College Green, between Parbrook and East Pennard

COLLEGE GREEN FARM, 

COLLEGE GREEN, EAST PENNARD, SHEPTON MALLET, SOMERSET, BA4 6SA

An exceptional, non-listed country house with extensive and beautifully appointed accommodation, standing within approximately 5.5 acres of gardens and pasture and enjoying glorious, far-reaching views across the surrounding Somerset countryside.

College Green Farm is a magnificent detached family home providing more than 6,000 sq. ft. of versatile accommodation. The original farmhouse dates from 1754 and has been substantially extended over the years, most notably through the conversion of former farm buildings into a series of impressive oak-framed rooms. The result is a house of tremendous character and scale, combining exposed stone, flagstone floors and historic joinery with striking additions.

The accommodation includes six established bedrooms, several excellent reception rooms and further ground-floor space capable of providing a seventh bedroom or semi-independent living accommodation. The outstanding kitchen, dining and living room has recently undergone a comprehensive refurbishment and is undoubtedly one of the defining features of the house.

The gardens and adjoining pasture extend to approximately 5.5 acres, with broad stone terraces, lawns, mature trees, a brook and exceptional rural views. Planning consent has also been granted for a substantial four-bay garage building with studio accommodation above, for which the foundations have been commenced.

Accommodation

An oak-framed porch shelters the substantial front door, which opens into a generous reception hall. Reclaimed flagstones extend across much of the ground floor, while exposed blue lias stonework immediately reflects the age and character of the original farmhouse.

Steps rise from the hall into the spectacular kitchen, dining and living room. Formed from part of the former cowsheds and recently comprehensively refurbished, this is an exceptional space in both its scale and execution.

A series of substantial oak A-frame trusses rises into the full-height vaulted ceiling, complemented by conservation-style rooflights and floor-to-ceiling glazing within the gable. The latter frames an outstanding outlook across the gardens and paddock. Further windows on two sides bring in abundant natural light, while two sets of French doors and a separate timber door open directly onto the terraces and garden.

The bespoke Smallbone kitchen is arranged around a substantial central island with a breakfast bar and inset sink. Further beautifully crafted cabinetry sits beneath stone work surfaces, interspersed with exposed stone walls and deep stone window reveals. Appliances include an electric Aga, double Belfast sink, integrated Gaggenau fridge and freezer, wine cooler, microwave and dishwasher. A traditional country cupboard provides additional storage. The remainder of the room offers ample space for generous dining and informal seating areas, making this the natural centre of the house. Underfloor heating extends throughout the room.

Running along the rear of the property is a second substantial dining and living hall. Oak-framed windows and doors, exposed structural timbers and reclaimed oak joinery give the room tremendous warmth and character. French doors open onto the rear terrace and gardens, making this another excellent entertaining space.

At one end, a handsome studded oak door opens into the laundry and utility room, which provides extensive storage, space and plumbing for appliances, a cloakroom and a door leading outside.

The principal sitting room is a particularly atmospheric room, centred upon a large inglenook fireplace incorporating its original bread oven. Heavy ceiling beams and an original plank-and-muntin screen add considerable historic interest, while French doors provide a direct connection with the garden.

A door leads from here into a further reception room, ideally suited as an intimate snug or family room. It has a feature fireplace, fitted storage within the alcoves and further useful storage beneath the staircase.

On the opposite side of the house is an additional sitting room with bespoke fitted cabinetry and French doors overlooking and opening onto the front garden. This room adjoins a ground-floor bathroom with a bath and shower over, WC and basin. Together with the neighbouring study, these rooms provide scope to create a semi-independent suite or an occasional seventh bedroom if required.

The study or snug is a comfortable dual-aspect room with bespoke cabinetry and a handsome period fireplace set within a carved surround. It provides an excellent home office while remaining equally suitable as a further reception room.

There are two staircases within the house, allowing the first-floor accommodation to be approached from either side.

The first staircase rises from the hall between the sitting room and snug. A small landing gives access to a double bedroom with fitted wardrobes and an adjacent shower room, attractively finished with a shower, WC, basin, vanity storage and tiled finishes.

The principal bedroom is an impressive and characterful suite. In addition to a substantial bedroom, it has access to an adjoining Jack and Jill bathroom, which can also be reached from the second landing.

A further staircase rises privately from the principal bedroom to the upper floor, where a superb dressing room incorporates an extensive range of fitted wardrobes. Beyond is a private bathroom set beneath exposed roof timbers and furnished with a freestanding claw-foot bath, basin and bidet. Pine floorboards and the sloping ceilings give this upper floor considerable character.

The second staircase rises from the oak-framed dining hall to the main first-floor landing. From here there are four further bedrooms, each large enough to accommodate a double bed, together with the Jack and Jill bathroom serving the principal bedroom and additional bathroom facilities.

Access from this part of the house leads onto an elevated timber balcony, which enjoys some of the finest views from the property across the gardens, paddock and surrounding countryside.

In total, the house provides six established bedrooms, with the layout and extent of the ground-floor accommodation allowing considerable flexibility for multigenerational living, guest accommodation or the creation of a seventh bedroom.

