Actress Amanda Barrie and her wife, novelist Hilary Bonner, have enjoyed a meaningful chapter of their life in Somerset, a period Amanda recalled with warmth and humour in a piece for The i Paper reflecting on their move back to London.
During their time together in the West Country, they have lived at Oldway Cottage, which has been Hilary’s much‑loved home for around forty years and a treasured Somerset base for Amanda.
Set within 3.68 acres on the Somerset–Devon border, this late‑18th‑century cottage has been thoughtfully restored and extended over several decades. It offers a generous, beautifully arranged interior, exceptional leisure facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, and an enviable rural setting.
An 18th‑Century Cottage with Character and Comfort
Built of natural stone with pan‑tiled roofs, Oldway Cottage is rich in character, with traditional features complemented by practical modern enhancements. The accommodation includes:
Four bedrooms, including a spacious second‑floor studio/bedroom
Three bathrooms (family bathroom, en suite and additional shower room)
Elegant drawing room with bay window and fireplace
Large kitchen/sitting/dining room with two‑oven electric AGA
Garden studio/guest suite with wet room opening directly to the grounds
Utility room
These well‑proportioned rooms create a warm, flexible home suited to family life, entertaining and home working.
A Remarkable Private Spa & Leisure Wing
One of the home’s most distinctive additions is its purpose‑built spa complex, designed as a year‑round retreat. This impressive wing houses a twelve‑metre indoor swimming pool alongside a steam room and a six‑person hot tub. A log‑burning stove and space for seating add to the sense of relaxation, making the area ideal for both quiet enjoyment and entertaining. It is an exceptional leisure facility seldom found in a home of this scale.
Gardens, Land and Countryside Setting
Oldway Cottage enjoys an elevated position above a quiet rural lane, with beautifully established gardens surrounding the house. Terraces and areas of lawn are framed by mature planting, creating a series of restful outdoor spaces. A courtyard to the rear provides practical amenities including a dog‑washing area and log store, while across the lane a five‑bar gate opens into a south‑facing pasture field. This land, punctuated by three magnificent American oak trees, forms part of the property’s 3.68 acres and offers scope for gardening, recreation or simply enjoying the open outlook. Two garages and generous parking complete the outdoor arrangement.
A Peaceful Hamlet with Excellent Connections
Despite its wonderfully rural feel, the hamlet of Whiteball benefits from exceptional connectivity. Wellington lies just four miles away, offering a wide range of shops, schools and amenities, while Taunton is ten miles to the east and the cathedral city of Exeter around twenty‑four miles to the south. Junction 27 of the M5 is approximately six miles distant, and Tiverton Parkway railway station provides direct mainline services to London Paddington. Superfast broadband and good mobile coverage enhance the property’s suitability for modern living.
A West Country Home Ready for Its Next Chapter
Oldway Cottage brings together period charm, extensive living space, impressive leisure facilities and generous land in a peaceful yet accessible setting. It is a home shaped with care over many years, now ready to welcome a new owner seeking a distinctive and well‑appointed country property in this highly desirable area.
For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact Stags Wellington on 01823 662822.
Visit inews.co.uk for Amanda Barrie’s personal reflection on her time in Somerset and her move back to London.
