Light and spacious former rectory set in 7 acres of tranquil grounds with stunning views across the Vale of Camelot. Near to the popular Somerset towns of Bruton and Castle Cary. Excellent access to Castle Cary train station (5 miles) and A303 (3 miles). Perfectly located to explore local attractions such as The Newt in Somerset, Hauser and Wirth, Bath & West showground, Haynes Motor Museum, Glastonbury and the Somerset levels, Mendip Hills, Sherborne and the Dorset Coast beyond.
AND RELAX...
The Old Rectory is a spacious and elegant country house that’s recently been renovated to a high standard.
It’s highly suited to families or friends looking to escape to a beautiful part of England's West Country.
Located deep in the glorious South Somerset countryside, the house has panoramic views across the beautiful Vale of Camelot and towards Cadbury Castle, suggested as the possible location of King Arthur’s legendary castle.
We have a heated outdoor pool (during the summer) and 7 acres incorporating landscaped gardens, a newly planted orchard, wildlife pond and fields.
North Barrow is a quiet and pretty hamlet with barely any passing traffic – there is a real sense of peace and beauty here. Castle Cary is the nearest town, which has a fast rail link to London Paddington (90 mins.) We’re 2 1/4 hours drive from London.
INSIDE
Guests often comment on how great the flow of the house is and what a happy and light feel there is.
BEDROOMS
There are 6 bedrooms – 3 Superking bedrooms all with ensuites and then 1 double, 1 twin and 1 single (which share a bathroom). An additional camp bed and sofa bed is available on request.
LIVING AREAS
The well equipped large kitchen is a joy to cook in and the orangery dining room (sits 10) is perfectly suited to families. The orangery’s expansive doors open up to a terraced eating area outside complete with BBQ and stunning views of the garden and distant hills, and a double sun bed to lounge on.
The media room boasts a Sony HD TV with Sky Q, a cinema screen and state of the art surround sound system - ideal for relaxing at the end of the day. Additional seating areas include the more formal hall (which can be configured as an additional dining area) and snug/playroom.
OUTSIDE
On the south side of the house, enjoy wandering through a series of landscaped gardens, and take in the magnificent views. There is a newly built play area with a ground level trampoline, a double swing and slide. We have a croquet set, up and ready to play throughout the summer. The pool area is wonderfully sheltered and is available on request.
There is access to a footpath (not visible) from the field at the top of the garden which leads to South Barrow and there are various other walks that lead from the village.
The outside space is ideal for family or friend occasions and events, although is there is an extra charge for this. We can also arrange yurts, marquees and tipis for additional accommodation/ event areas. Please enquire if interested.
There is parking for approximately 10 cars in the driveway with further substantial parking space available in the fields if needed for an event.
We have no light pollution in North Barrow which means that the property is great for stargazers!
PLACES TO VISIT
- The Newt in Somerset estate and gardens (under 10 mins drive) with its rich variety of attractions, including an exact replica Roman villa built adjacent to the site where the estate recently uncovered one while carrying out their extensive renovations; the Story of Gardening Museum; Cider making tours; Beezantium bee exhibit; Grotto; Four Seasons garden; plus associated restaurants and farm shop - The popular Hauser & Wirth gallery in Bruton is only 10 minutes away which is great fun for all ages.
- There is excellent walking - highlights include Cadbury Castle, Corton Denham ridge and wildlife spotting on the Somerset levels. Stourhead (20 mins) is easily accessed along the A303 and has great walking around its beautiful lake and through its Italianate gardens.
- The charming Dorset town of Sherborne and its striking Abbey is 20 minutes away. The cathedral city of Wells with its magnificent cathedral and charming shops, is worth a visit as is Glastonbury tor (both 30 mins). Dorchester is 45 minutes away and the Jurassic coast is an hour’s drive which makes for an easy day trip.
- Haynes motor museum, with its seriously impressive collection of classic cars and excellent Go Kart track, is 5 minutes away.
- The renowned Longleat safari park is a must for families! (45 mins)
- Babington house is within easy reach (30 mins).
***The house would be an appealing rental during the Glastonbury festival as it’s only 15 minutes from the site entrance. We can arrange transportation to and from the festival at all hours. Yurts and tipis can be arranged in our field for a surcharge, but please book these well in advance.***
WHERE TO EAT
The village itself is a very small hamlet without shops or pubs. There are excellent pubs nearby, including The Red Lion, Babcary (5 mins), The Three Horsehoes, Batcombe (20 mins), The Queens Arms, Corton Denham (15 mins), and The White Hart, Somerton (20 mins). Bruton and Castle Cary are less than 10 minutes away. Bruton has a number of excellent restaurants including Osip, Da Costa and At The Chapel. Castle Cary has The Creamery restaurant and farm shop, The Lazy Lobster, Home café and Pinsent’s Deli.
