Axbridge, Somerset

The Court St. Marys Street | Axbridge | Somerset | BS26 2BN

THE COURT

An elegant Grade II listed Georgian residence in the heart of the picturesque mediaeval town of Axbridge, on the edge of the Mendip Hills, in a designated AONB. This spacious family home has been upgraded by the present owners, taking meticulous care to preserve the fine period features, whilst providing modern conveniences such as contemporary styled bathrooms, a bespoke fitted kitchen as well as a luxury Spa area with heated swimming pool. The house sits in attractive and well-maintained gardens with a double garage and ample parking for several vehicles.

KEY FEATURES

The Court is approached via an impressive stone archway into a spacious paved courtyard, with low walls, shrubs, trees and an old horse chestnut tree taking centre stage. The front door with portico and fanlight leads into the hallway with old school style radiators and large flagstone flooring. A staircase leading to the upper floors. Throughout the property typical Georgian features such as high ceilings, paned sash windows with working shutters, dado and picture rails, ornate coving, ceiling roses and attractive fireplaces are in evidence.

The study, facing the front of the house has a fitted desk and range of fitted cupboards and cast-iron fireplace in a stone surround, with a slate tiled floor and underfloor heating. The well-appointed kitchen has a range of bespoke cream units with Walnut worktops, 2 ovens including a 6-burner gas range with plate warmer, extractor fan over, integrated fridge/ freezer and corner fridge, built-in coffee maker and a central island with hand carved granite worktop, and double sink with waste disposal unit. A 16 -pane sash window looks over the rear garden with a breakfast bar, from which to enjoy the view. This room also has underfloor heating.

Off the kitchen is a further reception room, used as a music room with Karndean flooring and French doors to the garden.

The magnificent triple aspect drawing/dining room has a wealth of Georgian features; with polished wooden floorboards, ornate cornicing and two fine cast iron working fireplaces with stone surrounds, it runs the length of the building with deep sash windows and French doors, allowing in plenty of natural light.

A door leads from the drawing room into second reception room, which is currently used as a cinema room. This room also has French doors to the rear garden and alcoves to one wall.

A second front door, to the left of the first, leads to a spacious hallway with original flagstone flooring and built-in cupboard. This leads to a WC and a back lobby off which is a utility room. This has a cupboard housing 2 gas boilers, 2 water tanks, plumbing for washing machine and dryer and a larder. A door leads to the rear patio.

From the main hallway stairs lead up to a half landing from which wonderful views can be enjoyed over the fields behind the house and the Cheddar Reservoir and towards Glastonbury Tor.

SELLER INSIGHT

There is no doubt that this is truly a special home, situated in the most wonderful small town of Axbridge. Axbridge is an enchanting market town at the foot of the majestic Mendip Hills, not far from Cheddar and boasting its own unique character. It formed part of a Saxon defence against the Viking invasions during King Alfred’s rule. This pretty town features quaint half-timbered houses leaning towards each other along the narrow road that leads to the ancient town square, as well as a wealth of architectural and cultural artefacts.

In 1202, King John awarded Axbridge a Royal Charter, granting the town privileges such as the right to hold markets. As a testament to the prosperous past, one can see the splendour of the 13th-century St John’s Church, the oldest church still standing and dating back to 1245. There is an extremely strong community which you can get involved with as much or as little as you like, but it is this community that has made living at The Court such a magical time for the owners and their family.

The Court is also part of Axbridge’s treasured history; built in 1796, it’s the epitome of beautiful Georgian design and this will only be the second time it has come onto the market in 54 years. “We wanted to move to Somerset and had been looking for a while and had given up on finding the right home. Out of the blue, we were notified that The Court had come onto the market. We viewed and fell in love.”

“The house was very tired, but we could see right through that and felt it had so much potential. As we entered the garden we felt like we were in the middle of nowhere, yet the house is situated right in the heart of the town. All the renovations were undertaken sympathetically using traditional materials such as lime plaster and breathable paints. We uncovered all the original fireplaces and even 1796 fireplace dog grates in what would hav e been the maids’ rooms.”

There is certainly an air of grandeur that you don’t expect to see as you enter the drive and pass through the arch. Yet the owners wanted to ensure that what they created felt like a comfortable family home rather than a big house. “When you enter, it feels warm and homely and has had the flexibility to adapt to our changing lifestyle as our family has grown. Although there are many spaces we enjoy spending time in, I often sit in the kitchen window looking out into the garden and enjoying the wildlife.”

“The pool area is a special place and with the adjoining bar area is a wonderful place to entertain. We had built a pool at our previous property and our ambition was to create one here. There was originally a small orangery in the location of the pool and it was designed with conservation in mind. It blends together the strong architectural statement of the Georgian era with contemporary design and natural material perfectly.”

