A magnificent Lutyens inspired country house enjoying an outstanding setting in landscaped parkland gardens of extraordinary beauty with grounds extending to some fourteen acres in a rural position a mile from the favoured village of Congresbury and just twelve miles out of Bristol.  

ACCOMMODATION

* AN IMPOSING GALLERIED RECEPTION HALL * A VERY ELEGANT DRAWING ROOM * A DOUBLE ASPECT SITTING ROOM * A FINE AND WELL PROPORTIONED DINING ROOM * AN ORANGERY ~ GARDEN ROOM * A SUPERB MORNING ROOM ~ FAMILY ROOM ADJACENT TO A SPACIOUS KITCHEN * 2 STUDIES * 2 CLOAKROOMS * A UTILITY ROOM *

* A PRINCIPAL BEDROOM SUITE COMPRISING A GENEROUS BEDROOM WITH A DRESSING ROOM, FULL BATHROOM AND A PRIVATE SITTING ROOM EN SUITE *

* A GUEST BEDROOM WITH EN SUITE BATHROOM *

 * 4 FURTHER BEDROOMS AND FAMILY BATHROOM *

* GYMNASIUM * HEATED SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX *

* TRIPLE GARAGE * STORAGE BUILDING *

This important and very interesting property was originally built in 1930 for a prominent local family and is understood to have been given as a dower house. The imposing and yet pleasing  design is reminiscent of those penned by Sir Edwin Lutyens and it is believed that he actually visited the house while it was under construction. 

"The Court" as the house is affectionately known locally, is without doubt, one of the finest residential properties in the county, standing in a warm south and west facing position, above and  just under a mile from the village of Congresbury amidst unspoiled countryside with a backdrop of ancient woodland.
The property is substantially constructed with mainly colour washed rendered elevations attractively relieved by hand made, twisted brick chimneys under a mellow tiled, felted and insulated roof. Double glazed, leaded light windows (replacements that matched the original windows) overlook the gardens that surround the house with views over open countryside, the village church and the Mendip hills away in the distance.
Internally the house is well proportioned and appointed to a high standard having been sympathetically  updated and improved  in recent years by the present owners. The architectural features mostly follow a Tudor theme with "Arts and Crafts" details including much exposed timber work - mostly oak, compartmented ceilings, an impressive galleried reception hall that is oak panelled at both ground and first floor levels.

Within the last 10 years "The Court" has also been significantly enlarged. Though, the new north wing is indistinguishable from the older part of the house having been skilfully executed with great attention to detail creating an extremely comfortable family home of enormous charm.

The gardens and grounds which are a particular feature provide a suitably attractive setting. From the meandering quarter mile drive to the circular carriage sweep, then to the formal lawns overlooked by paved terraces with a natural water course. The swimming pool and pool house are framed by an Italian garden and  broad sweeps of less formal lawn stretch away to the south and west as far as the paddocks that then surround the gardens.
Only distant glimpses of "The Court" are available from the nearest road thus a full internal inspection is necessary and certainly recommended. We will be pleased to make all necessary arrangements for prospective purchasers to view at any convenient time.
Please telephone the sole agents, Hensons on 01275 810030 for further information and viewing details.

The favoured village of Congresbury can be found some 12 miles to the South West of the City of Bristol and offers a good range of local shopping, amenities and services. The village is conveniently placed with good road connections to the larger nearby centres including of course Bristol,  Clevedon, Nailsea and Weston Super Mare. 

Junctions 20 and 21 of the M5 are within 5 miles providing easy access to the country's motorway network while, local and Intercity rail services are available from the neighbouring village of Yatton (London - Paddington, in about 100 minutes). However, for those commuting or travelling for pleasure further a field, Bristol's international airport is less than 10 miles away.

Good schools of all grades in both the state and private sectors are available in the area with transport to several of Bristol's major public schools arranged  to and from Congresbury.

Local leisure prospects are similarly attractive with good sporting and recreational facilities, various sports centres and three country clubs within almost as many miles. Several challenging golf courses are at hand including Bristol & Clifton, Clevedon and just two miles away the picturesque Mendip Springs courses. Sailing and world class fishing is offered at the nearby Chew Valley and Blagdon Lakes, a number of well established equestrian centres are located nearby while the hills and vales of North Somerset are famed for some of the loveliest walks in the region. In addition all manner of cultural interests may be indulged in Bristol and Bath.

