Private annex/flat with beautiful views near Wells

About the space
The space on offer is a ground-floor private studio annex/flat adjoining our family home in West Horrington, a quiet hamlet in the Mendip Hills, about 2 miles outside Wells.

It’s listed on SpareRoom as a “room” simply because none of the categories quite fit. In reality, it’s a small, private flat with its own entrance, kitchenette, private bathroom and outdoor space, with the utility room being the only shared part of the property.

This is a homely and comfortable space, with lovely views and beautiful walks right on the doorstep. The village is peaceful and mainly residential, with a mixture of families and older residents. There are no shops or pubs in the village, so having your own transport is advisable. The 173 bus stops at the end of the village and runs hourly to Wells or Bath, although there are no evening or Sunday services.

The accommodation
The main room combines bedroom and living space, with a queen-size double bed, sofa, shelves, drawers, coffee tables and both mood and brighter lighting. There’s no wardrobe, but there are plenty of hooks and hangers, and space for a clothes rail if you need one.

A door leads directly from this room onto a decked area at the top of the driveway, with a lovely view towards Glastonbury Tor. You also have your own private entrance onto the driveway.

The kitchenette is arranged over three small adjoining spaces. The main area has the breakfast bar, kettle, toaster and fridge, as well as the front door to the annex and a back door leading towards the garden.
Our current lodger has a Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Multifunction Oven DT200UK, which he finds works particularly well in the space, an option if you would like more cooking facilities.
The adjoining kitchenette areas contain an induction hob, sink, crockery, cutlery, washing machine, dryer and bins.

From there you continue through to a roomy private bathroom with an electric shower, toilet, mirrors and towel rail.

The bedroom/living room and main kitchenette have their own electric heating and retain heat well, so you can keep these key areas at whatever temperature suits you. The extended kitchenette and bathroom have radiators connected to our family heating system, plus an independently controlled towel rail.

Living alongside us
We are a family of five, with our children aged 22, 21 and 12. However, the annex is very separate from our home and we essentially live as two households.

Our only shared space is the utility room, where we use the washing machine and dryer. We can easily agree convenient times for these. There is an adjoining door between the two properties which remains locked unless we need to access the utility room, and you also have an internal lockable door if you want to use it.

We’re friendly and around if needed, but otherwise will leave you in peace.

A few practical things
The driveway is steep. Depending on your car, you may prefer to use alternative parking in the village. Our current lodger has used the same space for nearly four years, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the annex. There is, however, room for four cars on our drive.

The annex is unfortunately not suitable for anyone with mobility difficulties, as the studio is arranged over several levels with stairs between the different rooms.

As well as the decked area at the front, there is a section of garden behind the annex which you’re welcome to use. We don't currently use this part of the garden, and our current lodger doesn't either, but it could make a lovely private outdoor space. There’s even a greenhouse, and we’d be very happy for you to make it your own.

In summary
- The annex is best suited to one person for long-term living.
- It is essentially a self-contained little flat, rather than a conventional house share.
- Your private space includes a bed/living room, kitchenette, bathroom, private entrance and decked outdoor area.
- The utility room is the only shared space.
- There is parking on our steep driveway, with alternative village parking available.
- The village is quiet, friendly and rural, with beautiful walks but no shops or pubs.
- The 173 bus runs to Wells and Bath, but having your own transport is advisable.
- Rent is based on someone whose work is away from home. If you work from home and are likely to be in the annex all day, the rent would be £950 pcm, as all bills are included.
- The space isn't ideal for anyone with mobility difficulties because of the steps between rooms.
- Most importantly, we're looking for someone who will enjoy the space and treat it with care.