Dowlish Wake, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19

We are delighted to offer this 3/4 bedroom ‘chocolate box’ with excellent accommodation and beautiful gardens backing onto Dowlish Brook. It offers a wonderful life in the renowned and picturesque village of Dowlish Wake.


Bridge Cottage is a joy to behold , both inside and out, with a charming stone and thatch exterior perfectly complemented by the stylish and contemporary interior which has been sympathetically designed to blend original character with modern day living. Its grounds and setting within this prestigious village made an ideal country retreat.
In brief, the property comprises an entrance porch, sitting room, kitchen, dining room, further reception/bedroom and shower room with WC to the ground floor, and three bedrooms with family bathroom to the first floor.
The beamed sitting room is intimate yet spacious with inglenook fireplace and wood-burner. The bespoke dual-aspect kitchen/breakfast room is noticeably bright and airy, benefits from plenty of workspace and storage and has direct access outside. The dining room is a perfect place for entertaining. Its vaulted ceiling is a great feature whilst the triple aspect and French doors create plenty of light and take in views of the cottage garden The additional reception room could be utilised in a number of ways including study, hobby room, further sitting room or, for those looking for extra sleeping quarters or single storey living, a further double bedroom, especially as it has its own shower room/WC. The three bedrooms to the first floor are made up of two cosy doubles, both with built-in hanging and drawer space, a single with a large storage cupboard including built-in unis, and a family bathroom. The large landing has built-in drawer space and would make an excellent study area; it has, in the past, accommodated a single bed. Depending on one’s needs, one of the bedrooms could act as a walk-in wardrobe.
Bridge Cottage offers that rare combination of idyllic village life matched by an utterly delightful home and garden. Whether it’s a rural escape or country home, one would be hard pushed to find better.

Dowlish Wake is tucked away from main roads in a hidden and beautiful part of South Somerset. The village is in a conservation area, surrounded by open countryside, nestling at the foot of Windwhistle Hill. It offers excellent walks and public footpaths together with a farm shop at Perry’s Cider Mill, a sports pavilion, village hall, parish church and public house (the New Inn). Numerous activities take place in the village throughout the year. The nearest town is Ilminster (2 miles), centred on its fine Minster and market place with both independent and traditional shops, a supermarket, amateur dramatics and many other clubs and societies. Other main towns in the area include Crewkerne (5 miles) with it antique shops and auction house, Chard (5 miles), and the larger centres of Yeovil and county town Taunton, both 14 miles away. Travel links are excellent—the A303 is a dual carriageway to the M3 and M25, providing fast access to London and the east. Exeter is under an hour away to the west and junction 25 of the M5 is about 10 miles north of Ilminster. There are mainline railway stations at Crewkerne (7 miles, Waterloo connection) and Taunton (14 miles, Paddington connection)

The gardens are a most attractive feature, landscaped to provide a timeless cottage garden as well as lawn space. There are several very productive fruit trees and an abundance of shrubs and mature plants including roses, peonies, bluebells, primroses, lavender, poppies and lupins, to name but a few. To the northern boundary lies the babbling Dowlish Brook, with its variety of wildlife including kingfishers, dragonflies and even the occasional otter. It offers a scenic setting for alfresco dining or relaxation. Two large sheds run along the western edge, useful for garden storage and a workshop. There is also a small garden tool shed, a log store and a stone outhouse. All in all, a wonderful space to just be in and enjoy, or for entertaining with family and friends.