(all measurements are approximate and there are ample power points throughout) 

On The Ground Floor  

Click on floor plan for full size version

On The Ground Floor  

A "sun burst" arched brick porch shelters a studded oak panelled front door with leaded light, brass and iron furniture opening to:-

GALLERIED RECEPTION HALL

Dominated by a broad and impressive half returned staircase which rises to the first floor with cupboards concealed beneath. Partial oak wall panelling matches the staircase while the ceiling is attractively beamed. There is a double radiator, a night storage heater, a telephone point and studded panel doors opening to each room.

CLOAKROOM & WC.

The cloakroom area offers plenty of hanging room with a cabinet concealing a radiator, a dado rail, a built in storage cupboard and the WC beyond having a classic white suite comprising a close coupled WC and a wash hand basin with tiled surround and cupboards under, Edwardian style brassware and two obscure windows. 

DRAWING ROOM 20' x 14'9"

A beautifully proportioned dual aspect principal reception room taking full advantage of an outlook over the gardens to the south and west. A fine period style marble fireplace has an inset natural flame coal effect gas fire and marble hearth. Lattice glazed display cabinets with concealed lighting flank a wide "bay" window with deep upholstered window seat and concealed radiator beneath.  A further casement window and French doors overlook and lead to the terrace while there are two wall light points, a moulded picture rail, original "Butler Call" button, a Television aerial point and an additional original pillar radiator.  A door opens to:-

STUDY NUMBER ONE 10' x 6'

This study was originally designed as an anti room for the household butler. Although these days, in the absence of a Butler, the study links the Drawing to the Orangery and has a casement window allowing an outlook to the west over the gardens, a telephone point and a pillar radiator.

SITTING ROOM 14'10" x 14'1"

Again enjoying a double aspect with a deep "bay" window having upholstered seating a concealed radiator under and a lattice glazed display cabinet with concealed lighting to one side, an original brick slip fireplace with Oak mantel and surround, windows to either side of the fire breast, a folding "post" table, original "Butler Call" button, a night storage heater and a compartmented ceiling.

MORNING ROOM ~ FAMILY ROOM 16'7" x 16'5" overall

Having two leaded light windows overlooking the forecourt with the paddocks and wooded hill sides beyond, radiators, the original "Butlers Bell" indicator – maintained in working order. A French door opens to and allows an outlook through the Orangery and an open access leads to the kitchen with a heavy timber Bressumer above a peninsula breakfast bar.

KITCHEN 16'9" x 10'3"

Very well equipped with an extensive range of fitted wall and floor cabinets including leaded light glazed display cupboards finished in solid light mahogany. Ample matching mahogany profiled laminated work surfaces, an inset double bowl single drainer stainless steel sink unit and mixer tap over and attractive contrasting part tiled surrounds. There is of course plumbing for a dishwasher, a built in split level cooker comprising an eye level Neff electric double oven with a feature archway adjacent framing an inset six plate hob including two gas rings, four electric plates and an inset deep fat fryer with extractor hood over and pan drawers under. Integrated Electrolux refrigerator, casement windows allow an outlook to the front, a night storage heater, one double and one single radiator, a telephone point, three wall light points, a Television aerial point, concealed lighting and a glazed door which leads via an inner hall to the North Hall and to the Orangery. 

ORANGERY  32'2" x 10'10" maximum A delightful garden room with three double glazed sliding patio doors filling one wall, all having fitted roller blinds and opening to the terrace and gardens with views beyond. A pitched, pine ceiling creates a very "warm" atmosphere with exposed beams. There is a double radiator, a Television aerial point, a ceiling fan, three wall light points, a high level storage cupboard, leaded double glazed doors open to the dining room and a door opens to a STORE ~ BOILER ROOM housing the fuse boxes and  a free standing dual fuel oil/solid fuel boiler that supplies central heating and domestic hot water.

DINING ROOM 17'5" x 16'2"

Here there are windows on three sides though the main aspect is once more across the terrace and lawns. The ceiling is beamed and very good Adam period style fireplace with marble slips and carved mahogany surround having a natural flame coal effect gas fire inset is the centre piece of the room. There are five wall light points a Television aerial point, a telephone point and a pillar radiator.  A studded panel door also opens to:-

THE NORTH HALL

The north hall mirrors the reception hall with a hand made staircase copying the original main staircase complete with oak panelling, newels and balusters and a walk in under stairs storage cupboard. The ceiling is beamed, there are two pillar radiators, a telephone point, oak panelled doors to each remaining ground floor room and an oak door opening to the porch at the side and a window to the side. 

