Lees & Waters, the Experts in Property estate agency in Bridgwater, is thrilled to offer to the market a substantial country manor house set in large gardens and grounds with medieval carp lakes and planning consents, situated on the outskirts of the attractive and thriving village of Nether Stowey at the foothills of the Quantock Hills, England's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Stowey Court is approached through large pillars and an attractive 15th Century stone archway with wonderful wrought iron gates. The driveway leads to a turning oval, parking area and the property's truly magnificent façade. 

The country residence is steeped in history. The existing house may contain part of the original building, founded by Sir James Tuchet, Lord Audley and 7th Baron of Audley, who dismantled a nearby ancient Norman castle to build Stowey Court near the Church in the 15th Century. The house was left unfinished by him when he was executed for being a leading rebel in the Cornish Rebellion of 1497, and was completed by his descendants over the following years.

John Leland, influential poet, antiquary and one of the chaplains to King Henry VIII, visited Stowey Court in 1542 and described it as: “A goodly manor of Lord Audley, standing exceedingly pleasantly.” The house was bequeathed to Edward Seymour, brother of Jane Seymour, when he was appointed Duke of Somerset in 1547.

It is believed that in 1645, the manor was garrisoned by the Royal Cavaliers and suffered by fire in the Siege of Bridgwater during the English Civil War of 1642-1651. At that time, it is said that all the village treasures were taken there for safety, including the Church registers, which were unfortunately lost or burnt. Probably connected, in 2008, a broken earthenware jar containing a hoard of silverware, thought to date from the English Civil War, was found near the house and exhibited at the British Museum.

More recent owners include the newspaper magnate, Max Aitken, 1st Baron Beaverbrook and The Right Honourable The Lord Beaverbrook, who lived at Stowey Court during the 1940's. Beaverbrook held various ministerial positions during the Second World War and accompanied his long standing political friend, the British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, to several wartime meetings with President Roosevelt as head of the Anglo-American Combined Raw Materials Board. Churchill was a regular visitor to Stowey Court and it is reputed that he stubbed out his cigars on the fireplace in the drawing room!

The now Grade II Listed residence has undergone extensive renovation in the last 20 years by the present owners and has been meticulously maintained. It boasts a grand reception hall, three graceful and elegant reception rooms, a large office/study, a fully fitted hand painted kitchen/breakfast room with an Aga, a laundry room, seven beautiful bedrooms - five en-suite and a generous family bathroom. There is also an adjoining three-bedroom maisonette, which could easily be incorporated back into the main house, as well as a useful loft space above the double garage.

With its extensive accommodation and large grounds, three medieval Carp lakes, a paddock, a beautiful Grade II Listed early 17th Century brick built Gazebo and an orangery with full planning permission for conversion as well as planning consent to be used as a wedding venue, Stowey Court offers huge income potential with a wide variety of possible commercial uses, such as residential courses, meetings and conferences, weddings, luxury B&B, restaurant with rooms, boutique hotel or would be a fantastic purchase for families wishing to share.

Wayne Waters, selling agent, said: “Stowey Court is currently a truly fabulous family home. It is a handsome and well maintained property with wonderful grounds, a rich history and plenty of commercial opportunities. It will appeal to a great number of buyers.”

The charming village of Nether Stowey provides plenty of amenities including a Post Office, three public houses, a doctor's surgery, a library and a primary school; it is a short drive to Exmoor National Park and the charming coastal villages of North Somerset, and a 20 minute drive from the county town of Taunton with its main line access to London in just an hour and a half.

For further information or to book an appointment to view this outstanding property, pop into Lees & Waters at 35 High Street in Bridgwater, call 01278 418005 or visit:
www.theexpertsinproperty.co.uk or www.leesandwaters.co.uk.

Address: Stowey Court, Nether Stowey, Bridgwater, TA5 1LL

Price: £1,300,000

Agent: Lees & Waters, 01278 418005

Full details at: http://tinyurl.com/zd2by59

-ENDS-

In the photographs: Stowey Court, Drawing room, Dining room, Bathroom, Rear of house, Gazebo

Photographs are available from: pr@theexpertsinproperty.co.uk