With planning permission for 51 new homes, a shop, a market building and some commercial office units in the picturesque Somerset village of Norton St Philip, Knight Frank expects the chance to own part of an English village to be of interest to both local and overseas buyers alike.
Lochailort Investments is selling the site which extends to approximately five developable acres. The project will be of significant benefit to Norton St Philip as it will provide the much-needed amenity of a mini-supermarket and a wide range of housing, from two- to six-bedroom homes, all individually-designed, for both local and incoming buyers.
The developer will also have to deliver significant traffic calming throughout the village, and there is now a ban on large lorries going through the village.
Norton St Philip is a picturesque and historic village in the Somerset hills with currently around 300 houses, many of which are listed and are within a Conservation Area. Being approximately 6 miles from Bath it is in the heart of cultural England. The village dates back to the 14th Century, with the village pub thought to be the oldest licensed pub in England.
Robert Adam is famed for his traditional and progressive architecture which is always in keeping with the surrounding environment. Architecturally, each individual home in Norton St Philip is tailored to fit in with the existing buildings, some using local Bath stone, and all with traditional roofing materials and building styles.
By looking at the other houses in the village, Robert Adam has drawn inspiration from their current architectural style and authenticity and utilised this for each of the new homes giving them all their own sense of interest and character.
Robert Adam comments:
"The plans for Norton St Philip make up one of the most important new village projects I have designed. It has been a significant challenge to come up to the standard of one of the most attractive villages in Britain.
"A combination of complex and tight planning and individual design have come together to create a place with a unique but distinctly local character. Combining modern living standards and facilities with the ambiance of a traditional village will make a step forward in residential design and will be highly attractive to buyers.'"
The landowners, Lochailort Investments Ltd, comment:
"The scheme design has evolved over three years through lots of local consultations and discussions with representatives of Mendip and Somerset Councils, as well as local residents' groups and the Parish Council.
"The process we have gone through is a perfect example of localism at work, with the local community fully involved in the planning process from the outset. This is a cracking Heritage Village and a very special development."
Paddy Fleming, Head of Land at Exeter Residential Development, Knight Frank comments:
"This is a rare and fantastic opportunity for a variety of different buyers. It will benefit the local community hugely; Knight Frank is pleased to be involved in the sale of such a significant development."
The site is on the market with Knight Frank, Exeter Residential Development and offers are sought in the region of £10 million.
