with west facing French windows, all of which are overlooking the magnificent park like gardens.
There are original wooden and stone floors throughout the ground floor with a useful large cloakroom located just off the hall. The cellars are also accessed off the central hallway with glass doors that lead into the inner courtyard.
The dual aspect kitchen/breakfast room, as you would expect for a house of this scale, comes complete with an Aga and numerous ancillary rooms including a large utility/laundry room, pantry and additional boot room, housing the newly fitted boiler, with doors to both the garden and inner courtyard. There is separate access from the courtyard leading through a small kitchen with stairs leading up to what could be easily arranged as a sizeable 2/3 bedroom self contained annexe.
The cellars are extensive and offer excellent storage. There is also a gym, sauna and plumbing for wash hand basin and loo (currently disconnected).
The stunning wooden staircase is an impressive statement in the centre of this fabulous home, and from here a half landing leads through to a further bedroom currently arranged as a study/office.
There is a splendid principal bedroom with its dual aspect over the gardens, an extremely generous sized dressing room and on through to a spacious bathroom with separate shower and bath.
There are two further impressive bedrooms along the front of the house with fabulous views over the gardens. A further double bedroom along with a family bathroom with separate shower and bath complete this part of the house. From here stairs lead down to three further rooms, currently arranged as two bedrooms and a sitting room and family bathroom that can be used as part of the annexe or incorporated as further bedroom accommodation.
A triple bay garage with electric doors and access through to useful workshop, gardeners store complete with small kitchen and loo.
There is access from the driveway, through a pretty glazed door, into the inner courtyard with covered portico area and further store rooms. From here you can access the annexe as well as the rear kitchens.
Gardens and GroundsThe house stands within particularly attractive grounds which create a wonderful sense of space and privacy. Mature trees and sweeping lawns frame the property, while the surrounding parkland and paddocks provide an idyllic rural backdrop.
The gardens are well established and beautifully maintained, incorporating an ornamental pond and lake which enhance the landscaped setting. There is a hard tennis court, together with useful outbuildings including garaging and garden stores.
The land surrounding the house provides both privacy and flexibility, offering an ideal environment for family life in the countryside. In all approximately 9 acres.
Tenure and other PointsMendip District Council.
Mains electricity, water and drainage. Oil central heating. True speed broadband??.
EPC Band E Council Tax Band H
Directions (BA5 IJU – What3Words ///prospers.export.smokers)
From Wells take the Wedmore road and in Wookey, turn left opposite The Burcott Inn. Continue along the tree lined driveway and take the right hand driveway into Somerleaze House.
About the areaWells is the smallest city in England (population about 11,000) lying in beautiful countryside between the Somerset Levels and the Mendip Hills – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wells medieval centre has local markets twice a week, good restaurants, a thriving high street and many important ancient buildings, including the Cathedral and moated Bishops Palace and gardens. There are four major supermarkets on the edge of the city. Wells Leisure Centre has the usual facilities of gym and swimming pool to add to Wells Rugby Club, Tennis club, Bowling club and Golf course. Throughout the year Wells hosts festivals for Music, Literature, Art and Food, and has twinned links with Burgundy, the Rhineland and Northern Italy. There are many societies and clubs for those who would like to join a diverse social community.The major towns of the area, Bristol, Bath, Taunton and Yeovil are all within commuting distance. There are excellent state & independent schools in the area which include several good primary schools, Wells Blue School, Strode College, Wells Cathedral School, Downside, All Hallows and Millfield.Wells is a transport hub for bus services, including daily services to London. Main line trains run from Castle Cary and Bristol International Airport is 35 minutes’ drive away. Important NotesPlease see all the notes below – particularly the section referring to identity and AML requirements Identity verification & Anti Money Laundering (AML) Requirements.As Estate Agents we are require by law to undertake Anti Money Laundering (AML) Regulation checks on any purchaser who has an offer accepted on a property.
We are required to use a specialist third party service to verify the purchaser(s) identity.
The cost of these checks is £60 (inc. VAT) per person. This is payable at the point an offer is accepted and our purchaser information forms completed, prior to issuing Memorandum of Sales to both sellers and buyers and their respective conveyancing solicitors. This is a legal requirement and the charge is non-refundable.
P.S. A few extra comments.Mortgages – we can help.
Bridging loans – We can help.
Moving house is complicated and stressful when a sale and purchase needs to be tied together in terms of finance and timing.
Sometimes we can negotiate an agreement to suit both sellers and buyers.
Sometimes a bridging loan can solve problems and remove stress.
Call us for information on any of these points
Property DetailsRoderick Thomas, their clients and any joint agents state that these details are for general guidance only and accuracy cannot be guaranteed. They do not constitute any part of any contract. All measurements are approximate and floor plans are to give a general indication only and are not measured accurate drawings. No guarantees are given with regard to planning permission or fitness for purpose. No apparatus, equipment, fixture or fitting has been tested. Items shown in photographs are not necessarily included. Buyers must rely on information passed between the solicitors with regard to items included in the sale. Purchasers must satisfy themselves on all matters by inspection or otherwise.
VIEWINGSInterested parties are advised to check availability and current situation prior to travelling to see any property.
All viewings are by appointment with the Agents.
Roderick Thomas, 1 Priory Road, Wells, BA5 1SR.
