Bathealton, Taunton, Somerset, TA4

A beautifully presented Georgian rectory with ancillary accommodation, set within formal gardens and grounds extending to approximately 4.41 acres.

“Bathealton is beautifully seated in a luxuriously wooded and watered country; the scenery around is very delightful; the vegetation, the mosses, the wildflowers, the ferns and the views will strike the attention of a visitor, and teach him, if he has a soul, ‘to look from nature up to nature’s God’.”
Edward Jeboult, ‘The Valley of the Tone’, 1873

The Old Rectory is a fine example of Georgian architecture and, unusually, is not listed, affording a rare opportunity to enjoy a period home with flexibility to adapt if required. The property provides 4562 sqft of beautifully appointed accommodation, in keeping with the elegance of this period, finished with high-quality fixtures and fittings throughout. An attached annexe – with connecting door and not separately banded – currently offers a generously sized and superbly featured guest wing. The nature of the construction allows for the removal of internal divisions to create an exquisite open plan kitchen/dining area if desired. Outside, the property is complemented by formal gardens, parkland and paddock, extending in all to 4.41 acres.

The main house is entered via an entrance porch leading to an impressive reception hall, featuring a highly elegant original Georgian staircase. The principal rooms continue the classic Georgian symmetry that is so desirable in properties from this period, with high ceilings and sash windows flooding the internal space with natural light. There are three well-proportioned reception rooms, including a splendid drawing room enjoying a dual aspect with French doors leading to the gardens and an open fireplace, providing an ideal space for entertaining. Adjoining is a study, also with French doors to the garden, with fitted bookcases and exposed timber flooring. A separate dining room offers another open fireplace and attractive arched recesses. Also off the hall is the kitchen/breakfast room, fitted with a range of hand-made base and wall units sympathetic to the period, complemented by an island, oil-fired Aga, and a range of integral appliances. Adjacent lies a useful boot room with back door and larder. Leading back to the hallway, there is a laundry/utility room and a downstairs cloakroom. The first floor offers four well-appointed bedrooms, two en-suite and the remainder served by a family bathroom. On the second floor is a fifth bedroom, offering flexible additional space.

The Annexe

From a connecting door – currently closed off – in the hallway, there is a fantastic additional accommodation, which includes a large open-plan vaulted sitting room, with wood-burner, kitchen and dining area, as well as a generously sized bedroom with en-suite shower room and walk-in wardrobe. This space has its own front door and is currently being used as an annexe, but alternatively could be a stunning kitchen/dining space for the main house overlooking the raised beds and herb garden.

The Old Rectory nestles on the edge of Bathealton, a highly sought-after village comprising mainly period properties and remaining untouched for many years. Wiveliscombe is 2 miles away and is the nearest bustling town, with a thriving community, including William Sitwell’s new Italian bar and restaurant, pub, church, shops, post office, chemist, library, doctor’s surgery, primary and secondary schools, rugby, tennis and cricket clubs, community centre, award-winning butcher, and bus links to the Somerset and Devon coasts. The Devon and Somerset border is 2.4 miles away. Wellington is South East 15 minutes away with its independent school, Junction 26 of the M5, shops and a Waitrose supermarket.

The county town of Taunton lies to the east and offers a comprehensive range of shops, leisure and excellent schools and colleges in both the state and independent sector. It has the added bonus of being within the Blundell’s school local catchment area qualifying for discounted fees. It is home to Somerset County cricket ground, Taunton National Hunt Racecourse and The Brewhouse Theatre. Mainline train links from Taunton direct to London Paddington, with an hourly fast service (1hr 45mins). Motorway access is available at Wellington, Tiverton and Taunton and the cities of Exeter and Bristol are within an hour’s drive with International Airports.

The south-west facing gardens are a standout feature of the property, with the very private and formal walled garden and terrace being an absolute sun-trap, lovingly planted with specimen plants to provide interest and colour throughout the year, including an abundance of roses and a very pretty acer and azalea bed. Moving beyond the walled garden is the wild garden, which with its pond, stream and ancient trees is a haven for birds and wildlife, including the resident hedgehogs, ducks and regularly sighted kingfishers.

Land
The paddock is accessed directly from the driveway and comprises a single enclosure of gently undulating pastureland, ideal for equestrian or livestock use. The paddock itself extends to approximately 1.3 acres, contributing to the property’s total landholding of 4.41 acres. A public footpath traverses the field but is seldom used. A public footpath traverses the field but is seldom used.