Queen Street, Tintinhull, Somerset, BA22

College Farm is a most attractive family home with views overlooking the recreation grounds; it has been the much loved residence of the current owners for the past 32 years. With origins stretching back to the mid-16th century, with 17th century additions, it is a lovely example of a Grade II listed house of this period. In fact, its name ‘College Farm’ derives from the property once having belonged to Exeter College, Oxford.

There are many fine features appropriate to its period, including original flagstone floors, Inglenook and hamstone fireplaces, beamed ceilings, stone mullion windows and window seats. The interior has a warm and friendly atmosphere with natural light flooding the central parts of the house. The south facing drawing room, with its dual aspect and original flagstone floors, is notable for its impressive Inglenook fireplace with Bressummer beam over and multi fuel burner (Clearview), providing a focal point to this atmospheric room. The dining room, also accessed from the hall has a plethora of period features and a hamstone fireplace with multi fuel burner (Woodwarm Stoves). This is the perfect space for entertaining. The study/snug adjacent has wooden floors, a fireplace with hamstone surround and another wood burner offering a cosy feel on those cooler winter nights. The kitchen/breakfast room is complete with reclaimed oak floors, gas fired Aga (red), Belfast sink, shaker style units under a new fitted Silestone worktop and space and connection for a dishwasher. Further appliances include an induction hob and integrated Neff combi-oven/microwave. There is also space for a large table and chairs. The generous, fully fitted walk-in larder off the kitchen, has fabulous extra storage with space and connection for a separate fridge and freezer. A boot room, separate cloakroom, utility room (with sink, wall and base units and space and connection for a washing machine and dryer), all just off the kitchen, ensure this is an eminently practical house.

Worth a special mention is the staircase with stunning balustrade rising to a large landing area from where four double bedrooms, one with an ensuite shower room and two with bespoke fitted cupboards, can be found. There are two bathrooms, one of which has a separate shower. The large loft room on the second floor is ideal extra accommodation for teenagers and/or family and friends.

GARDEN
A real feature of this property are the delightful gardens which have been clearly nurtured over the years. The front elevation has an enchanting walled garden entered via an arched studded wooden door boasting well stocked borders of fuchsias, Old Blush climbing roses as well as a number of mature trees and wisteria covering the front of the house. The truly delightful gardens to the rear, adorned with roses, lavender, box hedges, liquid amber, red maple, rowan, and malus trees, present a wonderful array of year-round colour and interest. A traditional timber shed, greenhouse and burgeoning vegetable garden (including a variety rhubarb, black/red currants, tomatoes, asparagus, leeks, courgettes, beans, parsnips and potatoes) are perfect for those with green fingers. The lasting impression is of an exceptional property which makes for a wonderful family home with extensive gardens, grounds and excellent equestrian facilities.

LAND AND OUTBUILDINGS
An equestrian property in the heart of a village is truly unique. College Farm offers direct access from the centre of the village to the secure equestrian facilities behind the house, with the total plot extending to approximately ten acres. The land is divided into a seven acre field, ménage (floodlit), a one acre orchard and enchanting gardens. Supporting the field are stable blocks (power and lighting), tack room, tool shed/workshop, field shelters, feed room and hay barn. There are two garages, one of which is a double with up-and-over doors and convenient wood store attached.

LOCATION
College Farm is located in the heart of the village of Tintinhull which has amenities including a village primary school, St Margarets parish church, tennis courts, heated outdoor village pool, village hall with coffee shop and the well-known National Trust administered Tintinhull House Gardens.

The nearby towns of Somerton, Castle Cary and Sherborne all provide a good variety of shopping, educational and recreational facilities, with an even broader range available at Yeovil which is also nearby. There are mainline railway stations at Castle Cary with a service to London Paddington and to the south at Yeovil or Sherborne with a service between Exeter St Davids and London Waterloo.

SPORTING AND RECREATION
Sporting facilities in the area include shooting and fishing, horse racing at Bath, Exeter, Taunton, Wincanton and Salisbury as well as water sports on Sutton Bingham Reservoir and golf at Long Sutton and Sherborne. The Jurassic coast in Dorset with its variety of water sports is also within easy reach.

EDUCATION
The area is well known for the quality of its education with schools including Millfield, King’s Bruton, Sherborne Boys and Sherborne Girls, St Anthony’s, Leweston, Sherborne Preparatory School, Perrott Hill and Hazlegrove as well as a number of well-regarded state schools.