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.