Peek inside the £1.2 million Tudor treasure: The Old Manse beckons with centuries of history and charm

The Old Manse is not just a home but a piece of history, with features dating from the late 15th century.


By Laura Linham

8th May 2024 | Property of the Week


The Old Manse is on the market for £1.2m (All photos: Rivendell Estates)
The Old Manse is on the market for £1.2m (All photos: Rivendell Estates)

The Old Manse, a Grade II* listed property steeped in history and nestled in the heart of Beckington, has been listed for sale at £1,200,000 by Rivendell Estates.

This remarkable home, dating back to the 15th century, has been featured in Simon Jenkins' esteemed book 'England's Thousand Best Houses' as a "Tudor house behind a Jacobean façade."

Spanning three floors, The Old Manse offers a four-bedroom primary residence alongside two self-contained apartments currently generating income through Airbnb. This unique setup provides an attractive proposition for potential buyers looking for a family home with an investment element.

The property is renowned for its 'hide and seek' garden, which covers a third of an acre. It comprises meticulously maintained lawns and pathways, ideal for family activities or serene solitude amidst nature. The garden's charm complements the house's historical significance, making it a coveted piece of real estate in Somerset.

The Old Manse is not just a home but a piece of history, with features dating from the late 15th century. These include early stone fireplaces, hand-carved Tudor doorways, a Jacobean oak staircase, and a peep window, among others. One of the standout features is a strapwork moulded plaster marriage plaque, dating back to 1670, which adds a touch of historical romance to the property.

Significant renovations were undertaken in 1993 with a grant from English Heritage to ensure the home's preservation for future generations. These renovations included replacing the roof, rebuilding the chimneys, installing new front windows and lintels, and repairing the stonework.

Jennie, the current owner, has called The Old Manse home for nearly four decades. "The Old Manse has a magical atmosphere, and I have always said that I didn't choose it, it chose me," she says. "It's been a wonderful family home with lots of space and light, a place enjoyed by myself, my husband, and our three children who all grew up here."

The home also boasts The Great Room, renowned for its magnificent moulded plaster ceiling depicting the royal arms of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, which Jennie describes as "a comfortable and cosy space, particularly when sitting beside the log fire on a winter's evening."

Beckington offers a strong sense of community with its playgroup, schools, clubs, societies, and busy pubs. The village also benefits from regular bus services to nearby towns like Frome, Bath, and Trowbridge, and is just six miles away from the fast train service to London from Westbury.

This listing not only highlights a rare opportunity to own a significant part of Somerset's architectural heritage but also offers a glimpse into the life of a property that has been a cornerstone of the Beckington community for centuries.

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