This exceptional house in Somerset was built in 2019, with Passivhaus principles at the forefront of its design, and using a meticulous approach to materials. Extending laterally across over 4,760 sq ft, the four-bedroom house is set within almost four acres of gardens, where rewilded meadows, orchards, and vegetable plots form a wonderfully quiet and secluded idyll. A self-contained one-bedroom timber-frame cabin is set in the grounds, alongside a Blackdown shepherd’s hut. While occupying a sought-after rural location, Bristol, Bath, and Bruton are easily reached in between 30-40 minutes, while Wells lies five miles east.

Environmental Performance

Imperative to the design, the house has been built with an exceptional consideration of its eco-credentials. Triple glazing ensures excellent insulation, and an MVHR system retains fresh filtration of air throughout. There is also a rainwater collection system and a bio-digester treatment plant.

The Tour

The house lies low in the landscape, set back from a quiet country lane at the end of a long private, gated driveway. The distinct architectural profile draws inspiration from the local agricultural vernacular. Its façade is defined by slender Siberian larch cladding, creating a soft yet striking profile against the pastoral backdrop.

There is an excellent provision of parking for multiple vehicles at the end of the driveway, alongside the integral garage. The primary entrance is to a beautifully light timber-framed atrium, creating an immediate connection between the interior and exterior space. Timber-clad walls foster a warm atmosphere and are softly illuminated by a wall of translucent polycarbonate.

The primary living spaces are arranged in a predominantly open plan, with microcement and underfloor heating running underfoot. Exposed timber beams follow the pitched line above, creating a sense of space and volume. Bespoke ply joinery lines the length of one wall to form an excellent provision of hand-crafted storage while creating a natural division between the dining and living areas.

Sliding glass doors by Internorm extend across the far wall, emphasising the garden views and making wonderful use of spaces that attract the most sunlight. This part of the house opens directly onto the rear decked terrace, most recently extended and with the joyful addition of a cedar wood-fired hot tub.

The bespoke kitchen is characterised by clean lines of joinery, topped with brushed stainless steel. Neff appliances are built neatly into handmade cabinets and deep skylights allow an excellent quality of light to penetrate the central plan. Designed to balance both entertaining and the practicalities of everyday family life, the central island and breakfast bar creates an open, sociable layout, looking onto the dining area, which is positioned centrally. A large pantry and a utility space lie to one side.

Adjacent to the kitchen is a second reception room, which would equally befit a studio or home workspace, with sliding glass doors opening onto the gardens.

At the opposite end of the plan, there is a more intimate snug or living area which catches the best of the morning light. A modern vented log-burning stove forming a natural focal point and expansive triple-glazed picture windows frame views of the front gardens. A hi-spec media room has also been recently added, complete with a fully integrated Sonos sound system.

The four bedrooms run the north-easterly length of the house, accessed via a corridor illuminated by skylights. Each room is replete with strategically placed tilt-and-turn doors that provide access to the gardens. The main bedroom also has an adjoining dressing room alongside an en suite bathroom. The family bathroom is positioned centrally and follows a similar style, with natural travertine floor tiles charcoal walls cocooning the restful sleeping areas.

The integral garage, fully insulated and triple-glazed, offers great versatility of use, currently organised as a workshop and fitness area, but easily convertible to additional living space. Three-phase electric power has also been installed.

Bennetts Lane’s new owners would inherit RHI payments for approx. two years; more information is available on request.

Outdoor Space

Covering almost four acres, the surrounding gardens are extensive, with beautiful views of the surrounding open fields and landscape. The large decked terrace provides a quiet, sunny position to eat and drink outside in warmer months, raised beds form the productive vegetable plot, and there is a recently planted orchard. A wildlife pond is set centrally, with sedge grasses attracting wild ducks, heron and buzzards, swifts and dragonflies.

Rows of mature specimen trees along the boundary create a sense of privacy and seclusion. Around two acres have been turned over to rewilding, resulting in abundant meadow grasses and wildflowers appearing each spring. Newly planted trees include native willows and alders planted around the pond, together with clusters of field maples, hornbeams, silver birch, and Japanese elms.

The black timber-framed cabin has been purposefully orientated against prevailing winds. It provides opportunity for use as holiday accommodation or overflow sleeping space for guests. The bedroom lies off the open-plan living space and kitchen, with a bathroom set to one side and a separate veranda.

There is also a brilliant Blackdown Retreat Shepherd’s Hut, beautifully finished with a rock and roll sofa converting to a bed, hardwood painted doors and windows, solid oak floors, power points and a small sink.

The Area

Binegar is a small hamlet with a tiny church and a traditional pub with a cider back bar, the Horse and Jockey, which is a 10-minute walk from the house. The village of Gurney Slade is slightly further away and has a post office and local shop. The local area is renowned for extensive walking and cycling routes around Stockhill and Blackdown.

The independent shops, cafés and restaurants in the city of Wells can be reached by car in around 10 minutes. Both Bath and Bristol are about 40 minutes’ drive. Glastonbury town centre is just over 12 miles away. In addition, Frome, Bruton and the highlights of Hauser and Wirth Somerset, Osip, The Old Pharmacy and The Newt are easily reached by car.

This part of Somerset is mainly well served by excellent schools. Millfield, Hazlegrove, The Blue School at Wells, Wells Cathedral School, Downside, Sherborne and the Kings Bruton School are all within easy driving distance.

Direct train services to London Paddington are accessible via Castle Cary, a 20-minute drive away, with a journey time of 86 minutes. The national motorway network can be reached via the A303 (M3), while Bristol Airport is around 30 minutes away by car.

Council Tax Band: G

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.