Rode, Somerset£1,800,000 Freehold

Southfield House

The rear garden is rambling and picturesque, from the more manicured terrace and lawn, to the section of ‘wild’ garden with a stream running through it

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Southfield House, a grand Grade II*-listed Georgian home, sits in the pretty historic village of Rode, close to Somerset’s popular town of Frome. It is defined by its two wonderfully elegant façades, as well as an extensive rear walled garden complete with a fruit trees, a summer house and a variety of roses. Unfolding over 4,700 sq ft, Southfield House has many features typical of its era, from a cantilevered stone staircase to numerous fireplace surrounds.

Setting the Scene

Originally constructed in the 17th century, Southfield House was re-fronted by the Node Family in the late 18th century, resulting in the regular Georgian façade that stands today. The front elevation of the house is punctuated by several typically Georgian 12-pane sash windows, as well as a semicircular stone porch supported by two classical Tuscan columns. Extensive restoration work has recently been carried out to the building’s roof.

Internally, many of the home’s 18th-century features remain – now almost 200 years old – including some exceptional ornamental plasterwork, as well as decorated marble fireplace surrounds. The Node family were successful woollen millers in the area, hence the fine detailing that they were able to introduce.

The Grand Tour

Entry is through a five-panelled door, straight into a generous entrance hall. On one side is the kitchen – a lovely space with an Aga and white cabinetry with wooden countertops. A useful pantry is tucked into the corner. There is also a large utility room, with a second sink and a quarry tile floor. A second sitting room lies on the other side of the hall; a fireplace here warms the room and is flanked by alcove-set shelving.

To the rear of the plan is the drawing room, with its Regency proportions, intricate egg-and-dart cornicing and elegant curved wall. Set into the latter, a full-height sash window can be thrown open to the garden in the warmer months, creating a strong connection between inside and out.

A second ground-floor hall lies beyond the first and is beautifully lit by an arched window and a glazed door that opens to the garden (home presently to a resident peacock). An exceptional cantilevered stone staircase wraps around three of the hall’s walls, which have been painted in the pea green shade of ‘Saxon Green‘ by Farrow and Ball.

At the fore of the first floor, the principal bedroom is a wonderfully light-filled room. It follows the same plan as the drawing room below, with its curved wall papered with Sanderson’s ‘Clementine Chintz‘. A large window frames green, verdant views, and has an en suite. Three additional bedrooms lie on this floor, all with similarly striking schemes. Two of the three bathrooms have modern walk-in showers.

The second floor is home to two further bedrooms, along with a room that could be used as a playroom or a study. They all have their own distinct charm, having been decorated with a variety of colours and wallpapers, including the atmospheric ‘Boscobel Oak‘ by Cole and Son.

The Great Outdoors

Southfield House’s rear garden – which extends to 0.4 acres, and is south-facing – is rambling and picturesque, from the more manicured terrace and lawn which directly abuts the house to the section of ‘wild’ garden with a stream running through it beyond. There is a varied mix of mature trees, well-stocked floral beds and an extensive vegetable garden.

There is also a small orchard with a number of fruit trees – these include apple, quince, pear, cherry and plum varieties. A charming summer house overlooks the garden and has a tanked wine cellar below. Newly restored, there is also a glass house, perfect for potting, as well as serving as a covered room for balmy summer evenings.

To the side of the house is a private parking area, with space for several cars.

Out and About

Rode is a thriving old village on the borders of Wiltshire and Somerset. Dating back to the Saxon times, it is one of a collection of wool villages, all of which line the River Frome. It has a post office and a delightful village pub with rooms. There is fantastic opportunity for wild swimming nearby, at Farley Hungerford and Tellisford Weir.

Frome’s town centre is a short drive from Southfield House, with its many independent cafés and boutique shops, including Rye Bakery, Projects Frome, Moo and Two, Frome Hardware, Little Walcot and Frome Reclamation Yard. Frome’s popularity has surged in recent years; the town is routinely named one of the best places to live in the UK, thanks to its thriving cultural scene, historic architecture, and beautiful surrounding countryside. The town continues to garner high regard for its ‘flatpack democracy’, thanks to a coalition of independents who took control of all 17 seats on its council.

This activity has contributed significantly to its growing community of independent shops, creative businesses and eateries saturated in its artisan quarter on Catherine Hill. The Frome Independent, a monthly market showcasing local artisans and food producers, has helped put Frome on the map, attracting over 80,000 visitors annually. For further recommendations from those in the know, look to our guide to Frome.

Rode is also within easy driving distance from the magnificent Georgian city of Bath – a Unesco World Heritage site. Bath is well served by excellent retailers and restaurants, with a particular focus on independent provisors. Solina Pasta and Wolf Wine are fantastic recent arrivals, and Landrace and its bakery, Colonna and Small’s, Beckford Bottleshop, Corkage, and the weekly farmers’ market are of particular note. The city’s cultural distractions are plentiful, with brilliant theatres and galleries; The Holburne Museum and The Edge arts centre both hold world-class exhibitions.

Bradford-on-Avon – a Saxon town, with graceful architecture akin to its Georgian neighbour, Bath – is 10 minutes from Rode. The town centre has a thriving local community of independent shops, cafes and eateries in what is one of the UK’s most attractive small towns (it was described in The Guardian’s ‘Let’s Move To…’ column as “the loveliest town in the whole country”.)

Babington House and Bruton’s highlights are also nearby: Hauser and Wirth, At the Chapel, The Three Horseshoes and Osip, as well as The Newt in Somerset.

The area is renowned for excellent schooling options, which include Frome Media Arts College, All Hallows, Downside, Millfield, Wells Cathedral School, Sunnyhill and Kings School, Bruton.

Transport links are also good. A mainline railway service runs direct services from Frome to London Paddington in around 86 minutes. Access to the national motorway network is via the A303 (M3) and Bristol Airport is less than 30 miles away.

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. Inigo 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.