Detached house for sale in Westleigh, Lydeard St Lawrence, Somerset TA4

This elegant, seven-bedroom house lies in a quiet pocket of south Somerset. Designed unlike any other nearby, the interior is an exercise in tactility, where stone, wood, and plaster meet to bring a subtle craft to the grand volumes of its three storeys. Outbuildings have been sensitively reimagined to create a modern annexe, a peaceful guest retreat, or a quiet space to work.

Interior living spaces of over 5,120 sq ft subtly orientate towards views of the walled courtyards, the vineyards, and across open countryside, with expansive glass walls optimising soft natural light. While embedded within its rural setting, connections via rail and road are excellent, with direct services from Taunton connecting to central London in less than two hours and Bristol in around 34 minutes. Exmoor National Park is a 15-minute drive away, Dunster Beach is 30 minutes north, and the surf at Ilfracombe is around an hour's drive to the west.

The Tour

A quiet country lane forms the approach, shaded by a soft dappled light of trees and hedgerows. Set back by a private driveway, front courtyards are gated and bounded by red stone walls creating an immediate sense of seclusion and privacy.

A former field barn, the architectural profile feels perfectly in keeping with the rural vernacular, while recent restorations and sensitive interventions add a sophisticated modern touch to the entire experience of the space. There are several entry points; perhaps the most enjoyable winds through the walled garden, where a sophisticated air of Italian palazzo adds to the fragrant scent of pale Wisteria, which steals the show through the late spring and early summer months.

Four large archways form the southerly façade, leading through to the central entrance hall, connecting, in turn, to the living spaces across the easterly and westerly wings. Lime plaster brings texture to the walls, while thick oak beams and stone arches remain exposed, adding a tactile aesthetic. The kitchen lies behind timber-framed glass walls on the immediate left. It is organised in a sociable, L-shaped layout, with Miele appliances set within a central island and the clean lines of bespoke cabinetry. A large utility room and a ground-floor cloakroom are interconnected.

One of the bedrooms is tucked into a quiet pocket of the far westerly ground floor wing, complete with an en suite shower room. At the far easterly point of the ground floor, there is another bedroom of a similar size, which would also befit a study or a private dining room.

Solid blocks of ham stone form the open treads of the spiral staircase, adding sculptural finesse through the central plan. Rising to the upper levels, a series of exquisite lateral living spaces unfold, characterised by impressive thick oak beams and huge windows inviting an excellent quality of natural light while offering far-reaching views across the undulating lawns. Oak floorboards run underfoot, a log burner adds warmth centrally, and timber-framed glass doors flanked by stone pillars open onto the balcony.

There are three beautifully proportioned bedrooms on this level; an en suite bedroom positioned on the easterly side and two bedrooms and a Jack-and-Jill shower room on the westerly side. Arguably the most impressive space is the main bedroom, which extends the entire length and breadth of the second floor. The exposed oak frame brings wonderful height and volume, paired with full-height glass walls that follow the vaulted ceilings' dramatic pitch and a freestanding bathtub strategically positioned beneath the windows to enjoy the star-studded night sky. An en suite shower room lies to one side.

In addition to the main house, a two-bedroom annexe lies independently on one side of the courtyard, where a simple palette of natural materials adds a subtle craft to the interior. Minimal colour adds a serene aesthetic and expansive glass panels invite excellent natural light through the open-plan living space. Ascending the turning timber staircase, two ensuite bedrooms lie on the upper storey.

Outdoor Space

Set centrally within the grounds, which extend to around an acre and a half, the home feels visually connected to the gardens from every room. Carefully placed openings create an easy flow between the interior and exterior and out to the elegantly curated, plant-strewn courtyards. Strategically positioned terraces and balconies create lovely seating areas from which to enjoy the gentle sunrise or golden setting sun in the evening hours.

Undulating lawns carefully blend with the rural setting and are bounded by lines of mature specimen trees adding privacy and seclusion. An established and productive vineyard is also set within the grounds, lovingly tended over many years. There is also a large double garage for secure parking or additional storage.

The Area

Lydeard St Lawrence is a historic village located seven miles to the north west of Taunton, between the Quantock Hills and Brendon Hills. The village has a friendly spirit and lively community, a large church and a busy primary school.

The surrounding area is renowned for its glorious open countryside and extensive networks of walking and cycling paths, which are accessible directly from the house. The spectacular landscapes of Exmoor National Park to the west are reachable within 15 minutes by car. The area’s unique geology gives rise to a wide variety of habitats, creating an exceptional environment where rare plant, insect, bird, and mammal species can flourish.

The Blackdown Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty and a tranquil expanse of landscape on the border of Devon and Somerset, is a 30-minute drive south. These stretch from a steep wooded north-facing scarp, which dips southwards into a flat-topped plateau dissected by deep secluded valleys.

While the location feels wonderfully quiet and peaceful, the connections to nearby towns and cities are also excellent. For daily amenities, Taunton is easily reached and has a good selection of shops and supermarkets. Rail connections from here run directly to central London in around one hour and 40 minutes.

Main House Council Tax Band: G
Annexe Council Tax Band: A