Description
A very appealing Georgian town house with a manageable walled garden. Easy access to amenities.
BRIDGE HOUSE, 5 ST. JOHN STREET, WELLS, BA5 1SW
Summary
A spacious period townhouse, Grade ll listed, with bags of character, a mature, manageable walled garden and a very convenient location in walking distance of the High Street and amenities.Bridge House includes a hall, 3 reception rooms (sitting room, living room and dining room), kitchen, shower room and on the first floor -3 bedrooms and bathroom.At the rear of the house is a neat, manageable garden and a garden studio.
Leasehold
The lease is for 400 years from 1751 with a peppercorn rent and unknown freeholders. In such circumstances a tenant may apply to the County Court to acquire the freehold. Potential buyers are advised to take their own legal advice on this point prior to purchase
Location
St John Street is an historic lane in the heart of Wells near the High Street. The houses are varied period properties reflecting the character of England's smallest and very beautiful Cathedral City, with Grade 1 listed St John's Priory setting the tone. All the facilities of Wells are within walking distance.
Description
St. John's Priory had a mill on this site utilizing St. Andrew's stream which runs from the wells of the Bishop's Palace. Bridge House is Grade ll listed, thought to date from at least the 17th Century, and probably has earlier origins. It's an attractive building with a rendered and painted southerly elevation, a pantile roof and a central 4 panel door set in a doorway with Tuscan pilasters. The house has been extended and altered over the years and has a cross passage design restructured in the Victorian period with a staircase rising to the first-floor landing lit by a lancet style window with stained glass panes. There's also a small lean-to extension corbelled over the stream.
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The history of the property is reflected in the fabric of the building with Victorian (mainly cast iron) fireplaces with decorative tiles, cornice moulding, sash windows and original pine timberwork. As well as period features the house offers well balanced accommodation with a central flagstone hallway running front to back.
Accommodation
The front door opens into a porch with a door into the hall. This is flanked by a sitting room to the left and a larger living room to the right which has timber flooring, an open stone fireplace with a fire basket and hood and a door into a small, shelved storeroom (perhaps previously a garderobe?)Further into the house is a dining room, again with a fireplace, and the kitchen. This has fitted units, sink, an oven, hob, a gas fired Rayburn range with a boiler and a pantry.Off the kitchen is a shower room with a basin, unit, space for a washing machine and beyond a tiled lavatory and shower area.
First Floor
This has a large landing with floorboards, a bathroom and 3 bedrooms.The main front bedroom is large, 18ft. wide with 2 windows and a fireplace. The second bedroom has a fireplace and the third a garden view. Th bathroom has an airing cupboard, basin, lavatory and a bath with a shower above.
Outside
At the rear of the house is a mature, stonewalled garden with water and electricity, a large, paved terrace, a brick paved pathway, mature trees and shrubs (mainly evergreen) and a large garden room with electricity. To the side of the garden is the stream.
Tenure & Other points
Leasehold. The lease is for 400 years from 1751 with a peppercorn rent and unknown freeholders. In such circumstances a tenant may apply to the County Court to acquire the freehold. Potential buyers are advised to take their own legal advice on this point prior to purchase Grade ll listed within a Conservation area. EPC exempt. Council Tax Band D. Mains services and gas central heating. Gas fired Rayburn.
About the area
Wells is the smallest city in England (population about 11,000) lying in beautiful countryside between the Somerset Levels and the Mendip Hills - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wells medieval centre has local markets twice a week, good restaurants, a thriving high street and many important ancient buildings, including the Cathedral and moated Bishops Palace and gardens. There are four major supermarkets on the edge of the city. Wells Leisure Centre has the usual facilities of gym and swimming pool to add to Wells Rugby Club, Tennis club, Bowling club and Golf course. There are also various public parks and footpaths leading to open countryside and the Mendip Hills (aonb).
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Throughout the year Wells hosts festivals for Music, Literature, Art and Food, and has twinned links with Burgundy, the Rhineland and Northern Italy. There are many societies and clubs for those who would like to join a diverse social community.The major towns of the area, Bristol, Bath, Taunton and Yeovil are all within commuting distance. There are excellent state & independent schools in the area which include several good primary schools, Wells Blue School, Strode College, Wells Cathedral School, Downside, All Hallows and Millfield.
Communications
Wells is a transport hub for bus services, including daily services to London. Main line trains run from Castle Cary and Bristol International Airport is 35 minutes' drive away.
Important Notice
Roderick Thomas, their clients and any joint agents state that these details are for general guidance only and accuracy cannot be guaranteed. They do not constitute any part of any contract. All measurements are approximate and floor plans are to give a general indication only and are not measured accurate drawings. No guarantees are given with regard to planning permission or fitness for purpose. No apparatus, equipment, fixture or fitting has been tested. Items shown in photographs are not necessarily included. Purchasers must satisfy themselves on all matters by inspection or otherwise. VIEWINGS - interested parties are advised to check availability and current situation prior to travelling to see any property.
Council Tax Band: D
Tenure: Leasehold
