Babcary, Somerton, Somerset, TA11

A beautifully presented early Victorian rectory renovated and extended to a very high standard, with views over open countryside, equestrian potential, and situated just outside a small, popular village.

The Old Rectory, a Gilbert Scott Masterpiece...

The Old Rectory is a fine country house centrally positioned within its own grounds, to about 40 acres. The house was built in 1843 by Sir Gilbert Scott (1811 – 1878) as one of a series of five Somerset country rectories in the Gothic Revival tradition.

The property has been the family home of the current owners for 14 years and during that time it has been completely renovated, sympathetically extended and maintained to an exceptionally high standard. It is surrounded by open countryside and is far enough away from the village to feel private but close enough to feel part of the community.

The house has three storeys and is built of local stone under a Welsh slate roof. It has a light and airy feel throughout with tall stone mullion windows and good ceiling height, complemented by open areas in the centre of the upper two floors

On the ground floor are two principal reception rooms either side of the impressive reception hall, the library and the large conservatory, which merges with a large living room / party room. However, the heart of the house is undoubtedly the stunning kitchen and family room within the green oak extension that extends out into the lovely walled garden at the rear of the house. In addition there is a well-equipped laundry room, cloakroom, boot room with workroom above and beneath the inner hall is a suite of cellars.

On the first floor off an attractive galleried landing is the principal bedroom and three further bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, and a family bathroom. The second floor is dominated by an large open plan sitting room/playroom/cinema room, off which are two double bedrooms, a single room and a shower room.

The gardens and grounds at The Old Rectory are a delight. They are filled with an array of mature trees, neat established hedging, pristine level lawns and scented herbaceous borders, which are sheltered within a handsome walled garden. There is an extensive terrace ideal for entertaining, together with a covered seating area. The house is set back from a country lane and is approached up an attractive drive to a generous gravelled parking area. On the west side of the house is an office, gym, workshop, machinery store, 4- bay open garage, 2-bay garage and a fun party room.

To the west of the house are three paddocks and an orchard. To the east is open pasture land which adjoins the main house and grounds. The total plot is just over 40 acres. The land has separate road access from both Babcary Lane and the bridleways to the west and north.

Babcary is a very popular village centrally located in the heart of the emerging prime South Somerset triangle between Somerton, Bruton and Sherborne. With access to some of the finest schools, two train lines to London and an ever growing collection of excellent leisure and restaurant facilities, Babcary is the perfect place to be based. The pretty market town of Sherborne is only 15 mins south and offers a quality mix of boutiques, food, antiques, coffee shops, restaurants and other outlets.

Central to Babcary is the locally renowned Red Lion Inn, a firm favourite of the community for many years. The pub provides quality dining, public bar, 6 rooms to let and great gardens for lazy summer afternoons.

Babcary is surrounded by stunning country footpaths, bridleways and tracks providing access to open spaces and woodland. The amazing Jurassic coast is only 25 miles south enabling towns such as Lyme Regis, Abbotsbury and Weymouth to be within easy reach.

One of South Somerset’s premier credentials has to be its proximity to some of the UK finest schools. Right on the doorstep is the outstanding Hazelgrove Preparatory School which is no exception which in turn feeds well known secondary schools such as Millfield, Sherborne, Bruton and many more...