House for sale in Somerset

Mileage

Ilminster 2 miles, A303 4 miles, Chard 3 miles, Crewkerne 7.5 miles (trains to London Waterloo from 2 hours 30 minutes), Taunton 16 miles (trains to London Paddington from 1 hour 45 minutes).

Description

Cricket Court is a Grade II* folly constructed of stone with a first floor balcony surround. The approach to the house is through iron gates flanked by a pair of impressive stone pillars. The sweeping drive arrives at the gravel turning circle which is encircled by balustrading and a retaining wall, over which the eye is swiftly drawn to the far-reaching westerly views. The house is characterised by curved architecture on two sides and is entranced through the north-east facade's enormous stone portico that is relieved by wide steps with balustrading either side. The interior is generally light and spacious because of its numerous floor-to-ceiling French windows, the combination of square and arched interior doorways and the domed skylights.

Accommodation

The reception hall has a stone floor with a large mosaic and a light tunnel in the centre, complimented by a highly decorated ceiling with an oval skylight in its centre. The drawing room has hardwood flooring, panelled walls and 3 large French windows, off which there is the sitting room. The dining room, centrally positioned, is characterised by hardwood flooring, a half vaulted alcove at one end and an extraordinarily detailed ceiling that is divided into squares with individual roses in each. The walls feature hand painted scenes commissioned by the current owners. The kitchen, breakfast room and family room are to the western side of the house and form a family area that benefits from further French windows in the kitchen. The ground floor is mostly surrounded by generous terracing, which all of the French windows open onto, giving seamless transition between house and garden and extensive space for summer outside dining.

The first floor library with its elaborate and unusual ceiling, floral patterned plasterwork, hardwood flooring and cabinets, spectacular skylight, and French windows onto Juliet balconies, make this room a highlight. The traditional study is to the side of library and also has hardwood flooring with parquet inlay and cabinets, and a Juliet balcony. The master bedroom has a quartered fan designed ceiling and 2 French windows onto Juliet balconies. The bedroom has two en-suite bathrooms which are positioned directly above/below each other by making use of split levels, one of which has a central roll top bath. The first floor accommodates 3 further bedrooms and one further bathroom.

On the second floor there are two further bedrooms and one of the split level master bathrooms, and on the third floor two further bedrooms, a bathroom and two store rooms.

A comprehensive lower ground floor complex includes a self contained basement flat with a sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, hall, one bedroom and two bathrooms, but which is levelled in such a way that it has natural light and French windows. A number of cellars, a laundry room and a workshop further make up the lower ground floor. There may be potential for the conversion of some of the cellars into further accommodation (subject to the usual consents).

Situation

Cricket Court is situated in the quintessentially rural surroundings of Cricket Malherbie near Ilminster in Somerset. The house sits on an elevated position and faces south-west, giving outstanding vistas over a region that is known for its outstanding natural beauty, walking, country sports and local produce. A mere 15 miles from the South Coast, the amenities and water sports of Lyme Regis and other coastal towns serve Cricket Court excellently. Local services and shopping are best found in Chard and Ilminister, both about 2 miles away, whereas Taunton (about 14 miles) and Yeovil (about 20 miles) provide further shopping and services. Well respected private schools, for example Blundells, Bryanston, Millfield, Sherborne, St Mary's School Shaftesbury, Taunton School and Wellington, are located in the region. The area is complimented by quick access to the national
transport network: the A303, A30 and the M5 (J25) are nearby; Crewkerne and Taunton provide trains to London and other destinations; and Bristol and Exeter international airports are proximate to the north and south on the M5.

Directions

From London proceed on the A303 to Ilminster. Continue around the by-pass and at the main roundabout turn right on to the A358 signposted to Chard. Proceed back over the A303 and through the village of Donyatt. Drive south for a further half mile and take the first left signed to Ilminster. Continue along this lane for just under one mile and turn right signposted to Cricket Malherbie. Proceed through the small hamlet, past the church, and the distinctive entrance gates with their stone pillars are found on your right hand side.