Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Come and live in bucolic bliss in one of South Somerset&#8217;s prettiest villages. It&#8217;s close to Ham Hill (the site of an Iron Age fort and where the stone most of the houses are built from was quarried), has a stunning Elizabethan mansion at its heart and is surrounded by luscious walks. You could be having a beach BBQ on Dorset&#8217;s Jurassic Coast within an hour and there are two train lines up to London Town if you need the buzz of the capital –&nbsp;rather than the gentle buzz of the bees in the Somerset countryside.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1874" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/07/00-olive-ktichen-somerset-518994159_122182485320329705_4325070497600273997_n.jpg" alt="olive ktichen somerset" class="wp-image-110225" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/07/00-olive-ktichen-somerset-518994159_122182485320329705_4325070497600273997_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/07/00-olive-ktichen-somerset-518994159_122182485320329705_4325070497600273997_n-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/07/00-olive-ktichen-somerset-518994159_122182485320329705_4325070497600273997_n-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/07/00-olive-ktichen-somerset-518994159_122182485320329705_4325070497600273997_n-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/07/00-olive-ktichen-somerset-518994159_122182485320329705_4325070497600273997_n-768x959.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/07/00-olive-ktichen-somerset-518994159_122182485320329705_4325070497600273997_n-1229x1536.jpg 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Olive Kitchen &amp; Bar, Martock</figcaption></figure>



<p>There are a couple of pubs in the village but for the best pub food head out to the <a href="https://www.lordpoulettarms.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lord Poulett Arms</a> (part of the celebrated Beckford Group&nbsp;– The Beckford Canteen, The Talbot Inn, et al) in Hinton St George, or <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/red-lion-inn-babcary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Red Lion</a> in Babcary. Walk your dog on Ham Hill and you can both get refreshments at <a href="http://www.princeofwaleshamhill.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Prince of Wales</a>. Contemporary menus inspired by Somerset at <a href="https://holmsomerset.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holm</a> in South Petherton are a 10-min drive away. There is lots of lovely casual dining in the locale, including fab brunches, mezzes and cocktails at <a href="https://www.olivekitchensomerset.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Olive Kitchen &amp; Bar</a> and <a href="https://www.theolddairycafe.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Dairy Café,</a> inventive small plates at <a href="https://www.pipsrailwaycarriage.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pip&#8217;s Railway Carriage</a> (and a double decker bus) and good food with countryside views at <a href="https://www.thetrough.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Trough</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/07/00-montacute-bptl-trading-post-farmshop-504412800_18365904046182464_5407702254878099077_n.jpg" alt="bread croissants trading post farm shop" class="wp-image-110701" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/07/00-montacute-bptl-trading-post-farmshop-504412800_18365904046182464_5407702254878099077_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/07/00-montacute-bptl-trading-post-farmshop-504412800_18365904046182464_5407702254878099077_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/07/00-montacute-bptl-trading-post-farmshop-504412800_18365904046182464_5407702254878099077_n-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/07/00-montacute-bptl-trading-post-farmshop-504412800_18365904046182464_5407702254878099077_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/07/00-montacute-bptl-trading-post-farmshop-504412800_18365904046182464_5407702254878099077_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/07/00-montacute-bptl-trading-post-farmshop-504412800_18365904046182464_5407702254878099077_n-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/07/00-montacute-bptl-trading-post-farmshop-504412800_18365904046182464_5407702254878099077_n-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Trading Post Farm Shop</figcaption></figure>



<p>Run out of milk or other essentials? The garage shop (which sells fresh bread, fruit, veg, cheese and eggs) and the village post office (more basic) will sort you out. <a href="http://www.tradingpostfarmshop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Trading Post Farm Shop</a>, a several times winner of Best Farm Shop/Deli in the Muddy Awards, is up the road. Buy gifts and cards at <a href="https://www.delilahpetal.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delilah Petal</a>, or bid for fine art, jewellery and collectors&#8217; items at<a href="https://www.lawrences.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Lawrences</a> auctioneers. There&#8217;s a small Co-op nearby, a Waitrose in Crewkerne (5 miles),  chains like M&amp;S, H&amp;M, Waterstones and Boots in Yeovil (5 miles) and indie shopping in <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/dorset/sherborne/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sherborne</a> (10 miles)</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Do your laps at the <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/tintinhull-pool/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">open air pool in Tintinhull</a> during the summer months and <a href="https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/goldenstones-leisure-centre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goldenstones</a> in Yeovil all year round (which also has a gym and classes). <a href="https://www.lunasanayoga.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lunasana Yoga</a> and <a href="https://www.bellepilates.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belle Pilates</a> will keep you zen and supple. There is sailing at <a href="https://www.suttonbinghamsc.net/w/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sutton Bingham</a> reservoir, and you&#8217;re surrounded by wonderful walks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>There are all the traditional village societies and clubs in the village hall, including table tennis, gardening, bridge and, yes, the WI. Most years the village is decked out with vintage bunting for the annual carnival with floats and live music, and the residents sometimes put on a panto in the village hall.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/montacute-house/things-to-do-on-the-estate-at-montacute-house#rt-explore-st-michaels-hill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Michael&#8217;s Hill</a> is a small, steep hill (the &#8216;mons acutus&#8217; that possibly gave the village its name), covered in wild garlic in the spring and with great views for miles from the top. It also has a folly. Very handily for festival lovers, Glasto is only about half an hour away.  See Concorde and all kinds of choppers at the <a href="https://www.nmrn.org.uk/visit-us/fleet-air-arm-museum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fleet Air Arm Museum</a>, 8 miles up the A303. The UK&#8217;s largest collection of cars and other vehicles (the Red Room is a must-see) is at the <a href="https://www.haynesmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Haynes Motor Museum</a>, a few miles further on. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/08/00-montacute-house-sue-tucker.jpg" alt="montacute house somerset" class="wp-image-99410" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/08/00-montacute-house-sue-tucker.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/08/00-montacute-house-sue-tucker-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/08/00-montacute-house-sue-tucker-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/08/00-montacute-house-sue-tucker-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/08/00-montacute-house-sue-tucker-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Montacute House</figcaption></figure>



