A specially curated guide to help you enjoy the next 48 hours (or more) in Bath
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A LOCAL HERO | MARATHON BOY
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Little Luc runs a marathon in one week |
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Little Luc, age six, has run a marathon in a week for charity. He ran 6km a day, mainly in Bath with his dad running with him. Luc decided to run and run to raise money for his cousin, Andrew, who has been very ill.
Andrew was admitted to hospital in 2017 to have a massive brain tumour removed. There were complications and he nearly didn't make it. He was in a coma and suffered from locked in syndrome for several weeks. His children were 1 and 3 and have now spent more time without daddy at home than with him as they were unable to visit throughout the pandemic. Luc is raising money to help get Andrew home. They need a costly extension, specialist adaptations for the wheelchair, equipment and rehabilitation therapies.
"We're so proud of Luc, he was determined to finish it and was delighted every time a donation came in. It was a BIG challenge for a small boy!" says Angela, his mum.
Find out more about Andrew's story on his fundraising page.
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LOOKING BACK | GREEN PARK IN ACTION
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A moment in time at Midland Station |
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With much of Green Park station currently closed due to concerns over the safety of its roof, this week’s archive photograph gives us a glimpse of what it looked like in the summer of 1938. It wasn’t known as Green Park back then – that name was only bestowed on it in 1951 – and although Bradshaw’s timetables referred to it as ‘Queen Square’, for most Bathonians it was simply the Midland station. The display seen here, prompted by something called the Brighter Railway Station movement, was the work of George Mannings & Sons, builders, of Claverton Down. As well as laying out crazy paving and building a rustic wall, they got hold of two old Italian vases, supported on dolphins, and a large bronze bowl taken in the Boxer Rebellion, which were displayed alongside ornaments made from Bath Stone. Once it was finished, the station staff lined up for this photograph which was later sold as a publicity postcard. In the background passengers sit waiting for a train, under posters advertising Brylcreem, Punch magazine, Veno’s Cough Cure and holidays in Ireland. Also on display, though, is also a newspaper placard announcing ‘The Czech Crisis’ – a reminder that, however untroubled life in Bath may have appeared, events in Europe were moving inexorably towards war.
akemanpress.com
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LOOKING AHEAD | GREEN PARK OUT OF ACTION
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By Richard Wyatt at BathNewseum.com |
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Sainsbury’s - who lease the old Green Park station site alongside their city-centre store from B&NES - say they are trying to find the regular Farmer’s Market a new site following the closure of the space under the glass-paned station arch which has developed problems. It’s become their regular venue - attracting people who shop with them and Sainsbury’s.
The supermarket chain say safety has to be their main priority - and they are organising urgent maintenance work for the station roof - but in the meantime they are trying to find a temporary, alternative site the market can operate from.
The problems at Green Park has prompted people to come forward with other suggestions for an alternative permanent site including Queen Square - where the French market goes - or Kingston Parade - where part of the Christmas Market is sited. Another suggestion was to use the High Street - the historic home of the city’s medieval market. There would be plenty of room for two-way traffic on Grand Parade. Then of course - with a bus-gate already now in force - another suggestion was to put it down the middle of Milsom Street and move the buses around the corner.
In the meantime – negotiations continue.
For regular city stories and updates visit: bathnewseum.com
...And for details of where the Bath Farmers Market can be found (while on tour) visit: bathfarmersmarket.co.uk
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OBJECTS OF DESIRE | TIMELESS CLASSIC
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Rolex Submariner Oyster 41mm |
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Rolex classic watches have been beautifully redesigned to be current and covetable - but still maintaining the heritage and the historic links between Rolex and exploration.
Shown here is the über-stylish diver's watch, the 41mm Oystersteel Submariner. Water-resistant to 300m and featuring the excelent 3230 Calibre perpetual, self winding movement with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours it is precision, strength and elegance all in one. Price £6,450
Mallory Jewellers – Bath’s official Rolex retailer, has many models available to view.
For further details see the Mallory website: Mallory Jewellers
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IN OTHER NEWS | TIMELESS CLASSIC
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Bath Preservation Trust acquires Beckford’s Tower paddocks and grotto |
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The historic paddocks surrounding a famous Bath landmark have been saved and will now be restored to enable visitors to experience a glimpse of William Beckford’s gardens and grotto as they were presented almost 200 years ago.
