Castle Street, Stogursey, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5

A Remarkable Historic Conversion Dating Back Over 930 Years (Not Listed), Now Offering Luxury Living Steeped in History.

It’s remarkable to think that this extraordinary building was first constructed around 1097, around the time of the First Crusade, over 900 years ago. While its origins lie in the 11th century as part of a Benedictine priory, today it offers a rare fusion of historic significance and contemporary luxury.

Unlisted and thoughtfully converted, this exceptional barn allows its next owner to enjoy the character of a bygone era without the constraints often associated with listed status.

The main house offers stylish and individual living space with four bedrooms, complemented by a separate one-bedroom apartment above the garage block—ideal for guests, extended family, or potential rental income. A further bonus is the stable block, which presents additional potential for a variety of uses, subject to any necessary consents.

Set within approximately two acres, this unique home enjoys a wonderful sense of space and seclusions, yet is just a short walk from the heart of the charming village of Stogursey. The village offers a strong sense of community along with everyday amenities including a well-regarded primary school, post office, village shop, pub, church, and a vibrant village hall hosting regular events.

Nestled on the edge of the Quantock Hills and within reach of the coast, the location offers the best of both countryside and community living.

HISTORIC NOTES/SELLERS INSIGHT

Priory Barn is a truly extraordinary property believed to have been constructed just 31 years after the Battle of Hastings. Originally built by the Black Benedictine Monks of Lonlay, France, the barn forms part of the rich ecclesiastical heritage of Stogursey, formerly known as Stoche in its Anglo-Saxon origins, later evolving to Stoke de Coursey through the noble marriage of William de Falaise, right-hand man to William the Conqueror, and Elizabeth de Coursey.

Over the centuries, this historic site saw various transitions between the Priory and the Crown, including an Act of Parliament under Henry V and the eventual ejection of alien priories by Henry VI. Later, the estate passed into the hands of Eton College, adding yet another layer to its remarkable story.

Today, Priory Barn stands as a beautiful reminder of its past, with its medieval roof noted in both the Taunton Heritage Centre and the property's own archaeological report as one of the finest surviving examples in the county.

The current owners offer this personal reflection:

“We have enjoyed the historic delight of Priory Barn, Stogursey, for several years now, which is believed to have been built just 31 years after the Battle of Hastings, by the Black Benedictine Monks of Lonlay, France. We are sure the new owners will be as equally enchanted.”

STEP INSIDE
The most significant restoration of this remarkable building took place around 25 years ago, when it is believed the owners invested in excess of £1,000,000 to carefully restore and transform it into the exceptional home it is today. While the property is not listed, the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail are unmistakable, preserving the character and historic charm of the original structure, while sympathetically integrating modern comforts. The result is a home that feels both timeless and beautifully refined.

The property now offers a luxurious yet highly practical living environment, combining period charm with thoughtful functionality. At its heart is a beautifully appointed open-plan kitchen and breakfast room, featuring a wealth of integrated appliances, a vaulted ceiling, exposed beams, and windows that overlook the gardens. A step up leads to a generous utility room, with a boot room beyond and a stable door opening directly onto the rear, ideal for everyday country living.

A cosy snug adjoins the kitchen, providing the perfect space for everyday living and relaxation, while the impressive snooker room accommodates a full-size table. A connecting door leads to a comfortable ground-floor guest bedroom, complete with its own en-suite shower room, offering privacy and convenience for visiting friends or family.

The orangery is a true highlight of the home, positioned to overlook the gardens and filled with natural light through expansive windows and doors. With its vaulted ceiling and exposed beams, it has a stylish yet serene atmosphere and currently serves as an elegant dining room. Double doors open onto a covered veranda, perfect for alfresco dining, with supporting timbers believed to have been handmade by the original monks.

On the first floor, the drawing room is a truly striking space, featuring a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and a magnificent Gothic-style arched fireplace with a wood burner that forms the room’s focal point. A spiral staircase adds to the character, leading up to a charming mezzanine area, perfect as a reading nook, study space, or quiet retreat. There are three additional double bedrooms on the upper floor, each offering generous space and character. The principal bedroom enjoys a luxurious touch with its own jacuzzi-style Turkish spa steam and shower chamber, the ultimate indulgence for relaxation and wellbeing.

In addition, the family bathroom features a classic roll-top bath and a large separate shower enclosure, combining style with practicality.


STEP OUTSIDE
A private, sweeping tarmac driveway leads past the front paddock, currently open plan but easily enclosed if desired for other uses, and continues to the rear of Priory Barn, where an extensive courtyard provides ample parking.

A substantial triple garage block offers secure parking and storage, while a side entrance gives access to a self-contained first-floor apartment. With its own central heating system, this charming and cosy space includes a double bedroom, living room, kitchen, and shower room, perfect for guests, extended family, or potential rental income.

Opposite, a detached stable block currently houses three large stables, a tack room, and a feed store. Already fitted with Velux windows, this versatile building offers excellent potential for a range of alternative uses, subject to the necessary consents.

Immediately in front of the barn lies an enclosed garden bordered by beautiful stone walling, currently laid to lawn. We understand that original cobbles lie beneath the surface and could be uncovered to further enhance the character of the space.

Beyond the wall, the adjoining paddock offers endless possibilities, whether for light grazing, recreation, or simply enjoying as a scenic extension of the gardens. Along the edge of the grounds runs Stogursey Brook, a tranquil waterway that attracts a wealth of local wildlife, including kingfishers, herons, otters, and water voles.

Adding a fascinating historical element, the partial remains of ancient stone arches, believed to have been used by the monks to divert the brook and create fish traps, can still be seen, quietly linking this unique home to its remarkable priory origins.

NOTES/SERVICES
Oil fired central heating with underfloor heating to both the ground and first floors of the barn.
This is a twin heating system ensuring efficiency throughout the property.

There is a private treatment plant. Mains water and electricity.

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