The Old Five Bells was a Charles Wells pub until 1992, before transformation over the following few years into this fantastic family home. Prior to being a pub, the building was probably three cottages, and parts of it date back to as early as the 17^th century. The oldest part was used as a kitchen in the pub days, the dining area was the games room, and kegs were kept in what’s now the hall. Newer updates to aid energy efficiency include 16 solar PV panels and an air source heat pump.
The house still has that country pub quirkiness. The layout is a mix of larger living areas and smaller, cosy spaces, with circular flow around the hall. To the right of the hall is the kitchen/breakfast room, fitted in 2014 in quality cabinetry in a powder blue, topped with dark granite surfaces. There’s an island, a pull-out pantry cupboard, a Franke sink and an integrated microwave, an electric Aga provides the traditional aesthetic combined with modern convenience, a fridge/freezer and a dishwasher. The utility on the other side of the hall has gaps for a washing machine and a tumble dryer, so laundry can be kept away from living spaces.

Off the kitchen is the formal dining room, and next to that are the dual sitting areas, separated by a double-sided fireplace and dual view log burner. The lower area is the cosier of the two, and the upper is airy from its double-height ceiling. While these lend well to evenings snuggled on the sofa, the south-facing sun room is especially lovely during the day as brightness floods in. Lots of the downstairs rooms are dual aspect for natural light, and many windows offer outlooks of the church opposite. Lastly on the ground floor of the main house is the studio, a secluded sanctuary for creativity. This is very versatile, however, with the option for a fourth bedroom, or perhaps a space children can call their own. The living space doesn’t stop at the house.
Outside, the Studio Barn gives even more accommodation. It was converted in 2004 and is currently a substantial office with a store room and a kitchenette. There’s also annexe potential here.

Upstairs
The three main bedrooms branch off the galleried landing. The primary suite consists of a very generous bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe and an en-suite shower room, while bedrooms two and three, both doubles, share the bathroom.

Outside
The plot at The Old Five Bells approaches almost an acre in total and around 150m in length. What was a pile of rubble and a bed of discarded bottles when the project began in 1995, is now the result of 30 years of labour and love. The gardens have been beautifully maintained and are stocked full of mature planting spanning a wide spectrum of species.
Enclosed by neat yew hedging, the formal garden is mostly lawned, with patios at the back of the house, one of which has a wisteria-covered pergola. There’s a central lily pond surrounded by irises, with a deck to sit and watch the fish. Patches of daffodils are dotted about the lawn, and trees are interspersed across the plot, including a copse of paper birches, and a twisted willow by the pond. Beyond the yew is a selection of fruit trees and a whole woodland to explore, where a mossy path meanders through the trees and under the canopy of branches.
To the side of the plot is an extensive kitchen garden. This is organised into 13 vegetable beds, a large fruit cage, as well as composting bays, a wood store and a greenhouse. To the front, the gravel driveway provides parking for multiple cars. The garage is split in half, one end a store, the other a workshop, both with power and lighting.