South Somerset

Bruton

(Stylish, arty, and quietly on-trend)
Overview

Once a sleepy town known only to locals, Bruton has blossomed into one of the most desirable addresses in the South West. With its creative community, outstanding schools, and close ties to the Hauser & Wirth art gallery, Bruton is a mecca for London leavers and families craving style, culture, and countryside.

Architecture & Notable Buildings

Bruton’s high street is lined with honey-stone townhouses, former coaching inns, and quirky independent shops. Standouts include:

• Hauser & Wirth Somerset – a globally acclaimed gallery and restaurant set on a working farm
• St Mary’s Church – 15th-century and dominating the skyline
• Historic King’s School buildings and period properties throughout

Schools

• Bruton School for Girls
• Sexey’s School – a state boarding academy
• King’s Bruton – a top independent secondary
• Close to Hazlegrove Prep and Millfield School

Restaurants, Pubs & Cafés

Bruton punches well above its size:

• At The Chapel – artisan bakery, restaurant, and cultural space
• Roth Bar & Grill (at Hauser & Wirth)
• The Old Pharmacy – rustic-chic and ever-popular
• Several stylish pubs and wine bars

Art & Culture

Art is everywhere in Bruton, from galleries to installations in the fields. Events, talks, and exhibitions keep the cultural calendar full year-round.

Walking & Beauty

Walk up to Bruton Dovecote for a panoramic view, explore Packhorse Bridge, or follow riverside trails through fields and orchards.

Transport Links

• Castle Cary station just 6 miles away (direct trains to London Paddington)
• Quick access to the A303 for commuting to Yeovil or London
• Bristol and Bath within 60–75 minutes

Property Snapshot

Bruton’s popularity has seen prices rise steeply, but the mix of townhouses, converted mills, and rural homes nearby still offers diversity. Highly desirable for luxury properties in Somerset and family homes near Bruton.

Fun Fact

Bruton was once a monastic town, and its 16th-century Blue House almshouses still stand — painted bright blue in the 1700s to symbolise charity.

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Castle Cary

(Elegant, well-connected, and quietly exclusive)

Overview

Known for its handsome architecture, vibrant market scene, and excellent train links to London, Castle Cary is a South Somerset favourite. A little more polished than Wincanton and a touch more understated than Bruton — and that’s exactly why many people love it.

Architecture & Notable Buildings

Full of character and quality:
•  The Market House – a striking landmark at the town’s heart
•  Georgian and Victorian villas
•  The Lock-Up – built in 1779 for £23, this tiny round gaol measures just 2.25m across. It was used to detain unruly children over the age of 7 who were caught skipping school or breaking the Sabbath
•  Handsome stone terraces and stylish shopfronts

Schools

•  Castle Cary Primary School
•  Ansford Academy (secondary)
•  Close to Hazlegrove Prep, Millfield, and the Bruton schools

Restaurants, Pubs & Cafés

Well-served by refined local favourites:
•  The George Hotel and The Market House Café
•  Cary Bakery
•  The Creamery – set within the train station, this is The Newt in Somerset’s café, welcoming weekenders arriving from London
•  Regular farmers’ markets and pop-up supper clubs

Art & Culture

A town with substance and soul, known for its independent galleries, local music events, and a deeply engaged community. The town’s book and food festivals draw visitors from far and wide.

Walking & Beauty

Surrounded by rolling hills and ancient drovers’ roads. Walk to Hadspen, Castle Neroche, or enjoy peaceful loops through Ansford and Pitcombe.

Transport Links

•  Castle Cary station – direct trains to London Paddington (under 2 hours)
•  Easy access to the A371 and A303
•  Around 40 minutes to Bath or Glastonbury

Property Snapshot

Castle Cary is quietly in demand and often sells off-market. Expect elegant stone townhouses, country homes, and beautifully converted barns on the fringes. A top spot for families relocating to South Somerset and Londoners seeking a stylish weekend base.

Fun Fact

Castle Cary was once renowned for its linen weaving — a thriving early industry that helped fund many of the town’s beautiful buildings. The train station (set just outside the town) is also the arrival point of choice for Glastonbury Festival goers each summer.

