Harmas, Cucklington, Somerset

Nestled in the bucolic village of Cucklington, this characterful home is a picture of quintessential cottage living in south Somerset. Situated on the ridge overlooking the tranquil Blackmore Vale, the home exudes peace and quiet while seamlessly blending its historic charm with contemporary sustainabilty. Planning permission has also been granted for a modern yet sensitive extension by architect Charles Gillespie. The cottage is surrounded by enchanting gardens, abundant with herbaceous plants and mature trees, all set against breathtaking backdrop of the Blackmore Vale.

Setting the Scene

Tranquil Cucklington sits in an elevated position within the undulating Somerset landscape, providing the house with far-reaching views across its rural surroundings. On early mornings, the mist can be seen rolling from the valley and settling in the vale. In spring and summer, the landscape comes alive with a fantastic array of local birds and wildlife.

Dating from the early 1800s, Harmas retains much of its period charm and is a wonderful example of the local vernacular. Its stone façade is paired with rich interior details that stand as an evocative reminder of its early history, including exposed beams, flagstone floors, and an original bread oven set within a broad inglenook fireplace. The subject of an extensive renovation in recent years, Harmas has been gently updated with the utmost respect for its period bones.

Environmental Performance

While steeped in history and full of period character, the cottage has been thoughtfully updated to meet modern eco-friendly standards. It boasts all the credentials for low-energy living, including an air-source heat pump, double glazing, PV solar panels, and an EV car charger.

The Grand Tour

Emphasising the serenely secluded location, the approach is via a quiet country lane. The house lies low in its setting and is almost hidden from view, fronted by a gated driveway and lovingly tended gardens.

Winding through the garden path to the primary entrance, the marriage between old and new is immediately apparent; the sable-hued stone façade offset by the deeper tones of a slate roof and contemporary, bespoke wooden sash double glazed windows.

The central hallway, grounded with wide slate flagstones, leads to the cosy yet generous sitting room to the right, where a brick and stone inglenook fireplace fitted with a log burner provides a warming focal point in winter months. The walls have been painted in Edward Bulmer's 'Malahide', offsetting the white-washed beams above. On one side of the room, a hidden stairwell is cleverly concealed behind a moving bookcase, leading to a spacious cellar below which houses the plant room.

A beautifully bright dining room lies on the opposite side of the hallway; a welcoming and sociable space with a wide sash window that draws in an excellent quality of natural light through the course of the day. A modern wood burner is set to one side and the original floorboards run underfoot.

The kitchen, at the far end of the plan, is characterised by sensitive material finishes and spectacular views. Green and white striped curtains front bespoke cabinetry, and a generous provision of worktops offer plenty of space for cooking and food preparation. The architectural plans in place for this section of the house would further optimise space, light and layout, with expanses of picture windows celebrating the fantastic vistas across the vale.

There is access to the outside via a bright boot room adjoining the kitchen, with plenty of space for kicking off muddy boots after a countryside ramble. A downstairs bathroom finished in warm yellow tiles and utility space completes the ground-floor level.

There are two large double bedrooms upstairs, each quiet and restful spaces with walls picked out Edward Bulmer's 'Fawn'. Broad sash windows capture pretty views and filter a soft light. There is a second bathroom on this level, sensitively finished in a soothing shade of pink.

The Great Outdoors

Amounting to around a third of an acre, the gardens are visible from almost every aspect. Swathes of lawn are bordered by specimen trees and mature shrubs to bring privacy and seclusion. Herbaceous beds and borders are chock-full of flowering perennials, forming an established, multilayered garden laden with texture and year-round colour.

Seating areas have been well-placed to soak up the uninterrupted views, and a sunny terrace lends perfectly to long, lazy summer lunches and suppers.

In addition to the house, there is a handsome barn with plenty of potential; planning permission is in place to convert the building into a one-bedroom studio. Foundations have also been laid for an orangery/home office/gym at the back of the house. Further details are available here under reference: 23/02347/HOU

Out and About 

Given the setting - an extraordinary Area of Natural Beauty - the surrounding landscape is perfect for countryside rambles, all on the house's doorstep. A delightful local pub, The Stapleton Arms, is a pleasant 15-minute cycle away, with other gastro options within 20 minutes of the house.

Wincanton and Gillingham are each 10-minutes away for day-to-day amenities. Bruton is 15 minutes away, home to the ever-popular Newt hotel, restaurant and gardens, Michelin-starred Osip restaurant, Roth Bar and internationally acclaimed Hauser and Wirth art gallery, with gardens designed by Piet Oudolf.

Stourhead, a National Trust property in Wiltshire, is a magnificent 18th-century estate renowned for its stunning landscape garden, featuring, tranquil lakes, and breathtaking vistas that evoke the charm of a living painting are also 15 minutes distant.

Nearby independent schools include Hazelgrove, Port Regis, Kings School, Bruton. Within half an hour is Sherborne School for Girls, Sherborne School for Boys, Sherborne Preparatory School, There are excellent state schools in Sherborne and Gillingham.

The nearest station is Gillingham, with hourly services running to London Waterloo in two hours. Castle Cary Station, a 20-minute drive away, runs services to London Paddington in under two hours. Connections are also available to Bath and Bristol in approximately an hour. London Heathrow is under two hours away, whilst Bristol and Bournemouth Airport can be reached within the hour. The house is within easy access to the A303.

Council Tax Band: F