The garden is an extension of the property, with a variety of flexible spaces which you and your family can make your own. “Behind the pool is a secluded area where I enjoy relaxing with a coffee and a book; on from there is a ‘kick around’ area for the boys and an archery range which is mainly laid to lawn. We have hosted weddings in the garden over the years and there is an ideal spot for a marquee. The pond still has a couple of Koi and some goldfish and is a favourite with a breeding pair of ducks that return year after year.”

The owners have also continued a long tradition of granting the church access to use the garden for their annual fête. This is just one of a number of events that take place annually across the town for the community, including street parties, Father Christmas and hog roast in the square, NYE celebrations, and The Pageant (a re-enactment of the town’s history with horses, battles, live music and even vintage cars. It takes place every 10 years, with the next one being in 2030).

The town offers a number of amenities, including a Co-op, pub, a hotel with bar and restaurant, antique shop and a boutique clothes store. Cheddar is only 2 miles away and you can walk to Cheddar Gorge in 40 minutes; you can drive to Wells in around 25 minutes, and there is a sailing club on Cheddar reservoir, a 10-minute walk away.

In the garden you will find a gate providing access to Charter Court, a property that the owners built on adjoining land for family members. This property is also on the market and provides another private and relaxing environment in the heart of Axbridge.”*

*

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.

The generous accommodation on the first floor includes 4 good-sized double bedrooms. The master has a spacious luxury ensuite bathroom with freestanding roll-top bath and a separate walk-in shower. The adjacent bedroom has a range of built-in wardrobes and is currently used as a dressing room. There are two further rooms with steps down to an interconnecting fifth room off; suitable for a teenage den or a dressing room. Serving these two bedrooms are two bathrooms with underfloor heating. Airing cupboard. One of the bedrooms and the den have air-conditioning.

On the top floor are a further 4 bedrooms, all spacious doubles. One has an en suite with double sized walk-in shower. There is a further separate bathroom on this floor.

Further storage space is available in the basement. This is tanked and plastered and is divided into three separate rooms, one of which is used for a wine cellar and another houses the audio-visual system for the house including the remote control lighting, cinema/tv system, fuse boards and telephone points. Steps lead up to the front exterior of the house.

Pool

An arched doorway from the courtyard leads through to the Spa area. The 10m x 5m pool was installed by the current owners on the site of a former greenhouse. The luxury facilities include two changing rooms with showers and a separate WC, a bar area with corian worksurfaces and fridge and cupboards beneath and sliding doors out to the rear garden, as well as a plant room with exchange system, boiler and tank. A games room with tiled flooring and glazed doors lead to the terrace and into the pool area. The pool room has full length windows along both sides and glass beamed ceiling and beyond is a hot tub, with sliding doors allowing its use inside or out. All the rooms here have underfloor heating and air-conditioning.

Outside

From the entrance courtyard a pair of wrought-iron gates lead to the rear of the property to one side and double wooden gates on the other.

To the rear of the wisteria-clad property is a terrace partly covered by a glass verandah and delightful south facing gardens. There is a spacious lawned area with pathways and flower beds, borders and mature trees including fig, walnut, pear trees and holm oaks as well as a raised terrace with barbeque area and pizza oven. On the east side is the swimming pool complex which has a private sun area, screened with bamboo, with water feature and wooden cabin (currently used as a treatment room). There is also a vegetable garden and archery range with shed, greenhouse and compost bed. To the west, beyond the attractive old wall is an area with paved area, artificial lawn and a summerhouse, ideal for a playground.

Buyers may be interested to note that the gardens have been used for wedding parties and the annual church fete with marquees on the lawn.

To the front, accessed from the courtyard is a double garage with two electric up and over doors and a single door to the rear with access to the garden.

History

A carved stone dates the house to 1796, though earliest building recorded on this site was in 1468. During its more recent history it has been the home and surgery of a local doctor, and subsequently the local Conservative MP, Jerry Wiggin for 30 years.

Location

Axbridge offers a range of shops and pubs as well as the well regarded Axbridge primary school and local secondary schools include The Kings of Wessex and Hugh Sexey Church of England School, Churchill Academy and Sidcot School. There is easy access to further facilities in the local town of Cheddar and nearby Wells. The area is popular for outdoor activities and the famous Cheddar Gorge is close by. Junction 22 of the M5 is approximately 8 miles away, Bristol International Airport is 11 miles away and the City of Wells approximately 10 miles away.

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 24.05.2023

FINE & COUNTRY

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