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Charlton Horethorne

(Elegant, lively, and on Sherborne’s doorstep)

Overview

Sitting on a hilltop just north of Sherborne, Charlton Horethorne is one of South Somerset’s best-connected and most sought-after villages. With its own pub, shop, primary school, and a proper sense of place, it’s loved by locals and new arrivals alike — and especially by those seeking family homes near Sherborne with a rural-but-convenient lifestyle.

Architecture & Character

A very attractive village with Hamstone and golden brick houses, well-kept gardens, and scenic lanes. Highlights include St Peter & St Paul’s Church, a traditional village green, and a mix of thatched cottages, period homes, and farm conversions.

Amenities

• Village shop & Post Office
• The Kings Arms – a smart country pub and restaurant
• Village hall, cricket club, local events

Nearby Schools

• Charlton Horethorne Primary School
• Secondary: The Gryphon in Sherborne or Ansford Academy
• Close to independents: Sherborne School, Leweston, Hazlegrove, Bruton

Walking & Beauty

Rolling countryside in every direction — footpaths to Stowell, Corton Denham, and open fields. Fabulous walking territory with Blackmore Vale views.

Property Snapshot

Very desirable. Homes include converted barns, listed stone cottages, and modern country residences. Popular with families and second-home buyers alike.

Fun Fact

The village has been a filming location for several period dramas — its preserved look and timeless architecture make it a set designer’s dream.

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Corton Denham

(Stylish, serene, and at the foot of the ridge)

Overview

Nestled beneath the Corton Ridge on the edge of the Dorset border, Corton Denham is the kind of village people dream of moving to. Picture-perfect homes, a fantastic pub, and incredible countryside all around — this is country living at its most refined.

Architecture & Character

A string of immaculate stone cottages, large country houses, and the elegant Church of St Andrew define the village. The whole place is framed by green hills and grazed pastureland.

Amenities

• The Queen’s Arms – renowned gastropub with rooms and open fires
• Easy access to Sherborne, Bruton, and Wincanton
• No shop, but Charlton Horethorne and Sherborne are minutes away

Nearby Schools

• Hazlegrove Prep, Leweston, and The Gryphon
• Top independent schools in Sherborne and Bruton all within easy reach

Walking & Beauty

From the ridge above the village, you get views to Cadbury Castle and across South Somerset. Excellent walking territory — peaceful, elevated, and varied.

Property Snapshot

Rarely available and highly prized. A mix of chic rural retreats, historic homes, and grand detached properties. One of the top picks for luxury properties in Somerset with Dorset proximity.

Fun Fact

Corton Denham sits directly on the historic Wessex Ridgeway, an ancient route that once connected Lyme Regis to Avebury.

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North Cadbury

(Historic heartland with a famous hill)

Overview

North Cadbury is a well-serviced village steeped in legend and local life. With excellent access to the A303, a thriving community, and its proximity to the ancient hillfort of Cadbury Castle (widely considered a contender for Camelot), it offers history, convenience, and rural charm in equal measure. It’s also home to Teals — a high-end farm shop and café that’s become something of a destination in its own right.

Architecture & Character

Centred around the pretty High Street and St Michael’s Church, the village is full of period charm. Dominating the landscape is Cadbury Court, a magnificent Grade I listed Elizabethan manor now used as a private events and wedding venue. The village also features attractive Hamstone cottages, Georgian houses, and a scattering of tasteful modern additions — all contributing to a strong sense of place and pride.

Amenities

•  Village shop, café, and Post Office
•  Village Hall and well-kept playing fields
•  The Catash Inn – traditional and friendly
•  Teals – a stylish farm shop, deli, and restaurant with a loyal following
•  A real working village with community at its core

Nearby Schools

•  North Cadbury CE Primary School
•  Secondary options in Castle Cary, Ansford, and Bruton
•  Close to Millfield, Hazlegrove, and King’s Bruton

Walking & Beauty

The village is surrounded by ancient paths and sweeping countryside. Explore the Leland Trail, Monarch’s Way, or Macmillan Way, all of which pass nearby. Walk across to South Cadbury and climb Cadbury Castle for panoramic views over the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale — and perhaps a touch of Arthurian magic.

Property Snapshot

A mix of charming period cottages, handsome family houses, and larger country homes in the surrounding hamlets. A smart choice for those seeking village life with a real sense of identity — and without feeling too remote.

