Compton Pauncefoot, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22

Wheel House is an individual, attached property forming one of a cluster of six former agricultural barns which were sympathetically converted in 1998 and are set in a peaceful, tucked-away valley surrounded by lovely countryside. The elevations are of a warm honey coloured hamstone with an expansive use of glass throughout, providing a contemporary touch and great light. Many of the rooms have lovely views over the pretty garden borders and the unique old mill wheel is certainly an evocative feature of this property's rich history. This has clearly been a much loved home by the current owners who have improved and modified elements throughout with the installation of bespoke built-in cupboards, shelving and kitchen cabinets amongst other things.

The glazed front door opens to the entrance hallway, off which is the open plan dining hall and kitchen, with plenty of space for a good size dining table and chairs. Tall windows and further glazed doors further add to the great sense of space and light prevalent throughout this house.

The dual aspect kitchen has an excellent range of cream wall and base units under a granite worktop with an electric two door Aga (green), a Neff electric two hob stove, a double sink with mixer tap and space and connection for a washing machine. A walk-in utility room provides space and connection for a large fridge freezer and a washing machine. There is a downstairs cloakroom along with deep recessed cupboard ideal for coats and wellies. The back door opens provides access to the covered car port and garden. There is a fabulous and well-proportioned sitting room with large windows and French doors providing further access to a lawn and terrace with space for a table and chairs, perfect for enjoying a peaceful moment in the garden.

Stairs, with good storage under, rise to the first floor where there is a spacious double bedroom and ensuite bathroom complete with bathtub, basin and WC. The principal bedroom enjoys lovely garden views to both the front and rear as well as a discreet dressing room area, also with airing cupboard. A further ensuite bathroom is fitted with a large shower cubicle, vanity unit, bathtub and WC. A further single bedroom/study with full-length windows and recessed shelving completes the layout on this floor. Two of the bedrooms have excellent, bespoke fitted wardrobes.

OUTSIDE
The property is approached via a communal driveway which opens to a private parking area outside the property. There is space for two cars here and a further space under a covered archway. A five-bar wooden gate leads to the useful studio / home office and garden beyond.

These charming gardens are mainly to the rear and side of the house, with an area of lawn bounded to the south by a stone wall, with steps and little footbridge which runs over a river. This south-facing rear garden is a true sun-trap and provides a wonderful vista of the unspoilt Somerset country and soothing sounds of running water. The gardens are well-stocked and include a variety of mature shrubs and flowering plants such as Fox Gloves, Salvia, Lavender, Viburnum, Mahonia and Euphorbia. The old water mill plays a key role in providing a focal point alongside a pretty Crab Apple tree with beautiful blossom. In the corner of the garden is a good-sized shed and the detached studio, with glass front door would make an excellent home office, studio or even occasional fourth bedroom.

The lasting impression is of a beautifully presented barn conversion in a delightful setting, surrounded by unspoilt countryside, on the edge of this idyllic English country village.

LOCATION
Compton Pauncefoot must be one of the prettiest villages in this particularly beautiful part of the South West. The surrounding lands have been in the ownership of the Compton Castle Estate for many years and have thus remained unspoilt. This careful stewardship has resulted in a village that retains its intrinsic architectural character, comprising as it does period houses built of the local honey coloured stone. The rolling countryside is mainly natural farmland; this is the Vale of Camelot, so called as nearby Cadbury Castle was reputedly home to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Much of this area is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in which a policy of strict planning controls operates to preserve its rural character. The village with its splendid 15th century Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is well placed for easy access to Castle Cary, Wincanton and Sherborne, all market towns with a good range of shops. The A303 (dual carriageway almost the whole distance to the M3) is nearby and there are mainline railway stations at Castle Cary (Paddington about 90 minutes) and Templecombe (about 5 ½ miles away. Waterloo is about 2 ¼ hours.

Sporting and Recreation
There are numerous golf courses within easy motoring distance including Sherborne and Yeovil. Racing at Wincanton, Salisbury, Bath and Exeter. Water sports on the Dorset coast (about 30 miles) or on Sutton Bingham Reservoir near Yeovil. Riding and walking on an extensive network of bridleways and footpaths. Theatres at Bath, Taunton and Salisbury. The Newt country estate and Hauser & Wirth are close by in Bruton and provide further cultural opportunities.

Education
The area is particularly noted for the high quality of its schools including independent schools such as Sherborne School for Girls, Sherborne School for Boys, Sherborne Preparatory School, Hazelgrove, Port Regis, Leweston and Bruton Schools, along with highly regarded state schools at Sherborne and Gillingham.