Evelyn Waugh's home for sale in Somerset, with over 22,000 sq ft, stunning views and a party barn
Combe Florey House is a superb example of an exquisitely designed, historic family home with 21st century entertainment at its core.

Whilst 2021 saw the introduction of many things — covid variants, billionaires floating in space and world leaders gathering to discuss climate change — but in the world of property, it felt like the major trend was the rise of the converted outbuildings dedicated to entertaining. 2021 might have been the Year of the Ox for Chinese astrologers, but for estate agents it was the Year of the Party Barn.
All of which transports us to the depths of Somerset, near the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Exmoor National Park, where you'll find Combe Florey House. It's a regal 18th century Elizabethan manor house, composed of red ashlar sandstone (in the style of renowned architect James Gibbs) that has some of the most spectacular views over the surrounding luscious green countryside we've come across.
The 12-bed, seven bath property is currently on the market via Strutt & Parker for offers in excess of £5 million, which also includes the sale of a three bed cottage within the grounds known as The Keepers Cottage.
A manor house has been on the site for many centuries, but the previous building was destroyed in the Civil War, and the present 17th century house was extensively remodelled by William Frauncies in 1730. The property was sold to the Perring family in 1799 and sold again in 1896 to the Batchelor family before being purchased by the writer Evelyn Waugh as his family home in 1956.
Waugh died ten years later, but his family lived here until 2008 when the present owners acquired Combe Florey House.
The property is nothing short of impressive, with an enormous footprint measuring just under 22,000 sq ft (including outbuildings) and approximately 35 acres of garden and grounds.
Combe Florey House's appearance onto the housing market is an exciting prospect, as selling agent Oliver Custance Baker from Strutt & Parker’s Exeter office says:
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
'It's rare to find a house of such good stature, standard and significance as Combe Florey House, and one with such a fascinating and rich history. There's a lot to offer here for potential buyers, it has everything when it comes to the perfect family home with a tennis court, swimming pool, party barn and land.'
[You heard that too, of course? Party barn. Anyway, let's let Oliver continue:]
'As with many Georgian country homes, their proportions and elegance stand the test of time making them well suited to modern family life. The house today follows the traditional floorplan but has been adapted to 21st century living with an impressive orangery added to create a communal heart of the home.’
Inside, the rooms maintain their grand 18th century proportions with tall ceilings and generous layouts, whilst the balance between formal entertaining spaces and more familiar family living areas create a superb symmetry within the home. The large orangery on the ground floor acts as a 'central hub' and helps to further connect the formal and informal spaces.
An almost never-ending list of outbuildings can be found within the grounds, including the Keepers Cottage, workshops, garages, fuel stores and dog kennels — many of which can be found around a central courtyard that is enclosed by carriage gates and flanking walls.
There is also a swimming pool, pool room, tennis court and the aforementioned party barn, demonstrating a fine balance of old and new that is mirrored elsewhere — not least in the bedrooms, where you'll find freestanding baths amid the most traditional country decor.
Combe Florey House is an impressive, beautifully presented, large family home with exquisite original period details and a huge amount of outdoor space to play with. Its layout makes it perfect for entertaining whilst being tucked up in one of Somerset's most private and beautiful corners.
Combe Florey House is currently on the market via Strutt & Parker for offers over £5 million — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Combe Florey: What you need to know
Location: In Somerset, 6 miles from Taunton, near the Quantock Hills and West Somerset Railway. The nearest train station is located at Taunton which runs a direct service to London Paddington.
Atmosphere: Within the village is a local pub — The Farmers Arms, a village hall and 13th century church.
Things to do: Train enthusiasts can visit the West Somerset Steam Railway which travels through 20 miles of scenic rural landscape. The Exmoor National Park and Quantock Hills provide great opportunities to get out and explore either by foot, bike or on horseback, or partake in country sports such as fishing and shooting. There are several golf courses within the area, and nearby Taunton is home to a cricket ground plus recreational and leisure facilities.
Schools: There are many great schools within the area including King's College Taunton, Taunton School, Queen's College Taunton and Wellington School.
See more property for sale in the area.
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
-
The transformative renovation of a Grade II-listed property with an 'unusual footprint'
Having inherited this fine London townhouse, the new owner asked Sims Hilditch to help refresh the interiors, resulting in a youthful, yet elegant kitchen.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
‘One of the most effective pieces of propaganda ever made’: the Bayeux Tapestry heads to Britain for the first time in almost a millennium
A historic agreement between this country and France sees the 225ft-long tableau — which may have been made in Britain but has been in France since 1077 — arrive at the British Museum in Autumn 2026.
By Carla Passino Published
-
The Good Life 2025? A development promising 'Britain's greenest homes' blends zero carbon, organic allotments and a touch of luxury in the Kent countryside
Hartdene Barns, sitting on a disused dairy farm in Kent, is a vision of what sustainable living one day mean for all of us.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
Breathtaking views and gardens that run down to the water's edge at this delightful home in Cornwall
The Garden House in Polruan sums up the appeal of waterside living. Penny Churchill steps inside.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A 500-acre estate that spent 11 centuries in the same family, for sale for only the second time in its history
In the beautiful hills of north Wales the Garthewin estate has come up for sale, including a great country house once restored by the architect who created Portmeirion. Penny Churchill takes a closer look.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
'The city has always held an important creative space within our design studio': A luxury townhouse in Tokyo, courtesy of Aston Martin
A new four-storey property in the Omotesandō district is the first single home private residence by the British ultra-luxury performance brand.
By James Fisher Published
-
The Mediterranean Magic of Malta
With historic charm, picture-perfect beaches and a welcoming approach to newcomers, Malta represents an appealing option for Mediterranean property hunters. Holly Kirkwood reports.
By Holly Kirkwood Published
-
Four country houses with their own tennis courts, as seen in Country Life
If Wimbledon has put you in the mood for more tennis, Annunciata Elwes is here with a selection of homes with their own tennis courts.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
The majestic New Forest estate formerly owned by a billionaire adventurer — famous for driving 'the world's fastest kettle' — has come up for sale
Great estates in the unspoilt setting of the New Forest are always a welcome sight on the market, and Newton Park is a wonderful example with a sad story to tell. Anna White tells more.
By Anna White Last updated
-
A Hampshire Manor for sale that dates back to the days of Alfred the Great, with the most beautiful staircase we've seen in years
The ten bedroom property features an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa complex and stables, and it was restored by the same architect who worked on Downing Street.
By Lotte Brundle Published