Well, today we're off to Somerset to take a look at a rather quirky property that, whilst writing this, has already been sold stc!  However, I'm still going to share it with you, as to be honest, this has been my favourite property of the year, so far and I've quite a lot to say about it :-)

This gorgeous property is a previous conversion, and still retains some fabby features from the original old mill itself. It's ready to move into, having very attractive residential accommodation established on the upper floor of the building. Where the flexibility lies to shape this property to your personal ideals is in the ground floor of the property. So, we have a property both ready to walk right into, and also a project as well. Best of both worlds, isn't it? ;-)

So, lets take a closer look and see what this one has to offer...

Firstly, this property isn't just stunning, it's also surrounded by 9.5 acres of idyllic woodland setting. Formerly the site of an original working mill building, I was very pleased to discover that many of the mill workings have been retained, including mill ponds and leats, and the steel work for the mill wheel (which has been replaced). As a result, this property has levels of charm and character that are rarely seen. It's such a funky building and you'll not easily find another quite like it.

This former mill is approached over a long driveway that winds up from the lane, and passes through woodland and past workshops along the way. On arrival you discover the benefit of a large parking and turning area that can accommodate many cars. While on the subject of such great parking, this property clearly lends itself to being retained in its current state with lovely accommodation upstairs, and to the ground floor there is a separate area that could suffice as a workshop/studio environment in which to work from home... having plenty room outside for clients/customers to park when visiting regarding business.

It's a fantastic peaceful setting in these beautiful surroundings. So for those of you not looking to set up shop and have your workplace downstairs, that extra space on the ground floor can be used in other ways. Likewise, it could remain as it is, and be used for those crafty creative hobbies best suited to their own space outside of the main residence, while still close at hand. It's also got great potential for use as a very large garage for those car and motorbike enthusiasts that find one vehicle for transport just isn't enough, or those looking for a space in which to work on them. Additionally this space may suit use as an art/photography studio, dance studio, wood/metal workshop, storage for an online business, etc... the list really is endless!!

Obviously any major adjustments to the existing setup on the ground floor may be subject to planning permissions... but while you're considering that, don't forget other permissions you could seek here too. Perhaps you could convert the space as a hang out zone for your teenagers/older kids. This space could be an annexe for relatives and loved ones to stay in when visiting. There's even scope to extend(stpp) and convert that ground floor into accommodation for a dependant or disabled loved one to live in close at hand while still retaining some independence. Lastly, you could also seek to add a staircase and look at how to convert that ground floor into an extension of the existing residential dwelling upstairs, making one very big two-storey property instead :-)

Now, it would be daft not to take a proper look at the first floor now, as I've talked at length about the fab surroundings, lovely external features retained from the original mill, and the various ways the ground floor can be made to work for you in the best of ways. But it's not just all those wonderful things that make this a worthwhile purchase, the existing dwelling on the first floor is rather stunning in it's open-ness and quirky style/layout. So lets explore a little further and see if this one is perfect for you...

The main living space of this property is a lovely example of open plan living. At one end is an excellent kitchen that is well laid out, feels spacious, and has a very large island which appears to double as a breakfast/dining table as well as a work surface and storage combo. The moment you step out of the kitchen to approach the lounge area occupying the other end of this large living space, the ceiling suddenly vanishes above you, and suddenly you have nothing but large white support beams between you and the roof itself!

There is a generous area allocated to the lounge, and it boasts an excellent large but understated feature fireplace that consists of a single dark beam for the lintel, and pure white walls to match the rest of the walls, railings, framework, and beams throughout this light airy room. It's even got a charming little wood burning stove that I have no doubts can warm even this very large living space on those colder winter evenings :)

Finally we now reach the bathroom and utility room which are tucked away just beyond the open staircase leading up to the mezzanine above. With a narrow galleried landing stretching from end to end like a bridge across the living space below, we have to one end an open space that has been used as a bedroom, but could equally be a fab work/office space. To the other end there is a good sized double bedroom with sliding doors leading outside onto a little seating area from which to enjoy the lovely surroundings.

Hmmm, think I've pretty much covered everything... though I should also mention that it also has a pretty little fitted kitchen area, and a shower room in addition to that large single room which takes up almost the entire ground floor. I'm not sure what their original purpose was, but they will definitely be of use in many of those potential outcomes for the space. They will also take a lot of the graft out of a conversion to a residential area for dependants or loved ones to stay in... making this project property ideally suited even to the less experienced, and a much faster turnover for the pros looking to convert and resell for profit.

Can you see why this one caught my attention now? As a project property this one can be transformed in a multitude of ways, creating the ideal home for a very wide and varied group of potential buyers. The extent of work needed for conversion is minimal. It will be interesting to see what the new owner does with it!