The Crescent, Compton Pauncefoot, Somerset, BA22

Dating from the early 1800s, this charming cottage forms one of just five properties arranged around an attractive crescent, enjoying a wonderfully peaceful position within this highly regarded village. Formerly known as Waterloo Crescent, the name is believed to date from the period surrounding the Battle of Waterloo. Constructed principally of handsome Cary stone beneath a clay tiled roof, the cottage has been lovingly cared for by the current vendors during their 23 years of ownership. Great care has been taken to retain its inherent period character and charm, while creating a comfortable and practical home for modern living. The accommodation is wonderfully light and well-proportioned throughout, with a pleasing balance of period features and understated modern comforts. At the heart of the ground floor is the spacious living/dining room, an inviting room with an open fireplace, attractive recessed shelving and useful built-in storage. From here, the cosy drawing room provides a more intimate space in which to relax, with French doors opening directly onto the terrace and garden beyond. From here, the views across the adjoining countryside are particularly lovely. The dual-aspect kitchen is fitted with a good range of wall and base units beneath granite worktops, with integrated Neff oven, dishwasher and fridge/freezer. There is ample space for a table and chairs, making this a welcoming room for everyday dining and family life. Beyond the kitchen is a useful utility room, fitted with a butler sink, storage and plumbing for a washing machine, together with a door leading directly onto the rear terrace and garden. A cloakroom completes the ground floor. Upstairs, the bright and airy feel continues, with three well-proportioned double bedrooms, each with fitted wardrobes. The principal bedroom is particularly appealing, enjoying wonderful dual-aspect views over the surrounding farmland, together with the benefit of an en suite bathroom. Further storage is provided on the landing.

OUTSIDE
The cottage is approached through an attractive and beautifully established front garden, with a lawned area, gravelled parking and a pedestrian path leading to the entrance. The garden has a mature, cottage-garden feel, with established borders planted with hydrangeas, box and climbing roses, while a wisteria adorns the front elevation, adding considerable charm during the summer months. A variety of established trees and shrubs provide further structure, privacy and year-round interest. To the rear, the garden is a particular feature of the property, enclosed by a low stone wall and enjoying a wonderful open aspect across the surrounding countryside, together with a good degree of privacy. Predominantly laid to lawn, it is beautifully planted with an abundance of colour and seasonal interest, including roses, catmint and a variety of established perennials. A terrace immediately adjoining the house provides an idyllic spot for outdoor dining and entertaining, or simply to sit and enjoy the far-reaching rural outlook. A garden shed with power provides useful additional storage, while a separate driveway to the side of the crescent provides access to the property's garage.

All in all, a delightful period cottage combining considerable character and charm with well-proportioned accommodation and beautifully established gardens, all set against an appealing rural backdrop. Having been cherished by the current owners for over two decades, the property is offered for sale with the benefit of no onward chain.

LOCATION
Compton Pauncefoot must be one of the prettiest villages in this particularly beautiful part of the South West. The surrounding lands have been in the ownership of the Compton Castle Estate for many years and have thus remained unspoilt. This careful stewardship has resulted in a village that retains its intrinsic architectural character, comprising as it does period houses built of the local honey coloured stone. The rolling countryside is mainly natural farmland; this is the Vale of Camelot, so called as nearby Cadbury Castle was reputedly home to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Much of this area is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in which a policy of strict planning controls operates to preserve its rural character. The village with its splendid 15th century Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is well placed for easy access to Castle Cary, Wincanton and Sherborne, all market towns with a good range of shops. The A303 (dual carriageway almost the whole distance to the M3) is nearby and there are mainline railway stations at Castle Cary (Paddington about 90 minutes) and Templecombe (about 5 ½ miles away. Waterloo is about 2 ¼ hours.

SPORTING AND RECREATION
There are numerous golf courses within easy motoring distance including Sherborne and Yeovil. Racing at Wincanton, Salisbury, Bath and Exeter. Water sports on the Dorset coast (about 30 miles) or on Sutton Bingham Reservoir near Yeovil. Riding and walking on an extensive network of bridleways and footpaths. Theatres at Bath, Taunton and Salisbury. The Newt country estate and Hauser & Wirth are close by in Bruton and provide further cultural opportunities.

EDUCATION
The area is particularly noted for the high quality of its schools including independent schools such as The Sherborne Schools Group (Prep, Boys and Girls), Hazlegrove, Port Regis, Leweston and Bruton Schools, along with highly regarded state schools at Sherborne and Gillingham.