Fun Fact

Cadbury Castle is one of the most credible sites proposed for King Arthur’s Camelot. Archaeological digs have uncovered significant Iron Age and Roman remains — adding to the area’s sense of ancient mystique.

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Galhampton

(Village feel with a creative twist)

Overview

Just a few minutes from Castle Cary and North Cadbury, Galhampton is a small but lively village with a surprisingly active community. Popular with creatives and young families, it blends peaceful countryside with a subtly bohemian atmosphere — and it’s well placed for commuting and schools.

Architecture & Character

Galhampton has a mix of stone and rendered houses, converted barns, and newer homes, with open fields around. It’s known for its village hall, which hosts everything from Pilates to gigs.

Amenities

• Village hall with regular social events
• Nearby shop/post office in North Cadbury
• Quick access to Castle Cary station and the A303

Nearby Schools

• North Cadbury Primary or Castle Cary Primary
• Secondary: Ansford Academy or King’s Bruton
• Independent access to Hazlegrove, Millfield, and Bruton schools

Walking & Beauty

Easy walking through fields and pastureland, with footpaths to Woolston, North Cadbury, and across to Hadspen. The area is green and gently rolling.

Property Snapshot

A great place to find period homes, modern countryside houses, and converted outbuildings. Quietly gaining popularity with buyers looking for family homes near Bruton or Castle Cary.

Fun Fact

The village hall doubles as a music venue, and its regular events attract local artists and touring musicians alike — a cultural surprise in a rural setting.

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South Cadbury

(History, peace, and views of Camelot)

Overview

Lying at the foot of Cadbury Castle — an Iron Age hillfort with a compelling claim to being the legendary Camelot — South Cadbury is a peaceful hamlet with a timeless feel and far-reaching views. Smaller and quieter than neighbouring North Cadbury, it’s ideal for buyers seeking countryside calm with ancient history quite literally on the doorstep.

Architecture & Character

Traditional stone cottages, farmhouses, and a handful of larger rural homes cluster around the church and village green. The whole village feels gently folded into the landscape, with an unspoilt, authentic charm.

Amenities

•  The Camelot Pub (just across the A303)
•  Shops and services in nearby North Cadbury and Castle Cary
•  Close to Galhampton, Sparkford, and the A303

Nearby Schools

•  North Cadbury CE Primary School
•  Secondary options: Ansford, Sexey’s, or Millfield
•  Independent schools: Hazlegrove, the Bruton schools, and Sherborne

Walking & Beauty

Climb Cadbury Castle for breathtaking views over the South Somerset countryside and the Blackmore Vale. The surrounding area is rich in wildflowers, prehistoric sites, and peaceful walking trails linking to nearby villages and open farmland.

Property Snapshot

A quiet but sought-after spot. Expect pretty period cottages, detached homes with outlooks across the vale, and the occasional carefully restored farmhouse. A great choice for buyers looking near Bruton or Sherborne who want charm without the buzz.

Fun Fact

Cadbury Castle has revealed Iron Age ramparts and Roman fortifications, making it one of the most convincing candidates for the real Camelot. South Cadbury is also home to the famous Montgomery Farmhouse Cheddar — and if you get the chance, don’t miss the smoked version.

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Compton Pauncefoot

(Exclusive, discreet, and beautifully kept)

Overview

One of South Somerset’s most desirable hamlets, Compton Pauncefoot is known for its beauty, tranquillity, and beautifully maintained homes. With no through-traffic and a tiny population, it offers an exclusive feel — popular with London buyers and those seeking a private retreat near Bruton.

Architecture & Character

Immaculate stone cottages, handsome houses, and larger country properties line a single narrow lane. The village surrounds St Mary’s Church, a stunning 15th-century landmark.

Amenities

• No shops or pubs in the village
• Easy reach of North Cadbury, Castle Cary, and Wincanton
• Elite privacy and seclusion

Nearby Schools

• Top local choices: Hazlegrove, Millfield, Bruton, Leweston, Sherborne
• Ansford Academy and The Gryphon for state options

Walking & Beauty

Surrounded by orchards, woodland, and gently sloping hills. Walkers enjoy access to Cadbury Castle, Blackford, and the ridge above Corton Denham.

Property Snapshot

Homes here are rare and high-value. You’ll find historic manor houses, luxury country homes, and refined conversions. One of South Somerset’s premier addresses for luxury property seekers.