The purchase is thanks to an incredibly generous donation from Stephen Morant, who owns Beckford’s former estate at Fonthill, in Wiltshire.
The approximately 2.54-acre site forms a significant part of what was known as ‘Beckford’s Ride’ and features a grotto tunnel and avenue of lime trees, planted by him. Over time, the original walls of the Tower garden have fallen into disrepair and the paddocks became overgrown with brambles – making the grotto completely inaccessible. Now, having secured their purchase, Bath Preservation Trust plans to bring the historic grassland land back into its relationship with the Tower and again form part of its original setting.
Click here to explore the Bath Preservation Trust website
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OUR MAY ISSUE | GREAT READING STARTS HERE
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New issue – OUT NEXT WEEK! |
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As always, there will be many great reads by our team of wonderful writers and contributors as well as beautifully presented advertising by Bath's best businesses. We hope you'll enjoy the read!
15,000 copies are delivered door to door, and you can pick up a copy at many places around town and from our stands around the city.
Alternatively, click here to read the digital version of our current issue!
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Nature to Nurture: Ubiety x Sophie Erin at Always Sunday Store
Local brand Ubiety will be celebrating its roots in nature at Always Sunday Store on the 24 and 25 April. Inspired by the beautiful grounds of Dorothy House and the surrounding woodlands, Ubiety’s Vegan Body Care and Home Fragrance range harnesses the power of essential oils to bring the therapeutic benefits of nature inside.
Ubiety means 'grounded in a definite place' and our theme is an appreciation of how nature has provided strength and solace throughout the Covid-19 crisis, and has always been a source of peace to our patients and their families at Dorothy House.
Ubiety asked local Artist Sophie Erin to exhibit her nature inspired work in store- drawings, paintings and installations that capture the wonder found in life’s little details. With Ubiety's mission to promote wellbeing and mindfulness, pausing to notice and appreciate the beauty and changes of nature on our doorstep, can turn a ‘daily walk’ into a daily adventure. Sophie’s work captures that feeling perfectly and reminds us to keep our senses awake to new possibilities in the everyday.
With your purchase you’ll receive beautiful flower bulbs, kindly donated by Peter Nyssen. Plant them inside in pots, or outside and look forward to the optimism of new shoots and unfurling buds.
Ubiety’s indulgent products make the perfect gift, either to your loved ones, or to yourself, with all Ubiety’s profits going to local charity Dorothy House Hospice, to help fund end of life care. All products are made of natural, vegan and environmentally friendly ingredients with sustainable packaging – feel and do good with Ubiety!
findubiety.com; Always Sunday is located at 9 Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LJ
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FASHION | CAN A BAG SAVE THE WORLD?
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The Mulberry Made To Last Manifesto
To mark Mulberry's 50th anniversary year, it has announced the launch of the Made to Last Manifesto, laying out an ambitious commitment to transform the business to a regenerative and circular model, encompassing the entire supply chain, from field to wardrobe by 2030.
Launching on World Earth Day, 22nd April 2021, with an open letter and digital campaign, the Mulberry Made to Last Manifesto asks a series of bold, challenging, and sometimes uncomfortable questions, that we respond to with honesty and intention, even if we don't have all the answers.
The Made to Last Manifesto promises that the Mulberry business and a Mulberry bag represent a commitment to regeneration, renewal and reimagination. Keeping this promise requires a culture change across the industry, the supply chain and amongst customers, a radical shift in both the way things are made and the way they are used, and it ultimately leads us to ask the question: 'Can a bag save the world?'. We know real change is born from a willingness to ask ourselves the hard questions and to keep seeking meaningful answers. Can a Mulberry bag come with a promise of regeneration, renewal and reimagination? If it can, and we believe it can, then yes, a bag can truly be part of making things better.
mulberry.com
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RUGBY NEWS | STADIUM FOR BATH
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A period of reflection and adjustment |
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It's almost a year since work was paused on the Stadium for Bath project due to the Covid-19 pandemic and Bath Rugby has used the opportunity to reflect on the work undertaken thus far and the needs of the club, the city and the community.