<p>The National Trust&#8217;s <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/montacute-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montacute House</a>, an Elizabethan mansion built by Sir Edward Phelips (one of Guy Fawkes&#8217; prosecutors), is in the middle of the village, with extensive grounds, events all year around – and you get a free residents&#8217; pass to enter. Head to <a href="https://www.westlandsyeovil.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westlands </a>in Yeovil for comedians you&#8217;ve seen on TV, touring shows, screenings and live music. <a href="https://www.thedavidhall.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The David Hall</a> in South Petherton is the place to catch good live bands. For art, pop yourself over to <a href="https://thesherborne.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sherborne</a> in Sherborne, an arts hub for the whole region, with rolling exhibitions, a restaurant/café, artisan chocolate and cut-above gift shop.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>Most of the properties are built in golden hamstone, and terraced in the way that village houses often are; while some are small cottages, others are grander and there are a few detached properties in the village and surrounding countryside. The average house price over the last year was £480,00, with &#8216;terraced&#8217; properties selling for an average £505,000, and semis selling for an average £355,000.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/09/00-montacute.jpg" alt="house for sale montacute somerset" class="wp-image-112585" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/09/00-montacute.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/09/00-montacute-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/09/00-montacute-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/09/00-montacute-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/09/00-montacute-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A hamstone 3 bedder with studio, garage and garden, <a href="https://www.humberts.com/property/a-handsome-and-beautifully-proportioned-three-bedroom-hamstone-cottage-with-a-large-garden-studio-and-garage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">£595,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PreSchool.Montacute/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montacute Pre-School</a> is rated Good by Ofsted. <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/leweston-prep-nursery-sherborne/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leweston Prep</a> and Hazlegrove both have good nurseries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scho-o-ls">SCHO<strong>O</strong>LS</h2>



<p>State primary <a href="https://www.allsaintschurchschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">All Saints Church School</a> in the village has been rated Good for overall effectiveness by Ofsted. There&#8217;s a school bus from just outside Montacute to Outstanding state secondary <a href="https://www.colytongrammar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colyton Grammar</a> (consistently ranked as one of the top schools in the UK) just over the border in Devon. You&#8217;re very well served for independent schools: Perrott Hill Prep in Haselbury Plucknett (7 miles), Hazlegrove Prep at Sparkford (12 miles), the Sherborne Schools – Sherborne Prep, Boys and Girls (10 miles), and <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/leweston-school-sherborne/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leweston School</a> &amp; <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/leweston-prep-nursery-sherborne/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prep</a> (12 miles). All the Taunton schools – <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/kings-college-taunton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King&#8217;s College Taunton</a> &amp; <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/kings-college-prep-school-taunton-somerset/">King’s College Prep</a>, <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/taunton-school-taunton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taunton School</a> and Queen&#8217;s College – are within 25 miles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>BBC series <em>Wolf Hall</em> was filmed in Montacute House. Actors Hermione Norris and James Purefoy live nearby (not together, as far as we know).  PJ Harvey&#8217;s parents own a quarry on Ham Hill.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Five miles to Yeovil Junction and by rail to London Waterloo in 2 hrs, 20 mins, or leave from Yeovil Pen Mill and reach London Paddington in around 2 hrs (though some trains take quite a bit longer). You can get to Bath from Pen Mill in just over an hour and to Bristol in 1 hr 25 mins. The A303 down to the rest of the West Country and up to The Big Smoke is nearby.</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live">Top 260 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Montacute

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