Set in a quiet swathe of green belt countryside eight miles south of Bath and within easy reach of Bruton, Frome and Mells, this exceptional four-bedroom home was designed by Andrew Wood Associates and Designscape in collaboration with the owner architects. Winner of the 2016 RICS award for its innovative approach, the house works in absolute unison with the landscape. Surrounded by private gardens and wildflower meadows, the design is distinctly modern and handcrafted in equal measure, with large open-plan living spaces extending to over 2,690 sqft, defined by simple linear forms to retain a seamless conversation between architecture and nature.

The Tour

The house is approached via a quiet country lane, with far-reaching views across open fields and the surrounding countryside. Designed to sit modestly in the landscape, the steel and timber two-storey frame lies low on the sloping hillside. The exterior is partially timber-clad in sustainably sourced Frake hardwood, treated to ensure longevity; the subtle silvery grey hue nods to the local lias limestone and surrounding agricultural vernacular.

The curve of the driveway creates plenty of private parking, bordered by a sloping bank of herbaceous plants, shrubs and specimen trees and leading down to the primary entrance. A central atrium creates an impressive introduction and serves as a dramatic void to draw light down through the central plan.

The interior layout is orientated to optimise sunlight on the south side and the wonderful views across the wildflower meadow and down the valley. A seamless flow of innovatively designed, light-filled living spaces follows a predominantly open plan, executed with a finely selected material palette and impeccable consideration of proportion.

Set on the lower level of the primary living space, the dining area has been strategically positioned to enjoy the interplay of changing light, which filters through a sliding door of plate glass, opening the space onto the terrace in warmer months. Satin finish, aluminium windows and doors by Reynaer are fitted with heat mirror glazing technology and external blinds to carefully control the room temperature, which rarely exceeds 22 degrees.

The innovative kitchen has been designed with playful creativity, with wall-mounted storage cupboards following the designs of a Mondrian painting. The bespoke fittings have been constructed from painted timber and Silestone, adding a sense of craft to daily routines.

Positioned adjacently is the primary living room, where a wall of floor-to-ceiling glazing is oriented towards the afternoon sun, transforming the quality of light and space. An open, glass-fronted fire is set to one side, flanked by a wall of Visplay shelving for displaying ceramics and artworks. Rough-sawn oak runs underfoot in pleasing aesthetic continuity.

Overlooking the main living area is an office space, handcrafted in birch ply and purposefully set in an elevated position to enjoy the far-reaching views across the valley. A glazed door to one side invites an excellent quality of natural light and provides access to the side gardens.

The studio wing lies at the far end of the upper gallery corridor, which is lined with deep-set storage and leads through to the utility space. The studio has been partly built into the hillside, which offers privacy, and is partially lowered into the ground to reduce exposure on the north side; a pale grey Parex render has been used for the walls. In line with the rest of the house, this room offers great flexibility of use and can easily be converted into a bedroom.

The snug is a more intimate space at ground level. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves line the walls, and there is a log fire in one corner. A pull-down bed has been built into the wall to accommodate visitors and, again, provides flexibility of use.

Ascending the central stairs, the upper storey houses two beautifully proportioned bedroom suites, each with wonderful panoramas of the surrounding countryside. Both bedrooms have a large bathroom, one with a bath and the other with a large walk-in shower. Each room has a generous provision of storage and an excellent quality of natural light.

The house has been designed to be incredibly energy-efficient and eco-friendly, utilising natural and sustainable locally sourced materials wherever possible. Extensive south-facing glazing optimises the passive solar heat gain, while well-considered ventilation encourages a healthful climate. High levels of insulation and airtightness ensure the overall energy requirements are very low. An air-source heat pump and solar thermal panels provide the total hot water requirements.

Outdoor Space

The current owners have lovingly developed a simple garden of trees and perennial grasses, with a wildflower meadow which extends to around 1.5 acres. A garden room provides external storage space, and a hand-built pizza oven is tucked into a sheltered position.

Providing an excellent opportunity for self-sufficient living, there are productive raised vegetable beds with an irrigation system and rainwater storage tanks. There are two glasshouses with established vines for growing vegetables and flowers. Cordon fruit trees have been incorporated into the site. Various terraces provide inviting positions to eat and drink in the tranquil greenery, soaking up the rich array of wildlife in this part of the Somerset countryside.

The Area

Located on the edge of a scattered settlement in Stoney Littleton, Art House is surrounded by rolling fields and open countryside, offering wonderful opportunities for walking and cycling. For hiking, the Mendip Hills lie around 11 miles to the west, with fishing and sailing at neighbouring Blagdon and Chew Valley Lakes.

While offering the peace of the countryside, the location is also excellent for access to some of north Somerset’s most popular cultural highlights. The magnificent Georgian city of Bath, around 20-minutes’ drive away, harbours a strong community of independent retailers and eateries, including Berdoulat and 8 Holland Street, Landrace, Colonna and Smalls, Corkage, and the weekly farmers’ market in the city centre. Babington House is 15 minutes away.

Bruton’s excellent food offerings: the Michelin-starred Osip, The Old Pharmacy, At the Chapel, The Newt and also Hauser and Wirth, can be reached in around 30 minutes by car, and Frome is also close by – around 20 minutes’ drive away. Frome’s growing community of independent shops, creative businesses and eateries include Rye Bakery, Projects Frome, Moo and Two, Frome Hardware, Eight Stony Street, and Frome Reclamation Yard. The Frome Independent, a monthly market showcasing local artisans and food producers, has also helped put Frome on the map, attracting over 80,000 visitors annually.

The sought-after villages of Mells and Nunney lie around nine miles south. Nunney is characterised by its historic centre and, most notably, its picturesque moated medieval castle built in the 1370s by a local knight, Sir John de la Mare. The village has a popular local pub, The George Inn. A popular spot for Sunday lunch is The Talbot Inn in Mells or wood-fired pizza from The Walled Garden opposite.

For daily amenities, Wellow is the nearest village, with its excellent pub and community shop, and the area is also especially good for state and private schools.

Direct trains run from Bath Spa to London and take one hour and twenty minutes. Bristol City airport is reachable in under 40 minutes by car.

Council Tax Band: F

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.