The Ford, Lovington, Somerset

This exceptional four-bedroom detached house is situated on the fringes of the pastoral village of Lovington. Dating to the 17th century, it has been sensitively reimagined by its current owners, who have increased the plan to over 2,100 sq ft as well as adding triple glazing, rewiring, replumbing and replacing the roof. There is also a separate annexe, named The Garden Room by its current owners, which is kept warm by a log burner and has atmospheric views across the River Brue. Surrounded by an acre of mature woodland, the house is 10 minutes from Castle Cary and under an hour from Frome and Bath.

The Tour

The house sits at the end of a gravelled driveway, a wonderfully secluded position that emphasises its a rural charm. Entry is to a large hallway grounded by oak floorboards; this leads to the oldest part of the house, which has been configured as a living room. A Bath stone fireplace here fosters a cosy ambiance which is added to by the original exposed beams overhead.

The generous kitchen, on the other hand, is an arrestingly modern space that lies on the opposite side of the plan. An invigorating pink palette livens up the walls and contrasts with sleek quartz worktops and seamless cabinets. The south-facing wall is given over entirely to large, glazed sliding doors which open to connect with the garden terrace. Underfloor heating runs beneath the green slate tile flooring and there is plenty of space for a generous dining table as well as additional seating and storage. There is also a WC on this floor and a separate utility and boot room, as well as a walk-in pantry.

Stairs ascend to the first floor, where the main bedroom basks in south-facing light. It has a brilliant walk-in wardrobe as well as an en suite with a freestanding bath. There are three additional bedrooms on this floor, as well as a study area and a modern bathroom.

Wholly independent from the house, the annexe lies in the garden. It has a mono-pitched roof and a wall of glazing that faces onto the trees and garden beyond, as well as a wood burner for the colder months.

Outside Space

Mature trees surround the house, providing a secluded retreat to enjoy the seasons. A seating area has been created to sit and enjoy the babble of the water and the verdant greenery, and two saddle stones lead down to the river. There is a terrace area off the kitchen for outdoor dining in the warmer months, which overlooks an expansive lawn. Some areas of the garden have been left to flourish and are filled with wildflowers and a diverse array of wildlife.

The Area

The house sits in Lovington, a lovely spot in the heart of Somerset. Local bakery Lievito is just a few minutes' walk away, offering artisanal breads, pastries and fresh sourdough pizza. The market town Castle Cary is close by for a host of other amenities including a shop for groceries, a deli and an independent wine shop.

Within 20 minutes’ drive is Bruton, a small town of immense character that is well-equipped with local services including quality schools, pleasant pubs and some renowned local restaurants such At The Chapel, Osip, and The Roth Bar at the Hauser and Wirth Gallery. Local country estate The Newt has a farm shop and restaurants as well as holding culinary and horticultural events and workshops.  For more of our recommendations in Bruton and Somerset, look to our residents' guide.

There are plenty of excellent schooling options in the area. In addition to Lovington Primary School, there are other independent, public and state schools within easy reach including Millfield School, King's Bruton and and Hazelgrove. The well-regarded Brue Farm day nursery is also nearby.

Transport links to the southwest are plentiful, with Castle Cary Station only six minutes’ drive away. From here,London Paddington can be reached in around an hour and 45 minutes, whilst Bath Spa is under an hour away. The A37 is accessed minutes from the house and links with the national motorway network in around 30 minutes.

Council Tax Band: E