Fun Fact

The village takes its name from the Pauncefoot family, Norman lords who held the land in the 12th century — a rare name that has endured through the ages. Local legend also tells of Compton Castle, hidden deep within surrounding woodland. It’s said that a former owner created a lake there as part of a marriage proposal — and when he was turned down, he had it shaped into a teardrop.

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Queen Camel

(Well-connected, historic, and family-friendly)

Overview

Set beside the River Cam, Queen Camel is a vibrant and well-served village just west of Sparkford. With a great primary school, village shop, and strong links to Hazlegrove Prep and the A303, it’s a popular choice for families and those relocating from further afield.

Architecture & Character

A blend of Hamstone cottages, Victorian terraces, and modern family homes. The Church of St Barnabas is a striking feature, with origins dating back to Norman times.

Amenities

• Village shop & Post Office
• Primary school, playing fields, and community centre
• Pub (The Mildmay Arms) and several active clubs
• Walkable to West Camel and near Sparkford’s businesses

Nearby Schools

• Queen Camel CE Primary School
• Close to Hazlegrove, Millfield, Ansford, and The Gryphon
• Short drive to Sherborne and Yeovil schools

Walking & Beauty

Follow the River Cam for peaceful walks, or explore local footpaths to West Camel, Downhead, and across the low ridges of Sutton Montis.

Property Snapshot

Queen Camel offers good value family homes, bungalows, and period cottages. Increasingly popular with buyers seeking property for sale in Somerset near Sherborne and the A303.

Fun Fact

The “Camel” in Queen Camel comes from the River Cam, not camels! It was once royal land (hence “Queen”), granted by Edward the Confessor in the 11th century.

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West Camel

(Quiet charm and pastoral beauty)

Overview

Tucked along the banks of the River Cam, West Camel is smaller and more rural than its eastern sibling. It offers peace, history, and a charming blend of houses in a gentle Somerset landscape — a favourite for those wanting countryside without feeling isolated.

Architecture & Character

A mix of thatched cottages, stone farmhouses, and newer rural homes. The Church of All Saints is an ancient gem with Norman roots and medieval features.

Amenities

• Village hall, cricket ground, and regular community events
• Nearest shops and school in Queen Camel
• Under 10 minutes to Sparkford, Hazlegrove, and Yeovilton

Nearby Schools

• Access to Queen Camel Primary
• Secondary: Ansford, The Gryphon, and independents like Millfield, Leweston, and Sherborne

Walking & Beauty

River walks, hill climbs, and views of Cadbury Castle make it ideal walking country. Paths link into the Leland Trail and routes toward Downhead and Northover.

Property Snapshot

Properties here are limited and much sought after. You’ll find stone houses, conversions, and elegant homes with gardens — great for family homes or quiet retreats.

Fun Fact

The village was once home to a Benedictine priory linked to Muchelney Abbey — its footprint still lies beneath fields near the river.

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Marston Magna

(Characterful and convenient)

Overview

Just north of Yeovil, Marston Magna is a well-placed village with a mix of housing and a strong local identity. Its name hints at its medieval importance — “Magna” meaning “great” — and today it offers a balance of charm, accessibility, and community.

Architecture & Character

The village centre includes stone and brick cottages, Victorian homes, and small developments. St Mary’s Church, a Grade I listed building, features 12th-century architecture and a tall tower visible for miles.

Amenities

• Village hall, pub, cricket field, and community events
• Easy access to Yeovil, Sherborne, and Wincanton
• Close to the A359 and Yeovilton Airbase

Nearby Schools

• Countess Gytha Primary (in Queen Camel) or schools in Yeovil
• Secondary: The Gryphon, Ansford, and Yeovil-based options
• Excellent independent schools within 20 minutes

Walking & Beauty

Lovely walks through farmland, wooded glades, and old paths linking to Mudford, Chilton Cantelo, and Queen Camel.

Property Snapshot

More affordable than neighbouring hotspots, with a mix of cottages, modern family homes, and larger detached houses. Ideal for commuters or families seeking village life close to Yeovil and Sherborne.

Fun Fact

Marston Magna was once a Roman settlement, with several villa remains and coin hoards discovered nearby — history beneath your feet!