CLOAKROOM

A classic white suite comprises a close coupled WC, a wash hand basin set in vanity unit with Edwardian style brassware, moulded dado rail, radiator with shelf over and a window to the side.

STUDY NUMBER TWO 8' x 6'9"

With a window to the side, a radiator and a telephone point.

UTILITY ROOM 16'4" x 6'6"

Fitted with a range of wall and floor cupboards finished in light oak, roll edge laminated work surfaces, an inset single drainer stainless steel sink unit and mixer tap over, plumbing for two automatic washing machines and venting for tumble dryer, dual aspect casement windows, fitted wine rack and a double radiator.

Click on floor plan for full size version  

GALLERIED LANDING

Spacious and benefiting from plenty of natural light with a long window over the stairwell, a compartmented ceiling, Tudor style vertical studding and panelling and a built in storage cupboard. Panelled doors open to three bedrooms and an upper hall leads away, eventually to the north wing. There is a hatch allowing access to a boarded and illuminated loft space via a telescopic aluminium ladder.

BEDROOM 2 15'8" x 14'9"

Dual aspect with windows to the south and west overlooking the gardens and out across the vale. A wash hand basin is set in a vanity unit, the ceiling is compartmented, there is a pillar radiator, an original tiled fireplace, a telephone point and Television aerial point.

BEDROOM 3 15' maximum x 15'

Dual aspect with views to the south and east. A pedestal wash hand basin with decorative glaze, compartmented ceiling, pillar radiator, a telephone point and Television aerial point.

BEDROOM 4 15' x 12' overall

Facing west with views across the gardens and beyond. A pillar radiator, compartmented ceiling, a telephone point and plumbing available to create a third en suite bathroom if required.

UPPER HALL

With a compartmented ceiling, panelled doors to Bedrooms Five and Six, the family bathroom and a walk in linen cupboard with shelving, a lagged hot water cylinder and a small window overlooking the forecourt.

BEDROOM 5 11'10" x 7'

Having a slim built in shelved cupboard, a radiator and an outlook over the gardens, grounds and countryside to the west.

FAMILY BATHROOM

A classic white Edwardian style suite with period style brassware comprises an enamel panelled bath with a Mira electronic shower over, a pedestal wash hand basin and a close coupled WC with complementary ceramic wall tiling, moulded dado rail, a double radiator, electric shaver~light point, automatic extractor fan, heated towel rail, two casement windows and a compartmented ceiling.

BEDROOM 6 11'10" x 11'3"

Enjoying views to the east across the forecourt and paddock towards Rhodyate and Wood Hill. With a pillar radiator, compartmented ceiling and a door opening to:-  

EN-SUITE BATHROOM

A Pampas suite comprises a panelled bath with a Triton electronic shower over and Edwardian style mixer tap, a wash hand basin set in a vanity unit, a close coupled WC and a bidet with contrasting ceramic wall tiling, a radiator, electric shaver~light point, automatic extractor fan, heated towel rail, a casement window to the front and a compartmented ceiling.

Not a gallery in the strictest sense since two broad casement windows create a clerestory effect and allow views over the gardens and vale. There are two pillar radiators and an open archway leading to:-

With a compartmented ceiling, oak balusters, panelled doors to the Principal Bedroom Suite and the Dressing Room, a telephone point and a second hatch allowing access to the loft.

Full of character having a compartmented ceiling and exposed beams, views over the lawns and across the vale to the Mendip Hills away in the distance. Two additional casement windows, two telephone points, a Television aerial point, two pillar radiators a door to the En Suite Bathroom, doors to the Dressing Room and to:-

A delightful addition to the principal bedroom with almost wall to wall glazing on  two sides to take advantage of the views particularly to the south as far as the Mendip Hills.

EN SUITE BATHROOM

Beautifully appointed with a very good reproduction Edwardian style suite comprising a cast iron roll top claw foot bath complete with 1924 pattern brassware including a mixer shower over the bath, a high level WC, a wash hand basin set in a vanity unit and a bidet with complementary ceramic wall tiling and listello tiles to match the suite, a shower cubicle with Mira electronic shower, a radiator, a heated towel rail, an automatic extractor fan, compartmented ceiling, a casement window to the side and a leaded light window which allows a view through the sitting room.

