7 bed detached house for sale

Over Stowey, Bridgwater, Somerset TA5

Marsh Mill House is a charming and historic home, positioned within the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Dating back to the 17th or 18th century, this versatile seven-bedroom home is being offered to the market for the first time in nearly 60 years, presenting a rare opportunity to acquire a much-loved family home rich in character and heritage that is now ready for updating.

Set within approximately 1.5 acres of established gardens and benefiting from a further 1-acre paddock, the property enjoys an idyllic and private setting surrounded by rolling countryside. A range of useful outbuildings offer excellent potential for a variety of uses—whether as workshops, garaging, or even scope for development (subject to any necessary consents).

The house offers generously proportioned accommodation full of period charm and now offering the next owners an exciting opportunity to modernise and reimagine the space while preserving its historical integrity. Whilst the property has a wealth of character it is not currently listed.

Great Wood, a vast expanse of ancient woodland of over 900 acres, lies just a short distance away, offering a haven for walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. Additionally, the nearby village of Nether Stowey provides local amenities with shops (one with a post office) church, village hall and pub and a strong sense of community.
Seller insight

When Mum and Dad told us that they’d bought Marsh Mills at auction, it was a dream come true. It meant a move close to our grandparents on the edge of the glorious Quantocks, where we had spent many happy weeks in school holidays.

We would live in what seemed like a mansion to five little girls under ten! We would each have our own bedroom; we’d be able to keep hens and a pony. We’d get lost in the maize of box hedges in the beautiful big garden and walk to the village school – now the Village Hall. We would play outside for hours in the garden and surrounding countryside, coming in when the bell above the kitchen rang out across the fields.

In the years that followed the old house has been the happiest of family homes, populated by an assortment of chickens, ducks, geese and peacocks; sheep, horses and ponies, not to mention cats and dogs, many of them waifs and strays, who always found a welcome here, along with friends and relatives who needed a place to stay for a while – and five generations of our family, at times four simultaneously under one roof.

It’s worth mentioning that long before our time the house welcomed such illustrious guests as the famous romantic
poets, Coleridge, Southey and Wordsworth, who were dining at Marsh Mills with the Revd John Poole, when they heard of the death of Robespierre in 1794.

It has been a joy and a privilege to call Marsh Mills our home, with its rich history, warm embrace and treasured memories. But it’s time to pass the baton, and we are
sure, that whoever takes it up will love Marsh Mills as we, and previous families, have done.

The fact that the house has been owned by only four families over the past 250 years speaks for itself!
Step inside

Marsh Mill House is rich in original features that speak to its heritage and character. From the flagstone flooring and original staircase in the entrance hall to the butler bell system and the vaulted barrel ceiling on the landing, every corner offers a glimpse into the property’s storied past.

On the ground floor, you're truly spoilt for choice. The formal dining room, drawing room, and sitting room all enjoy immediate access to the gardens, creating an effortless flow between indoor and outdoor living. A further additional reception room to the rear features an eye-catching Art Deco-style staircase leading to the first floor, adding another layer of period charm.

At the heart of the home, the large farmhouse-style kitchen retains its original external bell, once used to call the family in for meals—a delightful and rare detail. Meanwhile, the former game/hanging room has been transformed into a spacious and practical laundry/boot room, complete with original brick flooring.

The first floor can be accessed via two staircases and enjoys beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. A choice of seven generously sized double bedrooms also enjoy the views, along with an additional nursery or study. With three bath/shower rooms, the layout caters comfortably to modern family living while retaining the property's historic charm.
Step outside

Double wooden gates open onto a sweeping driveway, which passes the front of the property and leads to a generous parking and turning area in front of the former cowstalls and stable block. These outbuildings have been partly converted and updated, now offering triple garaging with a games room above, while the original stables still feature charming cobbled flooring and traditional stalls.

Adjoining the stables is a large workshop (with vehicular access to the road), a tack room, additional stable, all providing immense potential. Subject to the necessary consents, these buildings offer a fantastic opportunity to create additional living or ancillary accommodation, home office space, or leisure facilities, depending on your needs.

The private gardens extend to approximately 1.5 acres and benefit from excellent sunlight throughout the day, thanks to their favourable aspect. Immediately to the front of the house, the gardens adopt a more formal style, with a beautiful array of mature trees, shrubs, and flowering plants framed by neatly clipped box hedging.

Meandering pathways guide you through the grounds, past the gardener’s store, and towards a former lawned tennis court, which now provides an additional area of level garden—an ideal space for entertaining or relaxing, with lovely views over the surrounding fields.

Mr P, the resident peacock, who is believed to be around 20 years old. Mr P, the resident peacock, who is believed to be around 20 years old is a much-
loved feature of the house, and will be sold with the property, continuing his watchful presence over the grounds".

Adjacent to the property is an additional enclosed paddock of approximately 1 acre, enjoying good road access and the benefit of a mains water connection ideal for equestrian use or a smallholding.
Services


Private drainage, mains water and electricity are connected.

We encourage you to check before viewing a property the potential broadband speeds and mobile signal coverage. You can do so by visiting
Notes

An insurance claim for subsidence was made in 2003. The associated remedial works included the removal of one oak tree and a Garrya shrub from the garden, as well as internal redecoration. Structural repairs were minimal and primarily involved in filling historic cracks with cementitious grout and re-plastering. No significant structural intervention was required.

A new structural survey in 2025 considers Marsh Mill House to be in a reasonable condition for a property of its age and type. The observed cracking is judged to be the result of long-term, historic movement over a minimum period of 21 years. All cracks identified fall within Categories 0,1, or 2 of the bre Digest 251 classificatio, meaning they are considered minor and suitable for routine cosmetic repair as part of normal redecoration.
A full report is available on request
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