A ten-bedroom home full of character, set in one of the most delightful spots in Somerset
Exquisite windows, graceful design, period features and delightful grounds make Keyford House in Somerset a real find. Penny Churchill takes a look.


Keyford House in the hamlet of Little Keyford, on the edge of the popular Somerset market town of Frome, is truly idyllic. Surrounded by rolling countryside and the Mendip Hills AONB, it has distant views towards the Longleat, Bradley and Stourhead estates. It’s on sale, with Andrew Cronan of Strutt & Parker in Bath quoting a guide price of £2.65m for this handsome, Grade II-listed home.
According to its Historic England listing, Keyford House and conservatory were built in the 1830s in the Greek Revival style of Bath stone around an earlier 18th-century house.
The present house offers more than 7,500sq ft of elegant accommodation, including a large reception hall, three principal reception rooms, an orangery, kitchen, 10 bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Traditional features include high ceilings to all levels, wood flooring, original fireplaces and triple-sash windows.
During their 20-year tenure, the present owners, who plan to downsize to a smaller house in the county, have greatly improved the main house, which previously housed a nursery on the first floor accessed by an outside staircase.
Mr Cronan, who handled the sale at that time, recalls being deeply unpopular with the local ‘yummy mummies’ who found themselves faced with the problem of finding alternative nursery accommodation.
Approached along a gravel driveway, Keyford House stands in 2¾ acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds, with plenty of parking and turning space.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Charming ornamental gardens include immaculate lawns, a parterre garden with box hedging and a central pergola, a walled vegetable garden and an array of mature specimen trees, established shrubs and hedgerows. Outbuildings include a double garage with lapsed planning consent for conversion to a one-bedroom cottage.
Frome itself is a quirky and charming place, full of unusual shops, places to eat and entertainment. It also offers a choice of schools, including two good secondary schools, the independent Springmead prep school and the Beckington Church of England School, rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. Yet it’s also easily accessible via road and rail, with Bath about half an hour away to the north.
Keyford House is for sale at £2.6m via Strutt & Parker — see more pictures and details.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
Omani tourism is booming and this one-of-a-kind hotel — with exquisite marble swimming pools dedicated murshid guides — shows why
The Malkai, a collection of three tented camps spread out across Oman, is one of the travel industry's most anticipated openings of 2026.
By Emma Love Published
-
What Britain's top garden designers are planting now to create dazzling spring meadows around their homes
Non Morris reveals the techniques behind the contemporary take on William Robinson’s original idea of naturalising bulbs in long grass, creating an effect even more dazzling than a meadow.
By Non Morris Published
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castle
From hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
By Toby Keel Published
-
How to buy a house at auction
Buying at auction can mean you secure your dream property for a bargain price, but preparation is the key
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
The homes of two 1980s TV icons are both up for sale at the same time
The houses where Bob Monkhouse and Sir Terry Wogan spent decades of their lives are currently on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
Living on the edge? A lighthouse for sale on a clifftop on one of the most remote islands in Britain
Bressay Lighthouse was built by the father and uncle of the 'Treasure Island' author.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
Alan Titchmarsh is selling his Hampshire home (and the garden that comes with it): Exclusive pictures and interview
After many happy years in Hampshire, the writer, broadcaster and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh is selling up and looking to move. He spoke to Penny Churchill about his years at Manor Farm House.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A Lake District escape with views that will make you feel like the king of all you can see
Mellguards's many guest rooms and dual staircases make this property perfect for people who love to host, but tire of their guests quickly.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
One of Yorkshire's great houses, burnt to the ground three generations ago, is back on its feet and on the market for the sixth time in a millennium
Penny Churchill looks at Riseborough Hall, a great house, rich with fascinating history and beautifully apportioned, which burnt to the ground but rose again.
By Penny Churchill Last updated
-
Seven magnificent homes from Cumbria to Devon, as seen in Country Life
Our regular look at the best homes to come to the market via Country Life in the past few weeks takes in a breathtaking Lake District house and a superb home in Northamptonshire.
By Toby Keel Published