Stunning country house near Bruton, Somerset

Light and spacious former rectory set in 7 acres of tranquil grounds with stunning views across the Vale of Camelot. Near to the popular Somerset towns of Bruton & Castle Cary. Excellent access to Castle Cary train station and A303. Perfectly located to explore local attractions such as The Newt in Somerset (4 miles), Hauser & Wirth, Bath & West showground, Haynes Motor Museum, Glastonbury and the Somerset levels, Mendip Hills, Sherborne and the Dorset Coast beyond. The space And relax.... The Old Rectory is a spacious and elegant country house that’s recently been renovated to a high standard. It’s highly suited to families or friends looking to escape to a beautiful part of England's West Country. Located deep in the glorious South Somerset countryside, the house has panoramic views across the beautiful Vale of Camelot and towards Cadbury Castle, suggested as the possible location of King Arthur’s legendary castle! We have a heated outdoor pool (during the summer) and 7 acres incorporating landscaped gardens, a newly planted orchard, wildlife pond and fields. North Barrow is a quiet and pretty village with barely any passing traffic – there is a real sense of peace and beauty here. Castle Cary is the nearest town, which has a fast rail link to London Paddington. We’re 2.15 hours drive from London. BEDROOMS There are 6 bedrooms – 3 Superking bedrooms all with ensuites and then 1 double, 1 twin and 1 single (which share a bathroom). An additional camp bed and sofa bed is available on request. LIVING AREAS The well equipped large kitchen is a joy to cook in and the orangery dining room (sits 10) is perfectly suited to families. The orangery’s expansive doors open up to a terraced eating area outside complete with BBQ and stunning views of the garden and distant hills, and a double sun bed to lounge on. The media room boasts a Sony HD TV with Sky Q, a cinema screen and state of the art surround sound system - ideal for relaxing in at the end of the day! Additional seating areas include the more formal hall and snug/playroom. OUTSIDE On the south side of the house, enjoy wandering through a series of landscaped gardens, and take in the magnificent views. There is a newly built play area with a ground level trampoline, a double swing and slide. We have croquet set up and ready to play throughout the summer. The pool area is a wonderfully sheltered and is available on request. There is access to a footpath (not visible) from the field at the top of the garden which leads to South Barrow and there are various other walks that lead from the village. The outside space is ideal for family or friend occasions and events, although is there is an extra charge for this. Please enquire if interested. We have no light pollution in North Barrow which means that the property is great for stargazers! PLACES TO VISIT - The newly opened The Newt in Somerset is 4 miles away and has some excellent restaurants as well as beautiful gardens to explore (entrance fee required.) - The popular Hauser & Wirth gallery in Bruton is only 10 minutes away which is great fun for all ages. - There is excellent walking - highlights include Cadbury Castle, Corton Denham ridge and wildlife spotting on the Somerset levels. Stourhead (20 mins) is easily accessed along the A303 and has great walking around its beautiful lake and through its Italianate gardens. - The charming Dorset town of Sherborne and its striking Abbey is 20 minutes away. The cathedral city of Wells with its magnificent cathedral and charming shops, is worth a visit as is the infamous Glastonbury tor (both 30 mins). Dorchester is 45 minutes away and the Jurassic coast is an hour’s drive which makes for an easy day trip. - Haynes motor museum, with its seriously impressive collection of classic cars and excellent Go Kart track, is 5 minutes away. - The renowned Longleat safari park is a must for families! (45 mins) - Babington house is within easy reach (30 mins). WHERE TO EAT The village itself is a very small hamlet without shops or pubs. There are excellent pubs nearby, including The Red Lion, Babcary (5 mins), The Three Horseshoes, Batcombe, The Queens Arms, Corton Denham (15 mins), and The Manor House Inn, Ditcheat (20 mins). Bruton and Castle Cary are less than 10 minutes away. Bruton has a number of excellent restaurants including The Newt in Somerset (4 miles), Da Costa at hauser and Wirth, At The Chapel, Matt's Kitchen, Osip and Number One Bruton. ——- The house would be an appealing rental during the Glastonbury festival as it’s only 15 minutes from the site entrance. (Yurts and tipis can be arranged in our field for a surcharge, as well as a private chauffeur to take you to and from the festival via the quiet Pennard gate, but please book these well in advance.)** We are very close to the popular larger wedding and party venues like North Cadbury Court and Sparkford Hall The house would also be suited to a smaller wedding gathering at the property itself - there is a charming church next door - or a special event. There is extensive parking at the property, enough for 10+ cars. There is further parking space in the field if needed for an event. No stag or hen parties please. Other things to note We will consider your requests to have a special event at our property. However we must respect the fact the we are in a village so we have to place strict curbs on amplified - especially electronic - music. We would make a great venue for a smaller family wedding (in the region of 50 guests) and the grade 2 listed church of St Nicholas would be an ideal location for a service. Events will be considered on a case by case basis and there will be an additional surcharge for such use. ***Please note*** Only guests who are booked to stay at the house for that week may stay there - no extra overnight guests please during the time of your event.