Winsham, Chard, Somerset, TA20

A wonderful opportunity for a purchaser to own a truly fantastic property hidden away in a magical location, comprising of a Medieval farmhouse with spectacular views, a two bedroomed cottage, summer house, party barn, fantastic outbuildings, and surrounded by 7.6 acres of gardens and grounds, river, and large freshwater lake.

THE PROPERTY
Hidden away in a magical location down a pretty single track lane, first glimpses of Bere Chapel House are most impressive with its hugely attractive façade constructed of pretty local ham stone under a pitched slate roof. This wonderful property, which dates back to medieval times, offers any family a unique opportunity to further extend and create a fantastic family home surrounded by its own land and grounds, freshwater lake, meandering river and separate cottage with fantastic outbuildings.
Justifiably Grade II* listed of architectural merit and historical importance, the property was formerly inhabited by the monks of Forde Abbey who took full advantage of this wonderful location, especially the single bank fishing which the current owners also currently enjoy. The property has been lovingly looked after over the years and although very well-presented, is totally untainted by inappropriate modernisation.
On first entering the property there is a real sense of charm, space and light with a large hallway with beautiful exposed wooden beams and panels, and wooden flooring. This leads into the most fantastic drawing room with windows on all sides boasting spectacular views over the River Axe, a large freshwater lake, and unspoilt countryside beyond. Worth a special mention is also the attractive Ham stone fireplace and open fire.
Also on the ground floor is a dining room with plenty of room for a large dining table, and a woodburning stove, ideal for entertaining on a winter's day or evening.
The family kitchen is a surprisingly good size for a property of this type and age, incorporating an Aga (green,) plenty of room for a kitchen table, and doors opening out to the terrace. Alongside the kitchen is a large sitting room, a laundry room, cloakroom, pantry and boot room. There is huge scope to further develop, subject to the necessary consents.
The principal bedrooms are situated on the first floor, with a fantastic master bedroom with original wooden beams and an adjoining bathroom. There are also doors opening out to a small balcony, a perfect spot to enjoy a morning coffee whilst watching kingfishers and trout rising. There are three more beautiful bedrooms (one en suite) and a family bathroom.

BERE CHAPEL COTTAGE
This cottage which was occupied by one of the family happily for many years is truly fabulous with a very large open plan kitchen and sitting room, and two beautiful bedrooms, and an attic room. Just behind the cottage is a lovely garden and tennis court. This cottage would be ideal for relatives, guests, or a healthy private income.

GARDENS & GROUNDS
The location of this property is truly idyllic, with many of the rooms in the property boasting the most spectacular views, with just the noise of wildlife and the river. The property is surrounded by its own wonderful garden with a wooded area extending down to the river and fields and paddock, ideal for ponies or any other livestock.
The outbuildings are absolutely fabulous with huge potential (subject to planning) to refurbish and create further accommodation with three stables and a tack room, a double garage and a large barn. There is also an absolutely wonderful summer house, which has been the preferred location for many summer lunches and barbeques, followed by a spot of fishing or a quick swim in the river or fantastic freshwater lake. To finish this off is a superb open party barn with stone pillars, again looking out towards the river and lake, and an ideal location for entertaining on a large scale or perhaps even a wedding!

All in all, this is a truly magical property in an idyllic yet very convenient location.

LOCATION
Bere Chapel House lies just under 2 miles from the popular village of Winsham, which is situated in South Somerset, with the River Axe forming the boundary into West Dorset, and nestled in the sheltered Axe Valley. The countryside in this area must be some of the most beautiful in the South West, with much of the landscape designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The chalk downland leads to the dramatic cliff top scenery of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, and within easy reach are the many pretty coastal villages and towns, including the elegant resort of Lyme Regis with its attractive Cobb harbour and beaches.
Winsham enjoys a vibrant community that has retained all the essentials of genuine village life – with a pub, community owned village shop and post office, primary school, village hall, church, and many local clubs and social events.
The larger towns of Chard and Crewkerne are just a 10 minute drive away, both with a good range of high street and independent shops, supermarkets including a Waitrose in Crewkerne, cafes, restaurants and pubs. Crewkerne also has a leisure centre and swimming pool, with a mainline railway station, with a regular service to London (Waterloo) in 2.5 hours. The area has good road links, with the A303 within 20 minutes' drive and just over half an hour to the M5.