South Widcombe, East Harptree

Fair Orchard is a particularly beautiful and characterful country home, beautifully positioned within a delightful rural setting and enjoying far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside. Warm, welcoming and exceptionally well presented, the property combines the character and atmosphere of a traditional country house with the comfort and improvements expected of a modern family home.

The current owners have considerably modernised and enhanced the property, while retaining many of its original features and considerable charm. Beamed ceilings, stone fireplaces with log-burning stoves and stripped pine doors create a wonderful sense of warmth and character throughout. The majority of the windows have been replaced with attractive timber-framed double glazing, and the bathrooms have also been updated.

A particular feature is the superb kitchen, which has been completely redesigned and extended to create a wonderful light-filled living space. Bespoke fitted cabinetry, an electric Aga and integrated appliances combine with a limestone floor with underfloor heating. Bi-fold doors open directly onto the paved terrace, making this an ideal space for entertaining and enjoying the spectacular views.

The sitting room is a lovely, welcoming room with exposed beams and an impressive stone fireplace housing a log-burning stove. From here, there are extensive views across farmland to the rear, while the windows also overlook the beautiful front garden.

On the first floor are four bedrooms, all enjoying attractive views. The principal bedroom is particularly impressive, with stunning outlooks both to the front and rear. A further bedroom benefits from an en-suite shower room, while a family bathroom serves the remaining bedrooms. The views are a recurring theme throughout Fair Orchard, with virtually every room enjoying an outlook over the garden or the surrounding countryside.

Outside: Fair Orchard is approached via a gravel driveway leading to a generous parking area with ample space for several vehicles. The useful range of outbuildings is conveniently arranged around the parking area and includes a detached stone and tiled building incorporating two stables and an excellent studio with vaulted ceiling.

Opposite is a detached rendered double garage, together with a detached open-fronted log and hay store.

The gardens are a real highlight. The front garden has been thoughtfully designed in the style of an English country garden, with box hedging enclosing planted beds filled with spring bulbs and flowering plants. Gravel and lawn pathways, mature shrubs, low stone walls and sweeping areas of lawn create a wonderfully established and picturesque setting.

A central stone pathway leads towards the house, which is beautifully adorned with mature wisteria, honeysuckle and climbing roses. To the side, an expansive lawn is interspersed with fruit trees, ornamental trees and beautifully shaped beech hedges, together with a delightful summer house.

The garden includes a wonderful selection of established fruit trees, including apple, quince, fig, cherry and damson, adding to the property's strong country garden appeal.

Land: The land is situated approximately 150 yards from the house, up the lane, and is divided into two adjoining fields. Both fields benefit from a water supply and double field shelters, providing excellent facilities for equestrian, smallholding or amenity use.

In all, the gardens and land extend to approximately 4.76 acres, offering a rare combination of an attractive character home, beautiful gardens, useful outbuildings and adjoining countryside.

Fair Orchard is a wonderful country property, offering an appealing blend of period character, modern comfort and an enviable rural lifestyle.

What we love about this property... Fair Orchard is a beautiful country home set in a captivating rural position with exceptional gardens and outbuildings, a dream move to the country village home within striking distance of Bristol, Bath and Wells.

Situation: South Widcombe, is just outside of the larger village of East Harptree which lies on the edge of the Mendip Hills with views across the Chew Valley and country walks on the doorstep. The Bath & Northeast Somerset village offers facilities including a village store, public house with a restaurant, village hall, primary school (www.eastharptreeschool.ik.org), nursery and children's’ play area. Secondary education is available at nearby Chew Magna at Chew Valley’s comprehensive school (www.chewvalleyschool.co.uk) which has recently had an outstanding Ofsted report. Bristol, Bath and Wells offer a wider range of shops, recreation facilities as well as private education with Bristol & Bath having good rail and motorway links. The Chew Valley comprises thousands of acres of beautiful countryside with Chew Valley and Blagdon Lakes offering sailing and fishing. The area is well known for its beauty and offers a variety of community pursuits within a short drive. Indeed, riding, walking, fishing, sailing and dry skiing are just some of the activities available within a few miles. 

Directions: Approaching the property from the direction of East Harptree follow the lane to South Widcombe for about a mile. The gravel entrance is seen on the left hand side, continue down the gravel drive where you will find Fair Orchard.

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Material Information: This property operates on oil central heating. Council Tax band: G  EPC Rating: E