Station Road, Ashcott, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7

Enjoying far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside towards Crook Peak and the Mendip Hills, Orchard Barn is an inspired conversion of a traditional agricultural building into a striking contemporary five-bedroom home. Thoughtfully designed to celebrate the character and proportions of the original barn, the accommodation makes exceptional use of space, natural light and architectural features, creating a home that is as stylish as it is practical.

Deceptively understated from the outside, Orchard Barn reveals an impressive sense of space and individuality within, combining contemporary living with the charm and character of its agricultural heritage.

Beyond the house, the property offers an equally compelling proposition for those with equestrian interests. Set within approximately six acres, the grounds incorporate an extensive range of facilities, including nine stables, a turnout yard, barn and riding arena, providing the opportunity to enjoy a complete equestrian lifestyle from home.

The combination of beautifully considered living accommodation, substantial equestrian facilities and an attractive rural outlook makes Orchard Barn a particularly appealing and versatile country property.

STEP INSIDE

As unassuming as the exterior may be, the interior of this exceptional home is quite the revelation, where thoughtful design, impressive proportions and an abundance of natural light combine to create a truly remarkable living environment.

An exceptionally wide and welcoming entrance hallway provides an immediate sense of space, incorporating a range of built-in storage cupboards, with a ground floor shower room and separate utility room conveniently positioned off the hallway.

Stepping into the principal living accommodation, one cannot fail to be impressed by the clever use of space and light. Extending to over 40 feet (12.2 metres) in width, this magnificent open-plan room forms the heart of the home, offering both impressive scale and a wonderfully inviting atmosphere.

A wood-burning stove provides an attractive focal point to the main seating area, complementing the underfloor heating, with the owners noting its remarkable ability to radiate warmth throughout the property. A thoughtfully arranged snug/library provides a more intimate retreat within the larger living space, ideal for reading or relaxing.

The accommodation flows naturally into a generous dining area, with additional seating positioned to take full advantage of the outlook across the equestrian facilities and the wonderful far-reaching views towards Crook Peak and the Mendip Hills. Triple glazing throughout adds to the home's excellent thermal efficiency, providing comfort in all seasons whilst helping to minimise energy costs.

The beautifully appointed kitchen combines style with practicality, featuring an extensive range of fitted units, granite work surfaces and a comprehensive selection of integrated Neff appliances. Doors open directly onto the rear sun terrace, creating a seamless connection between inside and out, with the stunning countryside views providing a wonderful backdrop for alfresco dining and entertaining.

Designed with flexibility and multigenerational living in mind, the property benefits from a particularly impressive ground floor principal bedroom suite. This beautifully proportioned room enjoys direct access to the south-facing garden, whilst the luxurious en-suite bathroom is elegantly finished with Carrara tiling, creating a sophisticated and relaxing retreat. A generous walk-in dressing room completes the suite, offering excellent storage and further enhancing the sense of comfort and luxury.

An impressive galleried landing, featuring contemporary glass balustrading, overlooks the magnificent principal living space below, reinforcing the wonderful sense of openness and light that defines this beautifully designed home.

The first floor provides four further generously proportioned double bedrooms, offering excellent flexibility for family living and visiting guests. One of the bedrooms benefits from its own en-suite facilities, whilst the remaining bedrooms are served by a spacious and well-appointed family bathroom.

Together with the ground floor principal suite, the arrangement provides an ideal balance of privacy, comfort and versatility, perfectly suited to both family and multigenerational living.

STEP OUTSIDE

Orchard Barn enjoys a wonderful setting within just under 6 acres, of which approximately 4 acres are arranged as well-maintained, interconnected paddocks, providing an exceptional opportunity for those seeking an equestrian lifestyle or simply the pleasure of owning their own land.

The property benefits from two separate accesses, offering both convenience and flexibility. The first provides a private approach exclusively to the house, whilst the second allows access to the house, land and extensive equestrian facilities.

To the front, a driveway leads to a substantial integral garage/workshop, measuring approximately 30 feet (9.14 metres) in width, providing excellent space for vehicles, storage or workshop use.

Beautifully established gardens wrap around the property, with thoughtfully planted borders and an orchard producing figs, cherries and apples, creating a delightful setting that changes with the seasons.

Immediately to the rear of the house, a generous sun terrace provides the perfect place to relax, entertain or simply absorb the magnificent countryside views stretching towards Crook Peak and the Mendip Hills. With its wonderful outlook and spectacular sunsets, this is undoubtedly a place to savour the tranquillity and beauty of the surroundings.

The Land and Equestrian Facilities

The equestrian facilities at Orchard Barn have been thoughtfully arranged to provide a practical and highly versatile setting for horse owners, whilst the surrounding land has been carefully managed to encourage and enhance the natural habitat for wildlife.

The current owners have taken particular care to support local biodiversity through additional tree planting, the creation of a reed bed and the installation of a barn owl nesting box, which is regularly used. These enhancements have helped establish an environment where wildlife and equestrian pursuits sit comfortably alongside one another.

Conveniently positioned close to the house is an extensive stable complex, arranged around an enclosed yard and comprising seven stables, two workshops and a dedicated tack room. An especially appealing feature is the ability to observe the stable yard from several vantage points within the house, offering reassurance and convenience for those caring for horses.

Adjacent to the stable complex is a useful Dutch barn, providing further covered accommodation for equipment, feed or other equestrian requirements.

The facilities are complemented by a dedicated all-weather turnout area and an impressive 60 metre x 20 metre arena, with a rubber and sand surface, providing an excellent space for schooling and exercising horses throughout the year.

Beyond the yard, approximately four acres of grazing are divided into three enclosed, interconnected paddocks, creating a practical arrangement for managing horses and allowing flexibility for grazing and turnout.

Together, the land, established facilities and excellent relationship between the house and stable yard make Orchard Barn a particularly appealing equestrian property, combining the enjoyment of country living with the convenience of having everything immediately to hand.

SELLERS INSIGHT

When we came down to Somerset 26 years ago it felt almost like we were on holiday all the first year. Lovely countryside, lovely lunches out, all very laid back. At first we were a bit intimidated by having 6 acres of land and a farmyard, but it all proved quite manageable and a field that I had mowed, harrowed and rolled became a source of pride. These days I have a deal with a friendly local farming family. They take the hay, pay me a small amount of money and cut the hedges.

I have always been interested in wildlife and nature. Here the wildlife comes to me. I have watched peregrines swooping down on the huge murmurations of starlings from the nearby nature reserves without success and trying again and again. I have watched Roe deer running across our fields. I have seen rabbits, hares, stoats, badgers, weasels here, and all sorts of birds. Just down our road I saw my first otter walking along the road!

Living here has been a great opportunity to do some conservation projects.

I have planted over 500 native species trees, and installed a reed bed which has flourished and become a wonderful wildlife corridor. I also installed an Owl box in the barn and many years we have Barn owls nesting and bringing food to the young. I suspect they nest here when the nearby vole population is peaking. At their peak last year the parent owls would emerge to hunt and return within a minute or so with a vole!

NOTES AND SERVICES

Foot path – a footpath runs across part of the land and can be seen on the land plan provided on the details.

Mains water, and electricity – gas fired under floor heating with private treatment plant and reed bed. There is a 7500 gallon rainwater harvester that provides water for toilets and washing machine and watering. There are PV panels on the stable block.

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