Property description
An historic Grade ll* listed medieval property (originally used as both the Court House and Lord of the Manor's house) in a quiet rural setting in the heart of Somerset. Planning consent for further additions. The grounds include mature gardens, paddocks and two orchards. In all about 10½ acres.
OLD MANOR FARM, LOW HAM, SOMERSET, TA10 9DP
Langport 2.4 miles, Somerton.4.8 miles, Glastonbury 10 miles, Street 8.5 miles, Wells, 16 miles, Taunton 16 miles, Sherborne 18 miles, Bristol and J 23 on the M5 13 miles (all approx).
Description
Sympathetically restored the house has excellent family accommodation (4,700 sq.ft.) with 4 principal reception rooms, 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. In addition there are 2 large Grade ll listed cottages (each around 1,300 sq.ft.). Store and games rooms. Planning consent for further additions.
About The Area
Low Ham is little changed over the centuries and is a small village of predominately individual houses centered on the Grade 1 listed church and the adjacent foundations of an unfinished 17th century manor house. The village is tucked away in unspoilt countryside between the small towns of Langport and Somerton whilst Glastonbury, Street, Wells, Taunton and Sherborne are all within easy driving distance. These provide a wider range of commercial, sporting and cultural amenities. Castle Cary Station is miles east with a main line to Paddington (about 95 mins). The M5 is about 13 miles away and the A303 is about 8 miles south. There are excellent state and independent schools in the area including High Ham Primary, Huish Episcopi, Strode College, Millfield, Wells Cathedral, Hazelgrove, and the Sherborne, Bruton and Taunton schools.
*
Low Ham is a scattered village in an extremely quiet rural area village well away from any busy roads and is surrounded by unspoilt countryside. Old Manor Farm stands alongside a quiet lane (on the northern side) with the principal rooms opening into the gardens on the southern side.
Historical Notes
Low Ham is within a fascinating historic area. It was the site of a roman villa, is close to Somerton - the capital of ancient Wessex held by Alfred against the Danes when uniting England- and was mentioned in the Domesday Book as part of the De Burcy estate. The great abbeys of Muchelney and Glastonbury held a great deal of the area before the dissolution of the monasteries and signs of their management and influence remain. The Battle of Langport in1645 in the Civil War was close by as was the Battle of Sedgemoor in1685 in the Monmouth Rebellion.
**
Serlo de Burci came over with William the Conqueror and held the lands at Low Ham. They passed through marriage from the Burcys to the FitzMartins, Ralph of Middleney and the Berkeleys. Sir William Berkeley had his lands confiscated in 1484 by Richard lll for supporting the Duke of Buckingham who believed that Richard was responsible for the deaths of the Princes in the Tower. In 1485 the land reverted to the crown and it is believed the house was built just before this time. In the Civil War the lands were again confiscated, this time by the Parliamentarians. After the Restoration they were reclaimed by Lord Stawell. On his death the property was sold to the Phellips of Montacute whose daughter, Edith, made Old Manor Farm her home. Edith married into the Mildmay family, of Hazelgrove (now the Preparatory School) near Sparkford and the house remained in that family's hands until 1873/4.
Details
Old Manor Farm fully justifies its Grade ll* listing. Medieval courthouses are scarce and such properties which have been improved and modernized whilst retaining their integrity a real rarity. The renowned architectural historian, Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, in \"The Buildings of England\" refers to the property. Its importance as a courthouse and the Lord of the Manor's house explains the original quality of the architecture and workmanship invested in the building. These high standards have been maintained in the sympathetic improvements in recent years and have complimented the original details. These include the carved paneled courtroom with a ham stone fireplace, carved beams, original oak doors, flagstones, the spiral stone staircase worn smooth through centuries of use and the large sash windows added in Georgian times which sit sympathetically with the original structure providing natural light and fine views.
***
Modern improvements have been carried out sympathetically and the result is an historic property which is also a fine family home. The accommodation is flexible and generous and the floor plan shows the layout and approximate dimensions. In addition to the main house there are additional buildings. These include two large cottages which are both appealing and pleasant properties in their own right. There are further buildings including a Games Room, Garage, Store Rooms and a separate Utility Store/Office. Planning consent has also been granted for further works to the property. The formal gardens bordered by stone walls lie to the south of the property and are well planted with a number of mature trees and shrubs providing colour and interest throughout the year. Beyond this is the large parking area with ample room for a good number of motor vehicles. There are two areas of orchard with mainly cider apple trees, and a meadow of about 8 acres.
Directions
At the A303/A37/A372 junction, turn on to the A372 and turn right soon afterwards to Somerton. in Somerton take the B3153 Langport Road to the west and continue for about 2 miles, passing the Halfway inn on the right and turn right on Pitts Hill, signed Low and High Ham. Proceed for about a mile and take the second turning right (this is on a sharp left hand bend and in effect takes you straight on down the hill). Descend the hill and Old Manor Farm is the first house on the left on entering the village opposite the historic church-in-the-field.
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