Sundowners, Middle Stoke, Bath, BA2 7GE

For those who dream of village life without stepping away from the opportunities and conveniences of the city, Middle Stoke strikes a rare balance.

Set above the sweeping Limpley Stoke Valley, where woodland, rolling countryside and the River Avon carve their way through one of the area’s most beautiful landscapes, this substantial Victorian home combines exceptional living space with a setting that is increasingly difficult to find.

Here, neighbours become friends, countryside walks begin from the front door and weekends are shaped by village life.

Whether sharing a drink at The Hop Pole, hosting family gatherings that stretch long into the evening or simply enjoying the view across the valley, life moves at a gentler and more connected pace.

Extending to over 2,800 sq. Ft., this is a home designed for bringing people together.

The layout lends itself naturally to entertaining, with expansive living spaces, multiple areas to gather and a seamless connection between house and garden.

Equally, it offers the flexibility to evolve as life changes, whether accommodating a growing family, independent teenagers, visiting relatives, home working or simply the desire for more space.

At the heart of the home lies an impressive open plan kitchen and living space. This is where guests naturally congregate. Where celebrations begin and often end.

Where children do homework at the table while dinner is prepared, and where friends linger long after dessert has been cleared away.

Beautiful Dijon limestone flooring runs throughout, warmed by underfloor heating beneath.

A substantial Rangemaster cooker anchors the kitchen, while exposed stonework introduces texture and character.

At the far end of the room, a wood burning stove creates a natural focal point, bringing warmth and atmosphere throughout the seasons.

Thoughtfully designed for both entertaining and everyday family life, it is a room that feels every bit as welcoming as it is impressive.

Beyond, a generous dining room with solid oak flooring opens onto a sunny decked terrace, creating the perfect setting for long weekend breakfasts, summer lunches or evenings spent entertaining family and friends.

A substantial multi purpose room with underfloor heating and bi-fold doors opening directly onto the driveway offers exceptional versatility.

Whether envisioned as a family room, gym, studio, home office, guest accommodation or teenage retreat, it provides the flexibility modern family life increasingly demands.

Practicality has been considered throughout.

The utility room combines character and function with exposed stone walls, heated flooring, a mezzanine storage area and extensive workspace, while a substantial cellar beneath provides valuable additional storage and future potential.

Upstairs, the accommodation continues to impress. The principal bedroom benefits from built in storage and an ensuite bathroom, while four further bedrooms provide ample space for family and guests.

One of the home’s most captivating spaces is the upper sitting room.

Elevated above the valley, it enjoys sweeping views across the surrounding countryside, with a Juliet balcony and direct access onto the rear terrace.

It is easy to imagine morning coffee here before the day begins, or unwinding with a glass of wine as the light fades across the landscape.

Above, a charming window seat in the uppermost bedroom offers another wonderful vantage point from which to watch the changing seasons unfold across the valley below.

Outside, the gardens have been thoughtfully arranged to make the most of the home’s elevated position. To the front, a generous terrace provides an ideal place to sit and enjoy the outlook.

To the rear, the garden offers space for children to play, keen gardeners to indulge their passion or simply to enjoy time outdoors with family and friends.

Ample off street parking completes the practical appeal. What makes Middle Stoke special is not simply its size, nor even its setting.

It is the way it brings together space, flexibility, community and countryside in a location that remains effortlessly connected to Bath.

A home designed not only for the way you live today, but for the way life evolves tomorrow. About the Area Middle Stoke is one of those places that quietly gets under your skin.

Close enough to Bath for a spontaneous dinner in the city, yet surrounded by the sort of countryside that encourages you to slow down and take the scenic route home.

At the heart of local life is the Kennet & Avon Canal. On any given day you’ll find dog walkers, runners, cyclists and narrowboats gently making their way through the valley.

The nearby Dundas Aqueduct, often described as one of the most beautiful canal structures in Britain, spans the River Avon with sweeping views across the landscape below.

From here, you can hire a bike or a boat and spend an afternoon exploring the waterway at a pace that feels refreshingly removed from modern life.

A favourite local stop is the Angelfish Café at Brassknocker Basin.

Positioned beside the canal and overlooking the valley, it is the sort of place where muddy walking boots are as welcome as weekend brunches.

Watching narrowboats pass by with a coffee and a slice of homemade cake has become something of a local ritual. The surrounding villages each add their own character.

Freshford is particularly cherished for its strong sense of community.

The Galleries Shop is more than simply somewhere to pick up milk; it is a community run village store that has become a hub for local life, stocking produce from nearby suppliers and bringing residents together in a way that feels special.

Perhaps nowhere embodies the spirit of the area more than The Hop Pole Inn.

Dating back centuries, this historic pub was saved from closure by hundreds of local residents who came together to purchase and restore it.

Today it stands as a remarkable example of community determination, serving excellent food and local ales within a building that has become part of village folklore.

Film enthusiasts may even recognise it from scenes in The Remains of the Day starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson.

For longer lunches and special occasions, The Inn at Freshford remains a local favourite, while the nearby Limpley Stoke Hotel enjoys one of the most enviable positions in the valley, with panoramic views stretching across the surrounding countryside.

Families are drawn to the area’s village atmosphere while outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice.

Footpaths weave through rolling hills, woodland and farmland, with routes linking villages, canal towpaths and riverside walks.

Cyclists regularly head towards Avoncliff, where the famous Cross Guns sits beside another stunning aqueduct, creating one of the most picturesque pub stops in the region.

Despite its rural feel, everyday life remains remarkably connected.

Freshford station is within walking distance and provides direct services towards Bath Spa, Portsmouth and Weymouth, while regular bus routes make commuting straightforward.

It is entirely possible to spend the day in Bath and be back in time for an evening walk along the canal as the sun begins to set. A lifestyle that feels both connected and grounded.

A place where convenience and community exist side by side