Welshmill Road, Frome, Somerset, BA11 2LA

Mendip House is one Frome’s grandest house and of a style that is surprising, rare for the town. Built in the Adams Style, the property façade is rooted in harmonious symmetry and refined neo-classicism details. 

Sitting beyond the wrought-iron fence, Mendip House occupies the south-west half of the house, with the original grand entrance falling on this side. An imposingly large front door with etched glass panes either side are flanked by ornately carved scrolls in Bath Stone. Opening to a wealth of original features, the hallway sets the tone for the rest of the house. Minont tiles, flued pilasters and the first sight of the staircase draws you into whilst also allowing ample room for coats and shoes. Moving off to the right is first and most formal of the living rooms. The heightened ceilings are decorated with Greek-key pattern cornices and two solid wooden bookshelves reach the full hight of the room. Dual aspect windows are set within the stripped original window panels and shutters, whilst the Adam-style fireplace with a wood burner has the most delicate floral garden carved into the mantle above. The second living room serves as a snug and children’s playroom. Colour drenched in warm hues, this room has splendid views of the garden and white stone feature fireplace. 

Following long the corridor towards the back of the house, there a couple of handy storage cupboards. Beyond a charming stained-glass door lies the family kitchen, where impressively high ceilings create a sense of openness. Dark navy cabinetry lines three walls, topped with solid wood worktops, while integrated Neff ovens and a gas hob provide modern convenience. There is also space for a dishwasher beside the deep ceramic sink. The room comfortably accommodates a dining table and features alcove shelving on either side for additional storage. Beyond the kitchen is a highly practical utility room, fitted with tall cabinetry, space for a stacked washing machine and tumble dryer, a sink, and a convenient W/C.

The galleried staircase is impressively wide, with shallow, easy steps and finely turned balustrades. Softly patterned wallpaper lines the walls, complementing the cornflower-blue woodwork. Ascending to the spacious landing, three bedrooms occupy the west side of the house. The largest enjoys four full-length sash windows with dual-aspect views and original shutters. Currently used as the principal bedroom, the middle room features a bank of wooden panelling and two built-in cupboards, the dappled light here is particularly calming. The third, and smallest, bedroom lies beyond a further corridor, stepping down into a perfectly proportioned double room. All three rooms are interconnected by original doors.

The family bathroom is washed with natural light from the south facing window, with the free-standing slipper bath providing bath-time garden views. In addition, there is a walk-in shower and a large contemporary designed sink with solid wood vanity. .

The top floor rooms continue to provide generously proportioned rooms, with the fourth room stretching along much of this floor and features exposed a-frame beams. A fifth and final bedroom feels quietly tucked away from the rest of the house and can comfortably accommodates a double bed and additional furniture. A second show stopping freestanding bathtub takes centre stage in the final bathroom and is fitted with shower fixtures. A large storeroom is perfect for easily accessible storage.

The garden stretches way from south-side of the house, with a impressive formal lawn. A bank of flowerbeds have been landscaped into the gentle slope, whilst a wild meadow lawn runs along the opposite side. Outdoor dining and seating areas make the most the sun-drenched area's of the garden. A fully insulated garden cabin with power is currently used as a workspace but could easily serve as a dedicated home office. Across the road, a private driveway offers ample off-road parking for several vehicles.

Welshmill Road holds some of Frome’s largest homes, set into the hill and opposite leafy skyline of Welshmill woods. The woodland runs along the bank of the river Frome and it's a quick five minute walk to the town centre or, in the opposite direction towards to the Whatcombe meadows. Frome is a historic market town, just under 13 miles from Bath and surrounded by beautiful countryside. The town has many amenities, including good schools, two theatres, a cinema and a station with rail links to Bath, Bristol and London Paddington. 

History 

Mendip House, built in 1790 by Robert Mears, was originally a single grand residence. The Mears family had moved from Corsley to Frome in 1751, when they took over a dye house on the Walbridge Factory site. This dye house remained in production for another 90 years before the family sold it to a local auctioneer in 1839. As a testament to the family’s success, Mendip House was designed in the Neoclassical Adam's style, the height of fashion at the time, and remains one of the finest surviving examples in area today.  Split into two separate properties in the 1920s by two sisters, Mendip House and Welshmill House each stand out in their own right, boasting an abundance of characterful features.

Historic photos from the Frome Museum Archives. 1. West Side Circa Early 20th Century  2. South Side 1966

Agents Notes 

Please note that there is both a flying and creeping freehold with the next door property. The property is Grade II* listed, this will impact any future changes to the building and planning consent will be required for any work inside or out. 

Council Tax Band G

Mains electricity, gas, water and drainage.

Freehold