Outside

College Green Farm stands entirely within its own land and is approached through automated entrance gates. A private drive leads to a large gravelled turning and parking area in front of the house, providing ample space for numerous vehicles.

Broad stone terraces adjoin the house and can be accessed directly from several of the principal reception rooms. These provide excellent areas for outdoor dining and entertaining, with the west-facing parts of the garden particularly well placed to enjoy the evening sun and spectacular sunsets.

The formal gardens extend to approximately two acres and are mainly laid to sweeping lawns, interspersed with mature shrubs, established trees and a variety of fruit trees. A mature wisteria covers part of the western elevation of the house, while a small brook runs through the lower part of the grounds.

Beyond the gardens is approximately 3.5 acres of pasture, enclosed principally by post-and-rail fencing. The paddock provides scope for grazing, recreation or equestrian use, subject to any necessary consents.

The gardens and land enjoy outstanding views across the adjoining countryside and provide a particularly attractive and peaceful setting for the house.

Planning and Potential

Planning consent was granted under application 2014/1997/FUL for the construction of a detached oak-framed garage building. The proposed building provides four covered parking bays with studio accommodation above, and the foundations have already been commenced. Buyers should satisfy themselves through their solicitor and Somerset Council as to the precise status and requirements of the permission.

A separate permission was previously granted under application 2019/0893/HSE for a single-storey oak-framed swimming pool enclosure, gym, changing area and conservatory extension. This permission has now lapsed but demonstrates the considerable potential to add an indoor leisure complex, subject to a fresh planning application and all necessary consents.

There may also be potential to replace or incorporate the existing first-floor balcony within additional accommodation, again subject to all relevant planning and building regulation approvals.

About the area

College Green Farm occupies a peaceful rural position just outside Parbrook, close to the small Somerset village of East Pennard. The surrounding area is characterised by rolling farmland, orchards and attractive villages, with very little passing traffic and miles of countryside immediately accessible.

Nearby Baltonsborough has a primary school, village shop, pub and an active local community. Pilton, West Pennard and Glastonbury are also within easy reach, while the market towns of Castle Cary, Bruton and Shepton Mallet provide a broad range of everyday amenities.

Castle Cary has a traditional high street with independent shops, cafés, pubs and essential services. Its mainline railway station provides direct services to London Paddington. Bruton is known for its restaurants, independent businesses, cultural attractions and the internationally renowned Hauser & Wirth gallery. Wells, Street and Glastonbury provide further shopping, leisure and educational facilities.

There is an excellent selection of schools within the wider area. These include West Pennard and Baltonsborough primary schools, Ansford Academy, The Blue School in Wells, Crispin School and Strode College in Street. Independent schools include Millfield and Millfield Prep, Wells Cathedral School, Downside, All Hallows and King’s Bruton.

The A37 and A303 are readily accessible, providing good road connections towards Bristol, Bath, London and the South West. Castle Cary’s mainline railway station is approximately seven miles away.

Services

Mains electricity and water. Private drainage via a septic tank. Oil-fired central heating, with underfloor heating to the kitchen and reception hall. The vendor has advised that fibre broadband is connected to the property.

The property is freehold and is not listed.

Somerset Council.

Council Tax Band: H

EPC rating: E

There is a public right of way crossing part of the garden and field. Buyers should ask their solicitor to confirm its precise route and the full extent of any rights, covenants or easements affecting the property.

Important Notes

Please see all the notes below – particularly the section referring to identity and AML requirements

Identity verification & Anti Money Laundering (AML) Requirements

As Estate Agents we are require by law to undertake Anti Money Laundering (AML) Regulation checks on any purchaser who has an offer accepted on a property.

We are required to use a specialist third party service to verify the purchaser(s) identity.

The cost of these checks is £60 (inc. VAT) per person. This is payable at the point an offer is accepted and our purchaser information forms completed, prior to issuing Memorandum of Sales to both sellers and buyers and their respective conveyancing solicitors. This is a legal requirement and the charge is non-refundable.

Property Details

Roderick Thomas, their clients and any joint agents state that these details are for general guidance only and accuracy cannot be guaranteed. They do not constitute any part of any contract. All measurements are approximate and floor plans are to give a general indication only and are not measured accurate drawings. No guarantees are given with regard to planning permission or fitness for purpose. No apparatus, equipment, fixture or fitting has been tested. Items shown in photographs are not necessarily included. Buyers must rely on information passed between the solicitors with regard to items included in the sale. Purchasers must satisfy themselves on all matters by inspection or otherwise.

Viewings

Interested parties are advised to check availability and the current situation before travelling to view any property.

All viewings are by appointment with the Agents.

Roderick Thomas, 2 High Street, Castle Cary, BA7 7AW

P.S.

A few extra comments

Mortgages – we can help.

Bridging loans – We can help.

Moving house is complicated and stressful when a sale and purchase needs to be tied together in terms of finance and timing.

Sometimes, we can negotiate an agreement that suits both sellers and buyers.

Sometimes, a bridging loan can solve problems and remove stress.

Call us for information on any of these points.