Bishop Sutton, Bristol, Somerset

SUTTON FARM

KEY FEATURES

THE HOUSE

The approach to Sutton Farm immediately captures the heart. This impressive farmhouse with classic Georgian façade sits behind stone pillars at the end of a sweeping drive, lined with horse chestnut and lime trees. Although the property is within easy distance for a quick pop to the shops, Sutton Farm enjoys a high degree of privacy and the gardens, which wrap around the property, are wonderfully tranquil.

The Georgian portico leads through the part-glazed front door to a generous hallway, with stairs to the first floor, stone steps to the cellar and doors to the principal rooms. These reflect the Georgian origins with high ceilings, sash windows, cornicing and impressive fireplaces.

To the left on entering is the beautifully appointed dual aspect drawing room with beautiful marble fireplace and jetmaster stove, tall sash windows with window seats and working shutters to the front aspect and French windows leading out onto a paved terrace.

On the right hand side of the hall overlooking the front is the dining room/second reception room. This dual aspect room has a fireplace with wooden surround and cupboards to either side, tall sash windows with shutters and window seats.

Further down the hall is a study, lined with bookshelving and cupboards and a window to side aspect.

The cosy fourth reception room is used as a family snug with a woodburning stove and a window overlooking the conservatory. This leads through to the utility room, with hooks for coats and is plumbed for washing machine, has a butler sink, built-in cupboards and a rear door to the garden. Off this room is a contemporary styled wet room, installed by the present owners, with shower, WC, basin, towel rail and extractor fan.

At the end of the hall is the welcoming farmhouse kitchen with range cooker, painted wooden units, granite worksurfaces and tiled floor. There are spotlights in the beamed ceiling and dual aspect windows overlooking the garden. A part glazed door leads through to the conservatory.

Built in the 1980s and overlooking the garden, this attractive room has an exposed stone wall, double glazing, tiled flooring, retractable fitted blinds and ceiling fan. A door leads out onto the terrace.

Stone steps lead down from the hallway to the cellar. This is a generous space with good ceiling height, with gas boiler and airing cupboard with tank. Beyond this a door leads to an impressive wine cellar, fitted with a range of shelving and wine fridges.

SELLER INSIGHT

An escape to the country is something many dream of, but a brave few make it a reality. This previously city-based family had lived in Hong Kong and London surrounded by hustle and bustle and wrapped up in the throes of busy lives. But in 2006 they decided it was time to make the move to a more rural life; they wanted land, easy access to Bristol and, for them, only a period property would do.

“It was whilst listening to Radio 2 one day a caller said ‘Chew Valley is the most beautiful place on earth’, so we decided to go and look for a home in the area.” Whilst searching they came across Sutton Farm and instantly fell in love – it had everything they wanted and more.

“It was magical, the long sweeping tree-lined drive was absolutely stunning. Stepping out of the car closer to the property, that breath of clean air and the quiet – it was so peaceful and yet there was so much presence. The striking features of the Georgian house, the grand parking area and then the formal sunken Italian garden.”

There is so much to take in when you explore this property. Never mind the large Georgian windows and high ceilings, there’s a gorgeous conservatory, pool and studio. The drawing room houses the grand piano and opens up to the patio; it’s just lovely to look out over the garden as you play.

“The formal dining room always brings a smile; I remember us all sat round the table on the night we moved in, with our takeaway fish and chips. The study has been a well-used room, both for my own studies and for the children over the years.” Across from the study is the snug; home to a logburner, it is a cosy room that is wonderful no matter what the weather.

One of the standout features of this property is The Old Granary conversion, which is now an annexe home to one of the owner’s family members, specifically converted for them into a very comfortable living space. Our favourite feature of this space has to be the garden room, where you can sit and watch the world go by. The annexe comes with its own garden and entrance, giving whoever lives or stays here complete privacy and independence.

“My favourite part of the property is the sunken Italian garden, where there are steps to a secret path – I enjoy sneaking off down there with a good book, it really is special. We also have a wildlife garden where you can see a variety of species, and the Japanese garden is home to the most incredible Georgian rotunda, it’s a feature that many visitors have admired. From here is a path that leads to our private wood.”

The garden is also home to a vegetable patch, stables, an adventure play area and about 15 acres of land in total. In the past, it has been used as a smallholding and the owners have had sheep, alpacas, chickens, cows, pigs, even goats.

A surprise of the property may be the heated swimming pool, which is currently profitable for the family as they rent it out. It’s a great size and is currently used by the local community, who hire it out for an hour or two for parties, swimming lessons and aqua aerobics. Another feature is the cellar, which is extensive in size; it’s currently a multi-purpose space but does have wonderful storage for wine and other beverages.

