EAST STOKE

East Stoke House is a most handsome listed Grade II property between the villages of Stoke Sub Hamdon and Montacute, with spectacular views towards the Quantocks. Dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the house is built from local Hamstone and, with an array of characterful period features, this house has a rare elegance and is brimming with character. The immediate approach is impressive, with a parkland-esque setting created largely by the wonderful specimen trees.

In keeping with its era, all the rooms benefit from high ceilings, intricate cornicing and lovely proportions, making it perfect for entertaining. The large sash windows mean that even on a dull day the house is bathed in natural light.

The principal reception rooms are of particular note with both the dining room and drawing room having beautiful bay windows looking out over the front lawn. Also on the ground floor is a spacious reception hall, sitting room with open fireplace, kitchen, larder, utility and cloakroom. The imposing ceiling above the main staircase features intricate cornicing and roof lantern which illuminates a wide central staircase leading to the first floor. A well-proportioned principal bedroom with en suite bathroom and dressing room overlooks the garden to the west. There are five further bedrooms, with their own en suite or dedicated bath/shower room.

The east wing of the ground floor is the oldest part of the house and is currently separate from the principal accommodation. It comprises the former kitchen, scullery, pantry, flower pantry, games room and sitting room; these rooms are currently in need of renovation. Separately, there is an adjoining studio/home office with kitchenette and shower.

Above the east wing on the first floor is “Granny’s flat”, which has 2 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms, a cloak room, kitchen and dining room and features an impressive south facing drawing room with views over the front garden. Whilst it has independent access from the rear courtyard, it is also accessible from the main house and could be incorporated into the accommodation if desired.

The Coach House and Outbuildings
The stunning Coach House sits across the courtyard from the main house and is constructed of Hamstone. The ground floor is currently laid out to provide a workshop, garage, tack room and retains some of the original stables. The first floor has been converted into two extremely well finished apartments, which inter-connect and can be occupied as one. Both apartments have two bedrooms, two bathroom/shower rooms, open-plan kitchen/dining rooms and sitting rooms. The north west facing verandah spans both apartments and gives spectacular views over the surrounding countryside towards the Quantock Hills.

Next to the Coach House is a traditional stone barn which contains 2 large storage areas, fondly known as ‘the boat house’, and a squash court with a mezzanine viewing gallery above. One end of the barn currently provides a single storey home office. Further ancillary buildings include traditional outbuildings and modern single storey barns and lean-to’s surrounding an enclosed yard.

The Grounds
The beautiful gardens and grounds extend to approximately 22.1 acres and provide a stunning setting for this magnificent property. As you enter the drive through a pair of Grade II listed Hamstone pillars, the driveway sweeps around to the front of the house, where there is a large expanse of lawn wrapping around two sides of the house, with mature specimen trees, including ancient Lebanon Cedars. To the east of the drive is the tennis court, standing in an elevated position, with its own terraced lawn.

Behind the Coach House is a private swimming pool with its own pool house, totally enclosed via a traditional brick wall, which leads through into a fabulous walled kitchen garden and onwards to the gardens on the west side of the house. Complementing the gardens and grounds, there are paddocks and grazing to the north and east of the house.