EN SUITE DRESSING ROOM 16'4" x 7'8"

Dual aspect with views to the south and east. A radiator, compartmented ceiling, dado rail and  given the door to the North Landing potential to very simply create a seventh bedroom if required. 

Rhodyate Court enjoys a suitably impressive approach from Rhodyate Hill via a dressed stone pillared gateway with substantial wrought iron electrically operated gates (with a video surveillance system and intercom).

A tar macadam driveway meanders for almost a quarter of a mile arriving at a circular carriage sweep with a central lawn in the forecourt and framed by a series of ornamental trees with evergreen and broad leaf hedging.

The driveway continues to the North side of the house opening into an expansive parking apron and hard standing area with space enough for umpteen vehicles and access to a TRIPLE GARAGE 54' x 23'6". The garage is equipped with   three up and over doors, lighting, power, a personnel door to the side, a stainless steel sink unit and a WC cubicle.

To the west of the garage stands a GYMNASIUM 30' x 22'4" with pine clad walls and ceiling, sliding patio doors and a picture window, a cloakroom with low level WC and pedestal wash hand basin.

An additional GARAGE adjoins the gymnasium while opposite this building a pair of electrically operated wooden gates open to a former orchard, which is enclosed by established hedges. Here a substantial outbuilding offers all sorts of potential with scope for conversion (subject to consent) to a detached guest or staff lodge or extensive stabling, tack and fodder store. The OUTBUILDING measures 52' x 22'9 and was originally built by a previous owner to accommodate a classic car collection. There is plenty of head room (pitched roof), double timber doors, three up and over doors to the side opening to a small yard, lighting and a three-phase power supply.

The gardens, in keeping with the house, have been very well maintained. A wide paved terrace adjoins the south and west elevations giving way in turn to the formal lawns. Deep shaped borders are stocked with a variety of specimen shrubs and bushes together with a number of mature broadleaf trees with a fine old oak tree of particular note.

According to a previous owner of the property, the area of lawn to the south west of the house was once set out as a tennis court and the south lawn was used for Croquet until the 1950's. Games were apparently observed from the revolving summer house which still stands at the edge of the lawn.

West of the terrace and beyond the lawns there is a very scenic Italian rockery garden with a sunken brook supplied by a waterfall over which a natural stone bridge leads to the Swimming Pool.

The oval heated swimming pool (32' x 17') (maximum depth 8', shallow 3') is set in a shaped paved dais sheltered by numerous ornamental evergreens. The pool has been fully refurbished by the present owners in recent years and is equipped with a cover, spring board and slide with the heating and filtration systems housed in the adjacent Pool House which has lighting, power, a kitchen area, changing room and a shower room ~ WC. The pool and surrounding terrace, which is illuminated, were carefully sited to fully enjoy a sunny southerly and westerly aspect and further views over the surrounding area.
In all the gardens amount to around two acres with the remaining twelve acres comprising a series of paddocks laid to grass. A neighbouring farmer is willing to rent the grassland if required on a grass keep basis with a responsibility for fencing and mowing. However, full vacant possession is offered if this arrangement does not suit a purchasers needs.
SITTING TENANT  A sitting tenant, "Ashley Peacock" will prefer to continue to reside at the property. Terms are flexible at the tenants discretion  and his only requirement is the occasional slice of sponge cake or less preferably digestive biscuit.

SERVICES

Mains water and electricity are connected. Private drainage. Telephone connected subject to British Telecom regulations with comprehensive services throughout the house. Dual fuel Scanfield boiler supplying central heating through radiators with private oil storage tank. Additional Economy 7 background heating. Security system with video surveillance. 

VIEWING

Strictly by prior confirmed appointment with the vendors Sole Agents, Henson, Burdge & Evans. Telephone 01275 810030 (7 days a week). Fax 01275 851622. Email enquires with regard to this property to:- RCourt@hbe.co.uk

TENURE

Freehold and Free.

LOCAL AUTHORITY

North Somerset Council, The Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare. Telephone 01934 888888

PARTICULARS AND PLANS

Both the plans (which are not to scale) and particulars are believed to be correct but they do not constitute any part of any offer or contract and any intending purchaser must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to the correctness of each statement. Any reference to the possibility of obtaining planning consents is made without any guarantee of such consents being granted. The agent has not tested any apparatus, equipment, fixtures, fittings or services and therefore cannot verify that they are in working order.  A buyer is advised to obtain verification from their solicitor or surveyor.