“My first thought when I saw Sutton Farm was ‘magical’ – and I still feel the same today. The privacy we have is such a luxury, it’s been a wonderful home. There is a real sense of community amongst the neighbours. Family is really important to us and we have felt welcomed from the day we arrived. Our children have been extremely lucky to have grown up in such an environment and we are going to miss being involved in village life.”

The property may offer you privacy but you still have access to everything you need – there are two shops in the village, one you can walk to in under 6 minutes, the village pub and a wealth of countryside walks. A particular favourite is one to the nearby Chew Valley lake. You will find a tennis club opposite the entrance to Sutton Farm plus a couple of farm shops, as well as a number of doctors’ surgeries. On top of all that, you can be in Bristol or Bath in under 30 minutes – it really is a fantastic location.

The owners will be sad to say goodbye to this incredible home, but life events have influenced their decision making and it is now time for Sutton Farm to offer its magic to a new family.*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

First Floor

Off a spacious landing with ceiling skylight, are four double bedrooms and a single bedroom.

The front right bedroom has an ensuite shower room with WC, bidet, walk-in shower and vanity unit.

The double bedroom to the front on the left has built in cupboards and view to front.

There is a single bedroom, ideal for a child, with window with side aspect.

The modern family bathroom has a freestanding claw-foot bath, vanity unit with inset bash basin and WC with concealed cistern.

There are two further double bedrooms including another double with fitted wardrobes and cupboards over the bed. Finally, the spacious master bedroom has a range of fitted wardrobes and shelving, as well as an opulent marble en suite bathroom with bath, walk-in shower, bidet and ‘his and hers’ basins. There is a further walk-in wardrobe just outside on the landing.

Also on this floor is a separate shower room with shower cubicle and WC.

KEY FEATURES

OUTBUILDINGS

To the right elevation of property is collection of former farm buildings, which are in use, as follows:

The Piggery

Three separate areas, now used for storage with trellis covered in roses and vines. There is also a gardener’s WC and outside tap.

The Studio

A spacious two storey building, perfect for a home office/playroom. The top floor is light and airy with double glazed and Velux windows.

The Old Granary

This is situated above the garage block and is a self-contained annexe with glazed hallway on two floors which was installed by the present owners, allowing easy access from the main house. This provides a sunny seating area, perfect for admiring the garden from a raised position. The entrance is on the ground floor and the accommodation is accessed via a wooden staircase. This includes a reception room with vaulted ceiling, log burning stove and Velux windows, two bedrooms, a kitchen and bathroom, benefitting from underfloor heating. There is also an exit to the rear from the reception room which allows for easy access to the village. This is perfect for a dependent relative or b&b guests.

To the rear of the The Old Granary is a driveway to Sutton Yard. This is owned by the Sutton Farm and includes a double car port. There are three houses which have right of access over this land.

Garages

There are two double and a single garage with up-and-over doors, power and lighting.

Swimming Pool

Also in this corner of the property is the luxury indoor heated swimming pool complex. The pool has a retractable cover and is approx. 8ft in the deep end. The complex includes a changing room with basin, shower room and WC and a room for the boiler/plant.

Stables

On the left hand side of the drive is a path with five bar gate leading to the barn and stable block which was built by the present owners. The stables could house up to 4 horses and there is a separate tack room.

THE GARDENS

The property sits in impressive gardens which have been landscaped and include lawned areas and prolific borders. The gardens are delightful and include features such as a sunken garden, terraced areas for outdoor dining, a safe area with tree house and sandpit for children and more quirky features such as a working well and an old cider press. There are a wide variety of plants, shrubs, hedging and mature trees. The adjoining land includes fields and woodland. The paddock to the top includes a variety of fruit trees including apple and pear. In all the land amounts to approx. 15 acres.

LOCATION

Bishop Sutton is an active Somerset village with facilities including shops, post office and store, community library, tennis club, a church and The Red Lion Pub. There is a choice of state schools including Bishop Sutton at primary level and the well-regarded Chew Valley and Churchill Academy Schools for secondary level are within easy distance. Independent schools can be found in Bath, Bristol, Wells and Sidcot. A wide range of outdoor pursuits are available including sailing and walking at nearby Blagdon and Chew Valley Lake, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest as well as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The property is conveniently located for travel. There is easy access to M5 via Junction 21 for the motorway network and Bristol Airport is just over 8 miles away.

Directions: On entering the village of Bishop Sutton from the east side on the A368, the entrance to Sutton Farm can be seen on the main road, to the left hand side after passing the entrance to the tennis club on the right. Look out for the F&C board.

Features:

• Freehold

• Gas central heating

• Mains drainage

• EPC rating E

• Intruder alarm

• Not a listed property

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 01.02.2023

FINE & COUNTRY

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SUE SADLER MNAEA

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

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