Lewis Hancock, Bath Rugby's communications manager, says, "As the city continues to emerge from the pandemic, some things remain constant, but some things have changed. Bath Rugby is still committed to the Rec and to the city, despite the many challenges. Our deep desire to make a valuable and responsible contribution to the city is undiminished through creating new jobs, bringing visitor spend into the local economy, riverside regeneration, driving sporting participation and providing education and support for vulnerable members of our community. At the same time we are building a squad of at least 50% home grown players deeply rooted to this city.
"We feel a great sense of responsibility to the club and the city. As part of this, the financial sustainability of the club has always sat at the heart of our plans for a new stadium in Bath, alongside the desire for an exceptional design.
"The raising of the pitch in previous designs created the space for a public car park. We have now identified a satisfactory design solution to mitigate long-term challenges relating to flood risks and the water table which do not require the full raising of the pitch.
"We no longer believe it is appropriate to base the sustainability of the stadium and the club on car parking. We will therefore not be including an under-pitch car park in future proposals for redevelopment at the Rec.
"The club has been granted leave on all grounds of appeal in relation to a recent judgment regarding the 1922 Covenants. Bath Recreation Limited, our landlord, has also been granted permission to join the appeal proceedings. A successful appeal is important for Bath Recreation Limited’s future as operations could be impacted in relation to hosting events. The appeal hearing is due to be heard in Autumn 2021.
"In the meantime, the club will continue to operate its temporary stadium facilities at the Rec. The constraints at the site are unique in professional elite sport and operating the temporary stadium facilities costs the club c. £1 million per annum in incremental operating costs.
"We will continue to consider solutions for an appropriate design at the Rec, which must also be financially sustainable. We recognise the support from so many people across Bath for this project, and we are hugely appreciative for the significant contributions to our many consultations on the project."
bathrugby.com
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WEEKEND WINE | DISCOVER JUAN GIL
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Enjoy a taste of Spain. The iconic Juan Gil wines are an exceptional example of modern wines that over-deliver for the money, you really can’t get better than that.
Cultivating excellence since 1916, the Juan Gil family strives for nothing less than perfection. The vineyards reach 850 metres above sea level in the Spanish regions of Jumilla and Rueda, and ancient terroirs of sand and limestone allow the wines to flourish and bloom.
In white, the fantastic Shaya Verdejo is especially exciting – “like a Sauvignon Blanc, but better”, Summer may be on its way but this white will certainly get you there sooner.
Each of the three rich reds offers amazing expression and value, starting with the Yellow Label Monastrell, offering balance and wonderful bright red fruits, the Silver Label and Blue Label adding on extra layers of luxurious richness and sophistication. These wines will honestly become absolute favourites.
From left to right: Shaya Arindo Verdejo £13.75, Yellow Label Monastrell £9.95, Silver Label Monastrell £17.75 and the super fine Blue Label Monastrell £30
Explore the range at The Great Wine Co.
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NEWS FROM THE CITY | HIRING NOW
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Hotel Indigo Bath open applications for new roles
Hotel Indigo Bath is a 166-bedroom boutique hotel perfectly located in the centre of Bath. With inspiration taken from the area's rich architectural beauty, this is echoed throughout the design of the hotel, from the stunning guest rooms - each of which being completely unique - to the stylish lounges and public spaces. From the start of the guest experience until the moment they leave, they'll be embroiled in this fascinating neighbourhood.
Hotel Indigo Bath is more than just a hotel; a gymnasium, a private members club and private house with meeting room, private dining suite and eight adjoining guest-rooms also feature to create the perfect stay for anyone visiting Bath.
Are you out-going, full of energy and enthusiastic? A natural-born storyteller? Are you passionate about offering excellent customer service? The stunning boutique city centre hotel could be the inspiring work place you are looking for.
Hotel Indigo Bath are looking for: one Front of House Supervisor; one Front of House Manager; two Night Porters; and two Receptionists.
How to apply?
