ancientmonastery transformation, situated on 16 acres of Somerset land, boasts a miniature castle as its poolhouse
In the picturesque hamlet of Marshalls Elm, nestled halfway up a slope overlooking the Somerset Levels, lies Ivythorn Manor - a historic English country manor with a significant ecclesiastical legacy. Built in 1488 by Abbot John Selwood of Glastonbury Abbey, the manor is a testament to the religious and monastic heritage of that era in England.
The manor, a blend of ecclesiastical legacy and English country elegance, boasts architectural details that reflect its rich history. Its stone masonry, arched windows, and timber framing are reminiscent of late medieval religious buildings, while its traditional English country house features add to its charm. However, detailed public records on its architectural specifics remain limited.
Ivythorn Manor has undergone various transformations over the centuries. After the Dissolution, the manor passed to the Marshall and Sydenham families. In 1834, the manor was partly ruinous, but it was restored in about 1904. A two-storey west wing was added to the manor in 1938.
Today, the manor stands as a Grade II*-listed historic and handsome house, offering 8,126sq ft of living space across two floors. It comprises a reception hall, four reception rooms, a snug, kitchen, and six further bedrooms. The manor also includes a connected three-bedroom cottage that needs modernization.
The manor's grounds span 16 acres, encompassing gardens, pasture, and woodland. A unique feature of the property is its swimming pool, which boasts a two-storey castellated tower as its poolhouse. The manor's oak front door, adorned with the Abbot of Glastonbury's coat of arms and a tablet carved with the arms of Abbot Selwood, adds an air of grandeur.
Ivythorn Manor is for sale via Savills with a guide price of £2.5 million. Situated about 1.5 miles from the Somerset village of Street and roughly twice that to Glastonbury, the manor offers a serene retreat, where one would feel cocooned from the world, with everything fitting together perfectly.
Annunciata Elwes, the author of this article, has a background in journalism and has worked for various publications, including The Sunday Times Travel Magazine. Her exploration of Ivythorn Manor provides a glimpse into England's rich historical past, offering a unique blend of history, architecture, and elegance.
The historic Ivythorn Manor, with its blend of ecclesiastical legacy and English country elegance, provides an opportunity for an interested investor to delve into a piece of England's rich history. Beyond the manor's traditional living space and connected cottage, savvy home-and-garden enthusiasts might find potential in investing in the manor's grounds, with their gardens, pasture, and woodland, or perhaps the unique two-storey castellated swimming pool tower.
