Property description
A substantial and historic farmhouse situated in an
idyllic location with gardens and grounds extending to
in excess of 3 acres (further land available by separate negotiation).
Historical Note: Once the ancient centre of the Manor of Northload,
which comprised most of the village of Theale under the ownership of
Glastonbury Abbey. The original ‘village pound’ still exists as part of the
old cowshed. The oldest known reference is in 1189. An historical essay
can be viewed online.
Living Room • Dining Room • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Study
Garden Room • Games Room • Utility Room
7 Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms
A range of substantial and useful Outbuildings including an ancient Tithe Barn
About the areaThe Parish of Theale nestles in the Civil Parish of Wedmore on raised ground in the Cheddar Valley. Within Theale are two churches and a much-used village hall. It is also home to the famous \"Theale Players\" and boasts its own web-site www.theale.ws. The Saxon village of Wedmore has existed for well over a thousand years, and is a delightful and extremely active centre. There are historic buildings including the medieval church next to an old coaching inn, interesting and varied shops including essentials such as the newsagent, butcher, chemist etc. together with others usually only found in larger county towns, plus pubs, restaurants and tea rooms. There is a wide range of clubs andsocieties, cultural and sporting. Most sports activities are catered for in the area - Swimming Pools at both Cheddar & Wells; Sailing & Windsurfing Clubs at Cheddar Reservoir; the Badgworth Equestrian Centre and the Wedmore 18 Hole Golf Course. In addition, there are floodlit Astroturf Tennis Courts, Indoor and Outdoor Bowling Greens, Football and Cricket pitches and a Children's Play Area. The Cathedral City of Wells is approximately 5 miles away and also provides a further range of business, recreational and shopping facilities. City shopping centres are available at Taunton, Bath and Bristol. Communications in the area are good, with access to the M5 (J22 - 10 minutes) connecting to M4 (J16). A local train service from Highbridge (7 miles) links with the Intercity train services at Taunton and Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington, taking approximately 90 minutes. Bristol International Airport is 17 miles away. The iconic towns of Glastonbury and Cheddar are both 6 miles away. There are excellent state schools in the area including Wedmore First School, Hugh Sexeys Middle, Kings of Wessex Upper School, and the Blue School. The Independent schools include Wells Cathedral School, Sidcot, Millfield, Taunton School, King's Bruton, All Hallows and Downside.
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Northload Farm was once the ancient centre of the Manor of Northload, which comprised most of the village of Theale and even beyond and was under the ownership of Glastonbury Abbey. The original Village Pound, where stray cattle were impounded and a fine levied for their release, still exists as part of the old cowshed. The oldest known reference to the name \"Northload\" is in 1189 in a survey of the Glastonbury Estates. The owners have been in residence for over 31 years and confirm that in all that period neither the house or village have been flooded - the old monks knew where to build!Surprisingly Northload Farm is not listed so does not suffer from the associated planning restrictions.The accommodation is spacious and flexible with lots of period character. The sitting room, dining room, study and conservatory all face south, with views over the gardens to the countryside beyond. The sitting room and dining room both have substantial fireplaces.The good sized kitchen/breakfast room has an adjacent utility room. An excellent games room with corner bar opens onto a covered open fronted terrace with an overhead grape vine, providing a lovely barbecue and entertaining area. On the first floor are 6 double bedrooms (one en suite) and a family bathroom. All are light and airy with glorious views of the surrounding countryside.On the second floor is a very large bedroom suite with en suite bathroom.
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GARDENS AND GROUNDSThe gardens and grounds of Northload Farm are a major feature. The formal gardens have been beautifully designed and landscaped, and are complimented by low level lighting for evening enjoyment. There are manicured lawns, mature flower and shrub borders, trees, rockeries and water-features, and a lovely secluded area of gravel pathways bordered by mature trees, shrubs and hedging and interspersed with large rocks from a local quarry offering sheltered areas for quiet contemplation. The paths lead to a secluded heated swimming pool and changing chalet. To the rear of the house is a large kitchen garden (with an automatic irrigation system using water from a private borehole) and a productive fruit orchard. To one side of the front gardens is a well screened lawn tennis court.The house and gardens extend to a little over two acres and a there is a paddock of around 1.1 acres situated to the north of the house. Further land of up to 19 acres can be purchased by separate negotiation. To the west of the house are a range of very useful outbuildings, all in good order, including a substantial Tithe Barn with electric door which provides a large parking area and workshop (or occasional entertaining space), a wine store, a former cattle shed which incorporates two stables (this was once the Old Village Pound), a long barn and a range of duck and hen houses and equipment and machinery stores.The long barn and the former cattle shed and stables offer potential for development subject to necessary planning permissions.
Property Features :
- Substantial and Historic Farmhouse Situated in idyllic location
- Gardens & Grounds extending to around 3 acres
- (Further land available by separate negotiation if required)
- Swimming Pool & Grass Tennis Court
- Several Outbuildings and an ancient Tithe barn