Hotel Indigo Bath is asking candidates to apply via castlebridge.ats.emea1.fourth.com
Some of the benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Flexible working arrangements, as we know this is important to you
- Discounted hotel room rates for you and your friends and family, so everyone can enjoy a break away
- 50% off food & beverage when visiting our hotels
- Free meals and drinks on duty
- Apprenticeships and development training throughout your employment
- Option to purchase additional annual leave
- Health and wellbeing initiatives
- HSF healthcare cash plan, to help you and your family to cover the costs of everyday healthcare (prescriptions/dentist appointments/etc)
- Access to Perkbox via HSF
- Refer a friend scheme
- Automatic enrollment into the company pension
bath.hotelindigo.com
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RECIPE ROSTA | FENNEL IT UP
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Recipe by Melissa Blease |
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Chicken and Fennel Ragout |
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Fragrant new season fennel starts creeping into the farmers' markets any moment now and thrives throughout the summer. Make the most of it with this light, supremely elegant spring/summer ragout that brings moist chicken, white wine, cream cheese and fresh dill together in a luxurious broth packed with seasonal flavours.
I've suggested accompanying this ragout with fennel-roasted new potatoes, but it works equally well teamed with fettuccine, boiled rice or even crusty fresh bread.
Ingredients (serves 4)
750g new potatoes, larger ones halved 1 tsp fennel seeds Juice and zest of 1 large lemon 6 large, skinless chicken thigh fillets, chopped into bite-sized cubes 2 tbsp plain flour 2 large fennel bulbs, thickly sliced, fronds reserved for serving 175ml dry white wine 300ml chicken stock 100g frozen garden peas/petits pois 125g full or half-fat cream cheese A generous handful chopped fresh dill, chopped Olive oil for roasting/frying
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 220ºC/gas mark 7. Toss the new potatoes (halving any particularly large ones) with the fennel seeds, lemon zest and approx. 1 tbsp olive oil. Tip into a large roasting tin, season well and roast for 40–50 minutes until crisp on the outside and soft within, shaking the tin to turn the potatoes halfway through the cooking time.
2. Meanwhile, dust the chicken with 1 tbsp plain flour and season well. Heat approx. 1 tbsp olive oil in a casserole dish or large lidded frying pan over a medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Add another glug of olive oil to the pan and fry the fennel for around 5 minutes.
3. Scatter the remaining 1 tbsp flour over the fennel and cook for a further minute. Add the wine and stock, scraping up any meaty bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon as you go. Return the chicken (plus any juices that have settled on the plate) to the pan and bring to the boil briefly before reducing the heat, covering and simmering gently for 20 minutes, adding the frozen garden peas to the mix halfway through the cooking time.
4. Take the pan off the heat, remove the lid and stir the soft cheese, lemon juice and a smattering of freshly ground black pepper. Add the dill, replace the lid of the pan and leave the dish to stand for 5 minutes, during which time the sauce will thicken slightly.
5. To serve, divide the roast new potatoes between 4 warm serving plates and top with the chicken, plenty of sauce and the reserved fennel fronds.
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EXHIBITIONS | COMING SOON
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Gallery Nine's spring exhibition |
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26 – 31 May
Gallery Nine’s Spring exhibition features Jewellery by Rachel Eardley, Ceramics by Pru Cooper and Emily Myers and original works on paper by Paul Rudall.
Rachel carefully hand cuts designs from obsolete coins and sets them in silver.
Prue Cooper makes press-moulded earthenware dishes, decorated with quotations and images illustrating the ways of the world – witty and narrative.
Emily’s thrown vessels, domestic in scale, are often carved, faceted and altered, at the leather hard stage, to create new and interesting shapes and surface textures.
Paul Rudall, one of Britain’s most respected post war artists was an obsessive painter. He most often worked on board or paper in oils, but often in distinctive combination with meticulous pen and ink.
galleryninebath.com
Main image: Emily Myers; Group of Twist Vases; 25cm
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ON THE BOX | ENTER NETFLIX'S LATEST FANTASY WORLD
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Shadow and Bone: Season One (2021) |
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Dark forces conspire against orphan mapmaker Alina Starkov when she unleashes an extraordinary power that could change the fate of her war-torn world.
Starring Freddy Carter, Jessie Mei Li, Archie Renaux and Amita Suman, Shadow and Bone has been dubbed Netflix's best fantasy show since The Witcher.
Watch it on Netflix today
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THE KIOSK | MAGAZINE MOMENTS
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Curated by Daniel McCabe – Magalleria
Perfect is the new magazine by Katie Grand, publisher of this century's most radical popular cultural fashion magazines, POP and LOVE. With a cover price of £35 you might well be expecting a perfect magazine and, in our view, it looks like she's managed it. This is a mammoth hardcover available in two covers (one now sold out) weighing in at almost four kilos and running close to 500 pages packed with the most beguiling eye candy. There's a concept behind Perfect too, and it's in the title – this magazine wants to challenge the 'flawlessness' inherent in the notion of perfect and the binarism of perfect/imperfect. It's a fascinating project.
