Gunville Lane, Charlton Horethorne, Sherborne, Somerset, DT9

With origins stretching back to around 1820, this most attractive Grade II listed farmhouse, positioned in an elevated position, is constructed from the desirable, honey coloured local stone under a Welsh slate roof. Whilst benefiting from a handsome farmhouse frontage, the property stands out for its generous proportions, with a double roof plan and accommodation set out over three floors giving it a spacious and light feel throughout. A number of outbuildings further complement the main house, providing some exciting versatility of use.

The main house is approached from the front via a timber door that opens into a welcoming hall off which lie two wonderfully light and perfectly proportioned reception rooms, accessed via double doors. Both rooms have fireplaces and large bays with sash windows that afford fabulous views across the gardens and orchard to the hills beyond. This layout lends itself particularly well to entertaining as the spaces flow together wonderfully. Towards the rear of the house a dining room, with open fireplace and window seats, is ideal for formal events, whilst the kitchen and breakfast room provide plenty of space for a table and chairs for those more informal gatherings. Carpeted floors give way to more traditional flagstone flooring here which continues through to the very useful storage and utility rooms that adjoin it. Whilst the kitchen is an excellent space that provides a large range of wall and base units along with a two oven oil fired Aga (green) and electric freestanding oven with hob (not checked), it would be fair to say that, like the rest of the house, it is now in need of some modernisation.

A generous staircase, filled with natural light, rises up from the central hallway to the first floor where there are four double bedrooms, one with an ensuite shower room. A family bathroom, with roll top bathtub and separate shower cubicle, enjoys delightful views. Continue up to the second floor and there are four further double bedrooms, with exposed beams and feature fireplaces, as well as a further shower room. The ample accommodation across the floors provides plenty of opportunity for attractive home-working space. A cellar provides additional storage space.

GARDENS AND OUTBUILDINGS
A broad selection of outbuildings provide some exciting potential at Gunville Farm House. Most notably the large threshing barn that lies to the rear of the property and as well as providing some very useful storage, could also be converted, subject to any necessary planning consents. Equally, an attractive former granary, constructed from red brick that sits beside the main house, is a charming addition, as is the open ended stone built barn that lies to the east.
The gardens here are also worth a special mention, as they have clearly been much loved over the years. The front lawn is bounded with well stocked, deep borders, numerous clipped hedging and stone walls providing shape and form all year round. Beyond is a typical apple orchard which enhances the views with impressive spring blossoms, whilst also providing a bountiful crop perhaps for the enthusiastic cider maker. If preferred, this could make the perfect paddock for those wishing to keep livestock. There are two driveways offering plenty of parking to both the rear and front of the property. The total land extends to circa 1.5 Acres.

SITUATION
Charlton Horethorne is a pretty village lying approximately midway between Sherborne and Wincanton, the centre of which is a Conservation Area and comprising mainly pretty period houses and cottages at its heart. There is a village shop, part time mobile post office, church, primary school, and a renowned bistro pub all within a short walk of the house.

The larger towns of Wincanton and Sherborne are within a short drive, and both have a variety of facilities; Sherborne is well known for its Abbey and traditional shops as well as for the quality of its schooling. Wincanton, to the north, has a large supermarket and access to the A303.
Communications to this part of the world are excellent with the A303, a dual carriageway most of the way to the M3 in London. To the west, the M5 is joined at Taunton for access to Bristol, the Midlands and the North. There are railway services to London from Sherborne, Templecombe and Castle Cary.

EDUCATION
The Gryphon secondary school in Sherborne is highly rated and is within easy reach. The area is noted for its independent schools with Sherborne Boys’ and Girls’ schools, Leweston, Bryanston, Clayesmore, Millfield, the Bruton schools, Canford and Milton Abbey all within reasonable driving distance. Hazelgrove, Sherborne Prep and Port Regis preparatory schools are all within close proximity.

SPORTING AND RECREATION
This striking area offers a network of bridleways and footpaths which cross the countryside, making it ideal for walking, bicycling, and riding. Water sports at Sutton Bingham Reservoir (near Yeovil) or on the south coast. Racing at Wincanton, Salisbury, Bath, or Exeter. Golf at various courses including Yeovil, Sherborne, and Dorchester. The Newt country estate and Hauser and Wirth in Bruton provide further cultural opportunities.