Middle Road, Cossington, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7

A charming grade II listed former rectory of exceptional style and elegance.

Description

A beautiful Grade II listed former rectory set within superbly landscaped grounds within the heart of this small village community. Within recent years, The Old Rectory has been the subject of a comprehensive programme of refurbishment and now includes a most stylish and elegant interior with original Gothic inflences and a wealth of original features. Constructed from local stone elevations with finely detailed fenestrations, the gentrified front façade has a mature climbing Wisteria with a purple flowering bloom. The generous footprint spans three floors with well appointed principal rooms enjoying differing orientations. Approached via an entrance vestibule which runs through to the smart entrance hall with travertine flooring and a generous boot room. There are three principal rooms, all of which exude a calm and restful ambiance. A drawing room has a Minster stone fireplace with inset woodburning stove with bespoke alcove cupboards and panelling to either side of the chimney breast with recessed housing for built in television screen. Worth particular mention is the lovely bay window overlooking the front grounds which has recently been replaced to replicate the original fine Georgian detailing with intricate glazing bars and period style scrolled ironmongery. Beyond lies a further sitting room with bay window, window seat and working shutters in addition to a further fire place and stove. These rooms are approached off the rear hallway which includes a study/crafts room with a door to the garden and a cloakroom. Adjacent to the kitchen is the dining room with exposed flagstone floors, windows to the front and original built in cupboard for glass wear and shelving to the side of the recessed chimney breast. The magnificent kitchen has been fully refurbished and represents a truly outstanding part of the home. Set over two levels, it is beautifully appointed with an array of storage cabinets in complimenting hues of light and dark grey and designed with a light contemporary touch, that subtly lifts this important part of the home to the modern day. At the upper level is designed for cooking and food preparation with the AGA stove and side oven including an AGA induction hob. There is an expanse of work surfaces and integrated Fisher and Paykel American style fridge freezer and Miele integrated dishwasher. Two steps lead down to the informal dining area with further Kohler Belfast sink and a large curved breakfast bar in an area that is perfect for informal pre-dinner drinks and entertaining. The ceiling has been fashioned and lowered to create an intimacy to this space which has flooded from natural light from the triple aspect windows over looking both front and rear grounds. Adjacent are ancillary rooms which include a well appointed utility with built in Miele coffee machine and door into the boiler/drying room.

There are five bedrooms, the principal including fitted wardrobes and a magnificent en suite bathroom of hotel style standard. The spacious top floor bedroom believed to be the original ‘servants quarters’ also features a newly fitted en suite shower room. The remaining three bedrooms on the first floor are well served by an equally elegant family bathroom with ornate corner bath vanity unit and shower cubicle.

The current owners have put enormous care and thought into the landscaping of the gardens that extend on three sides of the property. The sweeping gravelled driveway has been heavily planted on both sides to not only create a sense of privacy but also a sense of intrigue upon arrival as there is only the slightest glimpse of the house can be seen as one initially enters the gated grounds. A pathway with a few steps from the first part of the driveway leads up past the border of Ferns and over hanging Chestnuts and Beech tree to paved seating area lying beneath the dappled shade of the trees. A good size level lawn lies beyond with raised flower borders and the stunning backdrop of the Rectory directly ahead. The driveway extends to a large gravel forecourt with parking and turning for numerous vehicles in addition to the adjacent four car garage.A sheltered sun trap terrace bordered by Lavender, Roses, Peonies and Tulips rise adjacent to the drawing room window which is a perfect spot for late afternoon drinks. A series of outdoor ‘rooms’ have been created within the rear gardens which include a sandstone barbeque terrace with adjacent hot tub under a green oak pagoda. A herbaceous border and raised kitchen garden with herb beds leads past a further sun bathing/seating area past pollarded fruit trees to a well screened manicured lawn. Further archway leads past the large woodstore to a further stone outbuilding and space for storage or chopping of firewood and storage of garden materials.

Location

An idyllic setting in the heart of this village and close to the parish church. Amenities within Cossington include a local hostelry. In nearby Street there is a more extensive array of shops and schools. Street also includes Millfield School, highly regarded and there are good links to Wells Cathedral School, Bristol and Taunton which also offers many quality independents. There are mainline railway stations available at Taunton serving London Paddington and flights to a number of European and some international destinations from Bristol International Airport. For the commuter the M5 J23 is approximately 5.2 miles distant serving the south west and midlands and linking to the M4 London and south Wales.

Square Footage: 4,613 sq ft



Directions

Exit M5 at J23, take the A39 signposted to Glastonbury for approximately 4 miles. The village of Cossington is signposted off the A39. Continue into the centre of the village and the entrance to the Old Rectory is seen to the right of the triangle of green opposite the primary school.
Bristol circa 30 miles, M5 J23 circa 4 miles, Street and Millfield School circa 9 miles, Taunton circa 18 miles and Bristol International Airport circa 25 miles.