Knole, Langport, Somerset, TA10

The Orangery is a significant part of a large house originally built in the mid-nineteenth century by the Earl of Burlington, later the Duke of Devonshire, as part of the centrepiece to a model farm. It has been the subject of sensitive upgrading over the years, providing a generously proportioned and comfortable home. Built in local coursed and squared Blue Lias stone under a slate roof, the house lies in a tranquil situation to the south of Somerton, the Saxon capital of Wessex and enjoys extensive views over the rolling Somerset countryside. The house is set within Bineham Court, a prestigious private estate having a central court, reminiscent of an Oxford Quad. Entering the double fronted property from the court, a hall leads to an elegant Drawing Room on the right, with two large 12-paned sash windows capturing the light from the south west. The high ceilings give this room a sense of grandeur and the fireplace is a focal point with space for a wood burner or open fire for those colder winter evenings. Across the entrance hall lies an inviting, dual-aspect farmhouse kitchen, with painted shaker style wall and base units with space and connection for a dishwasher and fridge/freezer, as well as a large space for a table and chairs, enabling this room the flexibility for large or small gatherings. The original flagstone flooring, high ceilings and exposed beams create an abundance of character. Off the kitchen is the large dual aspect orangery, with stone columns, sprung oak wooden floor and a Gazco gas burner. Measuring almost 400 sq ft, the orangery provides an impressive dining and sitting area, ideal for entertaining or reading. The glass lantern roof is double glazed with UV filtration and the French doors open out to the garden letting in light and warmth all year round. A separate utility room and cloakroom completes the downstairs. Upstairs lie four good sized bedrooms and a family bathroom. The generous dual-aspect principal bedroom has an ensuite shower room and two fitted wardrobes. The property enjoys full fibre broadband, offering essential internet connectivity and ideal for working from home. OUTSIDE A pretty tree-lined driveway leads to Bineham Court where the Orangery has a double garage with mezzanine providing useful storage solutions. There is also an area for visitors to park. The gardens beyond the orangery and terrace are a delight, framed by a stone wall and with views over the fields beyond. The terrace, off the orangery itself, is perfect for outside entertaining, with the rest of the garden laid to lawn. The apple and pear trees, along with several raised beds, give the garden year-round interest whilst remaining relatively easy to maintain. The court, driveways and lake are managed by a company owned by the residents with a service charge of around £100 a quarter. LOCATION The hamlet of Knole, tucked away from main roads and surrounded by beautiful country, has remained unspoilt, due in part to strict planning controls and the wisdom of farsighted landowners, including The Duchy of Cornwall, whose policy has been to preserve the environment. The nearest village is Long Sutton, a thriving community centred around the village church, the first class village shop and the Devonshire Arms Inn with its excellent reputation. Within a short drive are the market towns of Somerton and Langport which have a good range of facilities. The delightful village of South Petherton is also within easy reach and has a variety of traditional shops, bars and restaurants as well as a community hospital. LOCAL AUTHORITY South Somerset Council. Telephone 01935 452462 SPORT AND RECREATION Racing at Taunton, Exeter and Wincanton. Sailing and water sports on the world Heritage Jurassic coast or Bristol Channel or Sutton Bingham. Golf at Taunton and Yeovil. Extensive footpaths, bridleways and quiet lanes offer superb opportunities for riding, walking, and bicycling. EDUCATION The village provides a much-respected primary school that has a breakfast club as well as an after-school club for pupils. There are excellent state and independent schools in the area including Richard Hush Sixth Form College, Millfield, Wells Cathedral School, Taunton School, Kings College and Queens College in Taunton as well as Hazelgrove and the Sherborne Prep and Senior schools.