5 bed terraced house for sale

Bilbower House, Dulverton, Somerset TA22

The current iteration of this characterful Grade ii-listed home in Dulverton, Somerset, dates to the late 18th or early 19th century and is filled with handsome period features. It lies within Exmoor National Park, Europe’s first designated Dark Sky Reserve; the town itself plays host to an annual Dark Skies Festival. Spanning three storeys, the house has five bedrooms and a series of well-proportioned living spaces, apt for both entertaining and comfortable daily life. A lovingly cultivated garden extends at the rear, where a variety of mature specimen trees creates an enhanced sense of privacy.

Setting the Scene

Dulverton is tucked into a steeply wooded valley where the River Barle meets the River Exe. Ancient routes have converged here for millennia, and traces of habitation from as early as the Iron Age remain visible today. The river and Barle Valley are both designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest for their biodiversity, where species such as river otters, kingfishers and rare varieties of plants can be found.

This house lies in the centre of town and is thought to have originated as a longhouse, with later Georgian additions. Once a large mansion, it was divided into two generous residences, this home and its neighbour, in the 1980s. The current owners have overseen extensive works, including rewiring, replumbing, new bathrooms and a new kitchen. Original windows have been restored, while other period features have been carefully retained. What was once a courtyard garden has also been expanded into a marvellous walled garden planted with an age-old fig tree, wisteria, a tulip tree and roses.

The Grand Tour

Bilbower House has a richly coloured stone frontage studded with a series of period windows. Its front door, set within a doorcase beneath a segmented fanlight, opens to a distinguished hallway with a slate floor and waist-height panelling. There are two doors on the left: One opens to a study or playroom, the other to a boot room, perfect after a countryside ramble.

Beyond lies a generous sitting room with timber floors, a wood-burning stove and two sash windows complete with period shutters. Warm-toned floorboards run underfoot, while whitewashed walls amplify the natural brightness. A period wig cabinet here has taken on a new life as storage for everyday accoutrements.

A second corridor passes a generous walk-in pantry with fitted cabinetry on its way to the kitchen. The latter has a traditional feel, with thick oak countertops, white cabinetry and a black Aga. Other fittings include a freestanding fridge-freezer and a Belfast sink set beneath a three-over-three sash window overlooking the verdant garden beyond. Beside the window, a door provides direct access outside, a convenient arrangement for summertime dining.

The original half-turn staircase ascends through the house. There are two spacious bedrooms on the first floor, including the peaceful principal suite, which has a sisal carpet, a tile-framed fireplace and built-in storage. Its large en suite has a luxurious freestanding bath and a separate shower. The front bedroom is arranged as a serene study with a section of the original Georgian wallpaper remains proudly on display.

There are a further three bedrooms upstairs, one of which is currently used as a media room and another has access to an en suite, making it an ideal private retreat for guests. In addition to a first-floor bathroom and WC, there is a separate shower room on this level; all are bright and traditionally styled.

The Great Outdoors

Following the purchase of an adjacent piece of land, the current owners transformed the garden into a two-part oasis, filled with beautiful planting that lends texture and colour throughout the seasons. A terrace enclosed by white-painted stone walls and a decked dining area gives way to a circular lawn surrounded by mature trees, including an acer and several fruit trees. Gravel paths wrap around the lawn, providing further space for dining or lounging.

Out and About

Dulverton has some fantastic culinary offerings, such as the award-winning Woods Pub & Restaurant, which creates inspired dishes using locally sourced ingredients, and The Bridge Inn, a beloved watering hole overlooking Barle Bridge. The Copper Kettle is renowned for its cream teas and freshly baked goods, while The Tantivy is a lovely coffee lounge and emporium of local gifts and goodies.

Another highlight is the Dulverton Farmers’ Market, which takes place on the last Saturday of the summer months. It hosts a range of local delights, including microbrews from The Cottage Beer Project, freshly baked loaves from Lucho Bakes, jams and chutneys from The Selworthy Pantry, and handmade arts and crafts. Exmoor Distillery also has a stand, though its headquarters on the edge of town can be visited throughout the year by those wishing to sample Northmoor Gin, Blackmoor Rum and Barle Valley Vodka.

For outdoor pursuits, Wimbleball Lake is a popular attraction. Built as a water supply reservoir in the 1970s, it lies just a few miles from Dulverton and provides a beautiful setting for water sports such as sailing and kayaking, alongside land-based activities including high ropes and zip wires. It is also a popular destination for walkers, as is Tarr Steps, an ancient clapper bridge that doubles as an excellent spot for wild swimming.

Beyond, the breathtaking moorland, woodland and rivers of Exmoor stretch northwards, while the coast can be reached in around half an hour by car. The house is also conveniently located for exploring further designated National Landscapes, including the Quantock Hills and Blackdown Hills.

The M5 is a short drive away, granting rapid access to Exeter; the A30 and A38 also place London, Devon and Cornwall within easy reach. Tiverton Parkway station is around a 36-minute drive away, from where trains run to London Paddington in approximately two hours and to Bristol in under 50 minutes. The vibrant city of Exeter can be reached within an hour, and its two stations, St David’s and Central.

Council Tax Band: E