Oxenford, Dowlish Wake, Ilminster, TA19

A truly exceptional 4/5 bedroom barn conversion set within 1½ acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds together with a lake and 2 paddocks, enjoying open countryside views in this most idyllic Somerset hamlet. THE PROPERTY Situated in this glorious rural location amongst a small collection of stone-built houses and barns, The Wagon House, converted in 2001, enjoys a quiet position along a no through lane amidst beautiful countryside, and boasts the most delightful landscaped gardens, with adjoining paddocks and its very own lake. This stunning and versatile home certainly represents a rare and exciting opportunity for those who love life in the country, and is immaculately presented throughout having been the subject of much improvement by the current owners. Externally, the barn remains true to its origins, blending seamlessly with its surroundings; whilst within its walls is a spacious light filled home conducive to modern living, sociable entertaining and family life alike. The spacious double height reception hall is a very welcoming space, bursting with natural light afforded by the full height glazing to the front and side, and showcasing an impressive solid oak staircase with galleried landing. The hall leads on one side to a very generous study/bedroom five overlooking the front courtyard, and a ground floor ensuite bedroom, both with access via French doors to a paved terrace; as well as a cloakroom. To the other side, fully glazed double doors lead into the drawing room. This is an elegant room of generous proportions together with a log burning stove providing a perfect evening retreat, and connects to a formal dining room which could easily be used as a playroom or cinema room if so desired. The real surprise, however, is the open plan kitchen/breakfast/sitting room that spans the entire width of the house, enjoying a westerly aspect with magnificent views out over the gardens, lake, and surrounding countryside. This stunning multifunctional room is a very sociable space for all the family to gather whilst cooking, dining and relaxing, and creates a deep sense of inside out living with its bi folding doors leading out onto a sunny paved terrace. The kitchen is quite simply as good as it gets, with newly fitted Shaker style base and wall units, a huge central island, Neff appliances, and granite worktops. A spacious utility/boot room with ample storage and a double Belfast sink provides access to the garden; a very practical room, all essential for countryside living, and completes the accommodation to the ground floor. To the first floor, the galleried landing area is a vast space benefiting from a row of fitted storage cupboards, ideal for linen and suchlike. The luxurious master bedroom with full ensuite bathroom once again exudes light and space, offering stunning views over the garden, lake, and countryside beyond making for a very peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. There are a further two double bedrooms to the east, each with Juliette balconies, and a family shower room. GARDENS & GROUNDS The Wagon House is pleasantly situated adjacent to a quiet no through lane and is accessed via a five-bar gate leading into a large, gravelled driveway with ample parking, together with a double garage and workshop. An external staircase gives access to an extremely useful storage room above the garaging, with a window to one end proving natural light, and this could easily be used as a home office or games room if required. A five bar gate to the north of the garage leads into one of the two paddocks. The gardens and grounds surrounding the property are a true delight, having been landscaped by former BBC Gardener of the Decade, Katherine Crouch. The elegant entrance courtyard showcases four Gleditsia Sunburst trees bordered by dwarf box hedging, and is framed by stone walls of terraced lawn, faced with a variety of climbing fruit trees. The main garden lies to the west, with a sunny paved terrace overlooking a sweeping lawn bordered with flower beds planted for all year-round interest and providing a riot of scent and colour. A pretty pergola sits in the far corner with decking beneath providing a shaded spot in which to retreat during the warmer months and takes in the view looking back towards the property. The second paddock lies beyond the garden gently sloping down towards the stream fed lake, which forms the southwest boundary. This whole area is a utopia for wildlife and children alike, with its jetty and large sun terrace making for hours of fun and relaxation. All in all, this wonderful property, in such a beautiful setting would make an ideal primary or secondary home in this very idyllic and convenient location. LOCATION The spectacular landscape of this beautiful county is regarded as some of the finest in the southwest, much of which is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; a haven for keen walkers and riders well catered for by a network of paths and bridleways. Around half an hour's drive away is the stunning Jurassic coastline an UNESCO World Heritage site with many pretty coastal villages and towns, including the elegant resort of Lyme Regis with its Cobb harbour, beaches and sailing club. Oxenford is a small hamlet surrounded by beautiful countryside and lies approximately a mile from the larger village of Dowlish Wake which has a village pub and a well-reputed local cider mill. The ever-popular small market town of Ilminster, with an excellent range of everyday shops, is just over 3 miles. Taunton, the County Town of Somerset, is just over 14 miles away with its shopping centre, out of town supermarkets and retail parks, recreational facilities including multiplex cinema and a main line station with fast trains to London Paddington. Crewkerne, with a main line station to Waterloo and a branch of Waitrose, is just under seven miles away. The A303 lies just to the north and provides links to the M3 and London to the east, and Exeter to the west. The M5 is within easy reach at Taunton.