£35; magalleria.co.uk
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ON THE BOOKSHELF | ON ROOTS AND BEES
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Review by Saskia Hayward, Topping & Co. |
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Root |
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Root is the debut cookbook from Rob Howell, head chef of the eponymous Bristol waterfront restaurant. Featuring over 100 dishes that have graced their menu over the years, its primary focus is on small plant-based plates. Yet this isn’t vegetarian cooking, more a salutation to seasonal vegetables that centres them at the heart of each meal – with meat and fish accompanying when best suited, and celebrated in their own right. From donuts with carrot jam and cauliflower bhajis with cashew butter, to sherry panna cotta, it’s cooking enriched by its playful, sustainable ethos.
Bloomsbury, £26; toppingbooks.co.uk
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Review by Saskia Hayward, Topping & Co. |
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Gardening for Bumblebees |
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If you’re keen to learn more about what’s started buzzing around you on your lockdown rambles, Dave Goulson is the man to turn to. A Sting in the Tale was his breakthrough book, detailing his mission to protect the bumblebee (it was this book which made our resident bee-enthusiast bookseller Matthew first fall in love with bees.) His latest, Gardening for Bumblebees, is a hands-on, how-to guide on how to transform your garden into a bumblebee utopia. As always Dave’s writing is infused with that magical combination of enthusiasm and understanding that ensures he's the perfect guide to helping you protect the ever-declining wild bees from your own garden.
Vintage Books, £16.99; toppingbooks.co.uk
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GARDEN PARTIES | GATHER AROUND THE KADAI
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Cook on a Kadai festival firebowl |
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A Kadai is a traditional Indian cooking bowl that combines as a fire pit and BBQ. You can get an original Kadai that's up to 100 years old – each one is completely unique with a rich heritage from years of use as a cooking bowl for weddings and festivals across India.
Hand-picked in Rajasthan and available in sizes from 60cm – 170cm diameter, the Kadai can be raised to the perfect cooking height with a handmade iron stand or can be used as an impressive fire bowl to enjoy evenings under the stars throughout the year.
Whether you just want a magnificent centrepiece for the garden or to experiment with traditional Indian outdoor cooking, a Kadai is perfect for the job.
The Boniti showroom on the A46 north of Bath has an impressive selection of Kadais and accessories. Find out more at: boniti.com
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PROPERTY OF THE WEEK | NEW TO THE MARKET
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Highcroft, Tutton Hill, Colerne SN14 |
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Highcroft is a charming grade II listed, detached family home of great character, beautifully positioned in a sought after address in the heart of a picturesque village on Bath’s eastern fringes.
The property offers generously proportioned, tastefully presented accommodation arranged largely over two floors with the benefit of further potential to extend/develop if required. Full planning permission is in place to extend the kitchen / snug and there is also potential to convert the outbuilding into an at home office.
On the ground floor there is a charming formal sitting room with a Jet Master fire along with a large family dining room with exposed stone walls and an attractive feature arched stone recess believed to be the former bread ovens. Accessed at this level there is a stunning newly converted vaulted wet room. Steps lead up to a well-equipped ‘Cooks’ kitchen with a comprehensive range of units with granite work surfaces, a range oven and Chinese Slate flooring. The kitchen is conveniently linked to a cosy snug/TV room which has direct access onto the garden and sun terraces.
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On the first floor, approached via a handsome circular stone staircase, there are four generous double bedrooms and a large family bathroom all with an attractive open southerly aspect. Accessed from the first floor landing is a spacious boarded, well insulated loft space. In addition there is a there is a vaulted office space in the lower ground floor along with an independently accessed utility area and separate WC.
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There are secluded well-manicured raised level lawns and well stocked boarders along with attractive paved sun terraces that span the width of the property and off street parking.
There is an attractive stone built former stable block that is currently being used as a workshop that could be, easily, converted into a work from home office space or further accommodation. On sale with selling agents Cobb Farr at £800,000
Click here for more information and to visit the Cobb Farr website
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