A beautiful six bedroom countryside house on Exmoor dating back to the 18th century has been put on the market for £800,000.
Three of the bedrooms are situated in the main house, and the other three are part of self-contained apartments within the property, converted from historic staff quarters.
Allerford House is placed in a stunning location just east of Porlock. It resides in a serene rural setting, flanked by the wooded uplands of Selworthy Beacon and boasting direct access to approximately 150 miles of meandering footpaths and bridleways that connect to the South West Coast Path.
It also possesses a characterful history. This grade two listed building is dated back to the 18th century, and was once occupied by Admiral Moresby, who is known for founding Papua New Guinea aboard his ship ‘The Wizard’.
This house has had a number of renovations and extensions over the years, but what becomes immediately apparent upon entering the property is that many of the historic architectural elements have been preserved over the centuries.
The entrance hall provides a stunning welcome to all residents and guests, helping to make them feel right at home. The hallway feels grand and provides an easy time for anyone to walk around and enjoy the Georgian-styled architecture.
To the left of the front entrance hall is the living room, providing a grand space for everyone to enjoy and relax. The open fireplaces, incredible period detailings and dual aspect sash windows providing glorious vistas across the gardens and beyond.
Opposite is the dining room, enjoying many of the same features the living room has. To enjoy a meal in such surroundings containing so much history and beauty is an experience people won’t tire of.
This estate’s kitchen is magnificent, doubling up as a breakfast room. It is fitted with traditionally styled bespoke painted cabinetry featuring a walk-in larder and an incredible four-oven AGA, making meal preparation a pleasant experience.
Next to the kitchen comes the study room, which is a perfect place to complete any work from home, or simply enjoy a nice book in such a magnificent setting. This room does provide flexibility too, as it can be used as part of the main house as it currently is or it can become part of one of the apartments.
This apartment is accessed from a staircase to the rear of the property which can be completely self-contained. It features its own bathroom, kitchen and bedroom area, and the earning potential on each of the apartments can be significant, having proven to be popular summer holiday lets.
Another apartment can be found on the lower ground floor, named Wizard’s Cott after Admiral Fairfax Moresby’s ship ‘The Wizard’, which can be accessed through a dedicated entrance from the outside.
This apartment is crafted from local stone adorned with distinctive Acland Yellow limewash, the house features a Welsh slate roof and elegant sash windows.
Its spacious rooms, characterised by lofty ceilings, span across three floors, encompassing upper and lower ground levels, as well as a suite of attic rooms now forming an internal apartment.
There are also other rooms on the lower ground floor that can also be used by residents of this property, with the space provided being very generous. There is a wine cellar and the boiler room on this floor, as well as dedicated storage rooms to keep everything tucked away.
These can be accessed by heading into the utility room on the ground floor, and using the stairs to head down.
Also attached to the lower ground floor is a pair of stables and an additional storage room, though these are accessed from the outside separate from the rest of the lower ground floor.
Heading upstairs to the second floor, this is where the main house’s three bedrooms are situated. The first room viewers will see after climbing the stairs is the south and west-facing principal bedroom boasting scenic views and a principal bathroom which can be accessed from the hall in addition to the two other bedrooms.
A further generous double bedroom is found together with a family bathroom, shower room and separate WC. A door opens to an original staircase leading to a suite of attic rooms which now form an annexe/apartment, ideal for a dependent relative although comfortably serves as additional accommodation for the main house.
The expansive grounds are a particular feature of the property extending to 2.92 acres, featuring a generous paddock with timber stable block, large level lawn with a mature tree and shrub border.
Bountiful orchards provide an array of apples, pears, plums, apricots and cherries as well as a pair of prolific fruiting fig trees.
In addition to the wonderful orchards is an impressive enclosed organic kitchen garden, complete with a large polytunnel and fruit cage housing raspberries and blackcurrants.
Among the borders of the grounds are a plentiful supply of blackberries, sloes and elderberries, perfect for making your own gin, preserves and cordials among other things. For those who wish to live a more self-sufficient lifestyle, the gardens will most certainly not disappoint.
Allerford House is conveniently located upon the western fringe of the picturesque Allerford hamlet, nestled within the expansive Holnicote Estate and embraced by Exmoor National Park.
The village offers various amenities, including a post office, museum, tea rooms, and an owl/birds of prey centre, alongside scenic walks, forests, and beaches.
Nearby Porlock boasts a traditional butcher, pharmacy, post office, and hardware store, while Minehead provides comprehensive services, including numerous superstores along with a community hospital.
Those interested in booking a viewing of this home should contact Nest Associates’ estate agent Ross Walls via email at [email protected] or by calling 01984 636700.
People can also visit Nest’s website here https://nestassociates.co.uk/, or view more information and images here about the property on Rightmove through this link https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/144271790#/?channel=RES_BUY.