Property Description: Guide Price £500,000 - £550,000. Once the home of the writer John Le Carré and renovated in recent years, this pretty Grade II listed property, that in some parts dates back to the 15th Century, is situated in the heart of the ever popular village of Pilton and is full of character and charm. Through the wrought iron gate and down the path across the pretty south facing part-walled garden and you arrive at the terrace. From here you can either enter the cottage via the front door or the glazed garden room, which could also serve as a fabulous boot room.
The front door with stone mullion arch surround and wooden door leads you into the sitting room. Cool in the summer because of the thick Lias stone walls or cosy in the winter warmed by the wood burner stove, this room is a good size and historical features of note include; exposed beams, a window seat with the later addition of bespoke oak cupboards and shelves.
The garden room with exposed stone walls, ledge and brace door has a stone tiled floor, is fully insulated and has south facing windows. This room is light and bright and is the perfect place for a comfy chair and a book. Custom made oak double doors lead to the dining room with its feature fire place and oak storage cupboard. The kitchen with honed limestone tile floor, wooden painted units and granite worktops has been well thought out to make use of the space and has all modern integrated appliances including an AEG induction hob and oven, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and washing machine.
At the back of the property there is a downstairs double bedroom/study, which gets the morning sun and just across the hallway is a luxurious shower room. This area of the house can be accessed from the sitting room or the outside courtyard and has the potential to be used as a guest room or B&B room providing an income.
The staircase, with painted wood panelling, leads to the upstairs from the dining room and here there are two further double bedrooms and a bathroom with a walk in shower finished to a high specification. The bedroom at the top of the stairs is double aspect and has a built in cupboard which houses the water tank so can be used as an airing cupboard. The main bedroom, with ledge and brace door, is generous in size, has a built in wardrobe and a vanity unit with a sink and an oak storage cupboard below. Most of the oak shuttered windows in this room are south facing making this room light and bright. Of note is the narrow, mullion, single light window which really gives you a feel for the age of this property. The surprise original feature in this room is the 15th Century WC (non working) complete with authentic wooden loo seat!
Outside: To the front of the property is a pretty cottage garden. Surrounded by stone walls and willow fencing, with lawned area, stone terrace, flower beds and mature apple trees, the garden is private and its south facing aspect make this an attractive place to relax and entertain. Hidden away behind the trees is a small garden shed.
To the back of the property, which can be accessed from the road via a tarmac track as well as the two back doors, is a stone paved courtyard. Down one side is an array of wooden storage sheds one of which conveniently hides the bins. The other two are currently used as a wood and bike store and has an electric supply. Tucked in the corner is a fabulous garden studio with heating and electric.
Early viewing is highly recommended. Houses of this quality in Pilton do not come up often.
Location: The village of Pilton lies between the towns of Glastonbury, Wells and Shepton Mallet and is known for its green spaces and pretty stone cottages, as well as the world famous Glastonbury Festival (for which the lucky purchaser of this property will get free tickets). This thriving village has a shop, a fabulous pub with venue and garden, post office, playing fields (including skate park and tennis courts), church, chapel, playgroup, allotments, a community orchard and numerous clubs. And is also home to the Pilton Club and Village Hall which acts as a community venue for music, events & functions. Throughout the year the village hosts several well attended events including the village flower show and fete not to mention the Glastonbury Festival. The village is steeped in history with almost 70 listed buildings including the 11th Century Church and the restored 14th Century tithe barn which is now used for a variety of village events. For more information visit https://piltonvillage.com/
The historic cathedral city of Wells is just five miles away and is the smallest city in England (population 10,000). It’s centre has the market place (local markets held twice a week) surrounded by many medieval buildings including the cathedral and the moated Bishops Palace as well as its bustling high street. Glastonbury is a small but busy town and a major tourist venue, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. Medieval Glastonbury - designated a conservation area - clusters around the majestic ruins of the Abbey. There are regular farmer’s markets in Wells, Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet (just three miles away) and these locations offer a variety of coffee shops, restaurants and independent shops. All the usual supermarkets can be found in any of these three locations and there are great local farm shops including Jon Thorner’s or maybe try the local producer Brown Cow Organics. There are fabulous walks on your doorstep over the surrounding countryside. Just 20 minutes away is the town of Bruton with its boutique shops, famous restaurants and world-renowned Hauser & Wirth Art Gallery. Bristol and Bath and Frome are all within approximately an hour’s drive and a mainline station with trains to London Paddington, is situated less than five miles away at Castle Cary, with further mainline stations at Yeovil, Bristol and Bath. Bristol International Airport is just sixteen miles away.
There is an excellent range of both state and independent schools in the area including the well-respected West Pennard Primary School in the next-door village that has a school bus from Pilton. Millfield School, Wells Cathedral School, The Blue School in Wells, Strode College in Street, All Hallows, Downside School and numerous local primary schools are all accessible from the area.
Directions: Google Maps = BA4 4BQ / What3words = conspired.standards.will
Council Tax: Band E (correct at time of marketing). To check council tax for this property, please refer to www.gov.uk/council-tax-bands
Local Authority: Somerset Council - 0300 123 2224
Services: Electric central heating, mains water & mains drainage
Tenure: This property is freehold and is sold with vacant possession upon completion
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