There have been Blakes in the West Country at least since the 15th century. Cromwell's ''general at sea'', Admiral Robert Blake, born at Bridgwater in 1598, was one of them. His statue dominates the High Street of Bridgwater today. The Blake family has lived in the parish of South Petherton for 150 years. In 1858, William Blake, the present owner's great, great grandfather, inherited 400 acres there - some of the finest land in the country, along with the existing house known as Old Bridge. He was a successful farmer, active Liberal, and was appointed High Sheriff of Somerset in 1869.
Six generations later, Old Bridge is still very much the family home for us and our four children. In order to help contribute to the overheads and up keep of a large old listed building, and now that our children are older and spreading their wings, we move out during the summer to make the house available for guests to enjoy. It is a wonderful property, full of warmth and character and well situated in an area of quiet rural beauty, surrounded by our own farmland.
The pretty village of South Petherton, a mile away has all the necessities of life, including the village hall named after the aforementioned William Blake!
Old Bridge will make a very comfortable base for a large group or two families to enjoy the relaxed rural pace of the South West, to walk, swim, play tennis; or perhaps visit some of the many attractions in the area, explore Exmoor, beautiful Bath or Glastonbury and Wells or the famous south coast of Dorset and Devon.
Whilst we will be on hand nearby to help and guide you should you require, you may wish to be completely independent and the house and gardens will be entirely yours to be as private as you wish.
Contact us by phone (+44 (0)1460 240855), by fax (+44 (0)1460 242719)
or by
e-mail and ask for a brochure - don't forget to give us your address!
