Buckland St Mary, Taunton

Folly Farm is a charming period farmhouse, discreetly positioned in a beautiful rural setting and enjoying an exceptional sense of seclusion and privacy, together with far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside. Set within approximately 5.33 acres and surrounded by an abundance of natural wildlife, the property offers a wonderful lifestyle opportunity, further enhanced by two substantial outbuildings extending to more than 1,800 sq ft and suitable for a variety of uses, subject to any necessary consents. The farmhouse retains a wealth of period character and provides flexible accommodation arranged between the main house and adjoining Cider Barn annexe, currently offering four bedrooms in total, with scope to create additional accommodation if required, subject to planning. SELLERS INSIGHT We fell in love with Folly Farm from the moment we first drove down the wonderful lane through the ancient woodland and arrived at the gate. We simply couldn’t believe our luck. It has such a special feel — peaceful, private and wonderfully tranquil, with beautiful views, space and wildlife all around you, yet everything you need is still within easy reach. I have always felt incredibly safe here. The house itself has so much character, with all its nooks and crannies and a layout that works beautifully for everyday life as well as entertaining. There are plenty of reception rooms for having friends and family around, whether it is a summer gathering or a cosy winter evening, but my favourite place has always been the kitchen, with the Aga and the wonderful outlook over the pond. Not everyone can say they have watched a kingfisher from their kitchen sink! Outside, the gardens are just the right size, while the surrounding land, countryside and walks give you an amazing sense of space and freedom. There is abundant wildlife, fabulous parking and, despite feeling as though you are tucked away in your own little world, there are lovely cafés, pubs and friendly local communities nearby, as well as excellent access for travel and airports. There is something about Folly Farm that simply makes you relax as soon as you arrive. Perhaps they knew something about building houses back in 1720, because for us it has genuinely been a halcyon place — our own little corner of paradise. It has been such a wonderful home and I know I will miss the views, the peace, the wildlife and the whole feeling of being here. I’m not sure we could ever find anywhere quite like it again. STEP INSIDE Believed to date back to 1720, the farmhouse offers flexible and characterful accommodation, currently arranged as the principal house together with the adjoining Cider Barn annexe. The ground floor of the main house retains a wealth of period character, with a choice of two sitting rooms featuring flagstone floors, wood-burning stoves and windows and doors opening onto the surrounding gardens. There is also a useful office or storeroom, while the generous dining room, again with a flagstone floor, leads through to the country-style kitchen. This charming room enjoys views and access to both the front and rear gardens, with an oil-fired Aga set within an impressive inglenook fireplace. A shower room and utility room complete the ground-floor accommodation. On the first floor are two double bedrooms, both enjoying attractive views across the surrounding countryside, together with a family bathroom. A connecting door provides direct access to the first-floor bedroom of the adjoining annexe. The Cider Barn Annexe has its own independent entrance and offers charming, self-contained accommodation. The ground floor comprises a comfortable sitting room with a wood-burning stove and a spiral staircase rising to the first-floor bedroom. The sitting room leads through to a bedroom with an adjoining shower room. The main house and annexe are currently interconnected at first-floor level, providing considerable flexibility for extended family, guests, multigenerational living or potential ancillary accommodation, subject to any necessary consents. STEP OUTSIDE Tucked away in the lee of the hill, Folly Farm enjoys an exceptional sense of seclusion, with beautiful views and a setting that offers a wealth of lifestyle opportunities. Adjacent to the farmhouse is a substantial detached barn and workshop, providing an ideal space for enthusiasts, hobbies, vehicles or general storage. The driveway continues beyond the house, passing a pretty pond before leading to the adjoining pasture and further outbuildings that could be altered to stabling. To the side is a substantial hardstanding area. The track continues into Long Meadow, an attractive area of pasture filled with wildflowers. Long Meadow slopes gently away and includes a further pond, a timber field shelter and a hard track providing good access across the land. A small area of woodland offers additional shelter and privacy. A brook, which eventually becomes the River Ding, meanders through the grounds and feeds the pond below. To the front of the farmhouse is a delightful south-facing, semi-walled garden, Close to the rear of the house is the former orchard, with several established apple trees At the foot of the orchard is a cabin with an adjoining decked area. Affectionately known as The Dommett Arms, it has been fitted with a bar and provides a fun and characterful space for entertaining family and friends. NOTES AND SERVICES A foot path runs across the higher part of long meadow. Mains electricity and water and Private treatment plant – There is oil-fired central heating We encourage you to check before viewing a property the potential broadband speeds and mobile signal coverage. You can do so by visiting https://checker.ofcom.org.uk. A historic watercourse passes beneath part of the cottage and is understood to have done so since the property was built circa 1720.