Fordhay, East Chinnock, Yeovil, BA22

Fordhay House is a fine, Grade II listed, Somerset Longhouse dating from the 17th century, with later additions, and is thought to have been the local staging inn, providing refreshment, lodging and fresh horses for weary travellers. Constructed of hamstone with mullion windows, under a Welsh slate roof, this well-presented property offers much flexibility, with two staircases, giving further annexe potential. Set over two floors, the accommodation is both light and spacious, with exposed beams, A frames, flagstone floors, timber panelling and window seats. To the front of the house are the well-proportioned, south facing reception rooms, all having views over the pretty garden and providing plenty of space for a growing family. Of particular note is the charming sitting room with working hamstone fireplace with wood burning stove. Adjacent is the entrance hall with main staircase and stable door to the kitchen Off the hall is the dining room and an inter-connecting family room with second staircase. Both have stone fireplaces, (disused). Following on is the double aspect study with exposed stone walls and fitted bookshelves. To the rear of the house is the utility room, cloakroom and lobby with back door. Following on is the kitchen/breakfast room with views over the delightful walled rear garden. There is a good range of base and wall units including a Rangemaster cooker with induction hob and plenty of space for a table and chairs. Doors open to the rear and side terrace, providing the perfect spot for some alfresco dining. The main staircase rises to the first floor where there are 4 bedrooms, all with views over the front garden. There is a wide, double aspect landing which leads to the impressive principal bedroom with recessed wardrobes, the family bathroom, linen cupboard and bedroom 2. The second staircase leads to a small landing, bedroom 4, with an ensuite bath/shower room and bedroom 3, which connects to bedroom 2. This flexible arrangement could provide a separate bedroom suite with dressing room. OUTSIDE The property is approached through wrought iron gates to a gravelled driveway and ample turning and parking space. Immediately abutting the front of the house is a paved terrace with working well. This area was originally the coach yard, and evidence of its past remains, in the form of twin corner passenger seating shelters and mounting block and steps, providing a wonderful sense of history. Over the main entrance is a lead canopied porch, partially supported by an ancient lilac wisteria, which adorns the front elevation, promising a dazzling display. The garden is fully enclosed by mature hedging and high walling giving a good degree of privacy. There is a substantial level lawn flanked by beds with a rich variety of flowering plants and shrubs including philadelphus, viburnum and weigelia providing colour and cover for much of the year. A number of mature trees including beech, tulip, fruit trees and a young ginkgo, give shade, form and definition. There is a further lawn to the side with paved terrace and potting shed. Adjacent is a two-storey former barn, now converted to provide a fabulous self-contained annexe on the first floor comprising an open plan sitting room with exposed beams and A frames, with kitchen, double bedroom and shower room. Downstairs are inter-connecting rooms providing excellent studio space. To the rear of the house is a walled garden with a well-kept lawn, paved terrace, greenhouse, vegetable beds, and covered store with oil tank. The lasting impression is of a charming, spacious family house and detached annexe and studio, set in pretty gardens within this favoured village. SITUATION The countryside in this part of the country is stunning, as the Dorset Downs give way to the more undulating land in Somerset. East Chinnock is a small and thriving village with good amenities with a pre-school, public house, parish church and village hall with travelling post office. The neighbouring village of West Coker has a primary school, two public houses, butcher/village shop, post office, doctor's surgery, two filling stations, both with convenience stores, and a hotel. The market town of Crewkerne and the regional centre of Yeovil both offer good shopping, business, and recreational amenities. Communications to this part of the world are excellent and the A303, now predominantly dual carriageway to London, is within a short drive. There are trains services from Crewkerne, Yeovil and Sherborne to London Waterloo, Exeter, Bath and Bristol. To the south, within a 45 minutes' drive, lies the stunning Jurassic coastline. The A30 provides good road links to join in with the A356 and A303 respectively.