A substantial and impressive former vicarage situated just over two miles from Bruton. There are records of The Old Vicarage as far back as 1638 when the house comprised parlour, kitchen and two butteries with chambers over. It was altered and extended in 1854 and 1869 and now offers over 4000 sq ft (372m²) (excluding cellar) of living accommodation. Since 1978 the property has been the family home of Philip Horniblow OBE who led an interesting and varied life as a mountaineer, soldier, spy, doctor and adventurer. His fascinating obituary was featured in The Times and can be read online.

The house is set within gardens of 1.4 acres with natural stone elevations under a pitched slate roof offering extremely spacious and versatile accommodation including a fabulous reception hall, elegant drawing room with large bay opening to a terrace overlooking the garden, light and airy sitting room with carved oak panelling and characterful dining room with flagstone floor. There are also three large cellar rooms offering potential for a number of uses. The gardens are a particular feature with various outbuildings including a former stable with first floor providing a wonderful studio/office with stunning countryside views. It is fair to say the property has reached a point where it would benefit from some refurbishment to compliment the many original features including marble fireplaces, tall sash windows with shutters, oak panelling, exposed elm floorboards and window seats.

ACCOMMODATION

RECEPTION HALL: 22’ x 15’1” An impressive reception hall featuring a marble fireplace, tiled floor, coved ceiling, windows to front aspect with original shutters, radiator and an elegant oak staircase to first floor.

DRAWING ROOM: 19’8” x 18’1” A fabulous elegant room with a large bay with French doors opening to a terrace overlooking the garden. Handsome marble fireplace, exposed floorboards, two radiators and coved ceiling.

SITTING ROOM: 22’8” x 15’1” A delightful light and airy room featuring carved oak panelling to dado height, fireplace with fitted wood burning stove, two sash windows with original shutters, two radiators and coved ceiling.

From the reception hall double doors lead to an inner hallway with doors to cloakroom and a stone staircase leading to cellar divided into three rooms with good head height, domed ceiling and stone mullion window to front aspect. Oil fired boiler.

DINING ROOM: 16’1” x 14’1” A characterful room with exposed natural stone wall, flagstone floor, stone fireplace, sash window with window seat, fireside alcove and door to:

STUDY: 16’8” x 9’10” Fitted shelving, radiator and sash window with views over the garden.

MORNING ROOM: 14’ x 9’2” Sash window to rear aspect, radiator, alcove with fitted shelving and doorway to:

KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM: 16’2” x 13’10” Oil fired AGA, flagstone floor, double basin sink unit with cupboard below, triple aspect windows, radiator, door to outside, door to boot room with fitted cupboards and entrance to:

UTILITY ROOM: 10’4” x 7’ Butler sink, space and plumbing for washing machine and tumble dryer, flagstone floor and sash window.

CLOAKROOM: Low level WC, wash basin and window to side aspect.

FIRST FLOOR

CLOAKROOM: Low level WC, wash basin, radiator and window to side aspect.

BEDROOM 1: 16’6” x 15’3” A light and airy room with exposed floorboards, attractive fireplace, picture rail, radiator, sash window to front aspect and walk-in wardrobe with shelving and hanging rails.

BEDROOM 2: 15’3” x 14’2” Cast iron fireplace with painted surround and stone mantle, exposed floorboards, picture rail, radiator and sash window to front aspect.

BEDROOM 3: 16’4” x 15’2” (narrowing to 13’5”) Attractive fireplace with painted surround and stone mantle, exposed elm floorboards, picture rail, radiator and sash window to rear aspect with far reaching countryside views.

BEDROOM 4: 13’6” x 11’3” Sash window to front aspect with field views, radiator and picture rail.

INNER LANDING: Large airing cupboard housing hot water tank, window to side aspect and door to:

STUDY: 14’ x 9’5” This room provides access to bedroom five making this an ideal teenage study linked to bedroom 5. Cast iron fireplace, radiator and sash window with far reaching views.

BEDROOM 5: 13’6” x 11’3” Cast iron fireplace, window to side aspect, radiator and door to:

EN-SUITE SHOWER ROOM: Shower cubicle, vanity wash basin unit, WC, radiator and window to rear aspect.

FAMILY BATH/SHOWER ROOM: Panelled bath, shower cubicle, heated towel rails, low level WC, pedestal wash hand basin, corner fireplace, sash window and painted floorboards.

OUTSIDE

The property is set within approximately 1.4 acres of delightful gardens. A five bar gate gives access to the driveway which sweeps round to a generous parking area with space for many cars. The drive then extends to the side of the house and leads to a detached garage. To the other side of the house there is a large formal garden with stone steps leading to a terrace which gives access via French doors to the Drawing Room. The garden extends to the rear of the house interspersed with mature trees and flower beds. A paved courtyard with a well abuts the rear of the house and a door gives access to an attached outbuilding.

WORKSHOP/STUDIO: This former stable has a workshop on the ground floor partitioned with original stable partitioning. A staircase rises to the first floor which opens to a wonderful studio (16’ x 16’) , full of light and a vaulted ceiling. A large picture window enjoys fabulous views.

SERVICES: Mains water, electricity, private drainage, oil fired central heating and telephone all subject to the usual utility regulations.

COUNCIL TAX BAND: G

TENURE: Freehold

VIEWING: Strictly by appointment through the agents.