A weird house in Somerset.

[sadlerwells]

And here's what it is now!

https://cleggassociates.co.uk/southwinds-farm-woolverton-somerset/

 

[HistoryBuff]

I see I’m like 10 years late on this post but came across it and I know this house! My parents used to work for the chap who lived here and I spent a lot of time here! And some of the comments about the house aren’t too far off the mark!!

Can you tell us what some of the strange features were for? Such as that 1/2 circle pool under the window, and the built in chair beside the fire?

 

[Foxylady]

And here's what it is now!
https://www.ashford-homes.co.uk/developments/southwinds-farm/

Good grief, how bland, lol.
Cheers, sadlerwells; interesting to see it now.

 

[Eastmidsboy]

I see I’m like 10 years late on this post but came across it and I know this house! My parents used to work for the chap who lived here and I spent a lot of time here! And some of the comments about the house aren’t too far off can you tell us anything about the owners? Are they still alive?

 

[Eastmidsboy]

What do you remember? Are the owners still alive?

 

[Foxylady]

Can you tell us what some of the strange features were for? Such as that 1/2 circle pool under the window, and the built in chair beside the fire?

Hi Angie. I get the feeling from it that the owner had lots of creative ideas, quirky likes and some building know how, but without what most people would consider 'taste' or even any nod to what's fashionable. I think the pool beneath the window was an indoor fish pond. They probably liked the idea of some natural space for their pets, hence the large built-in bird cage, rather than a tiny budgie cage for their birdies. The fireside chairs could be a means of integrating them into the fireplace with a touch of throne-like splendour to match the wood panelling. Just guesswork, of course, but they would be my own reasons if I were to do something like that, lol.

 

[BritishAtHeart]

What a quirky little place!! I love that red-carpeted spiral staircase!

 

[Ellalouise]

Hi Angie, Yes I can tell you the owner of the house has sadly passed away. His name was Anthony and during the 80’s and early 90’s he ran a business in the village of Rode (just down the road) selling pornographic videos and the like. He was quite an eccentric man and there was many a party held at this house! I can remember visiting the house as child and he had a little monkey that used to roam around. It was all very strange when I look back now. Downstairs he had an Avery and there was a room where the videos for his business were kept and a tv built into some of the oak panelling. The owner lived a sex drink and rock and roll lifestyle and I believe when his circle of friends which he used to call the ‘inner sanctum’ settled down - Anthony led quite a reclusive lifestyle until his passing.

 

[Ellalouise]

I’m not sure exactly what the half pool was for although the owner was fond of animals etc so could of been for fish? The chairs down stairs I dread to think why they were used for if you follow me. My mum would know all about it but she sadly passed away. I can also remember my cousin used to work on the front door of the house as security for the owner and the owner was fond of hiring ladies of the night! I’ll see if I can dig some photos out of the house when it was in its prime!

 

[HistoryBuff]

Wow, he does sound like what I'd call a "character". Thanks for that information about him.

 

[Ellalouise]

What a quirky little place!! I love that red-carpeted spiral staircase!

The red spiral staircase led to the living quarters and it had like a galleried open landing! The owner had a daughter so we only went upstairs when she was home from boarding school and I can remember being fascinated as she had a huge juke box in her bedroom.

 

[Ellalouise]

Wow, he does sound like what I'd call a "character". Thanks for that information about him.

No worries! It was strange and nice to see photos of the house after all these years! Made me get a little nostalgic, like I said it was a strange place and not really a place children should have been but definitely gave us some stories to tell

 

[Eastmidsboy]

No worries! It was strange and nice to see photos of the house after all these years! Made me get a little nostalgic, like I said it was a strange place and not really a place children should have been but definitely gave us some stories to tell

What job did the owner do please? Are they still alive.?

 

[Ellalouise]

What job did the owner do please? Are they still alive.?

The owner passed away and he had a business selling pornographic videos in the 80’s and 90’s he later went in to own sex chat lines.

 

[recyclefraulein]

I love it. I would restore it but would change the color of the chairs. Maybe a nice 40s green and update the kitchen and bathrooms of course while keeping the character of it.

 

[ChewChaser]

Apologies

 

[Sam Haltin]

You can't put personal details of a deceased person on here.

 

[Eastmidsboy]

Apologies

That would have been interesting.

 

[Hayman]

Yet another gorgeously carved newel post and bannister supports.

 

[NowUpNorth]

Wow. Just found this page by accident and can't believe the state of the house and grounds. I know it's all gone now and some fancy houses there but I was there in the early days when it was all being built (mid to late 80s). I have a photos and video from back then which I can add on here to show the contrast if there's interest. My friends owned the house before this person so I know if from their ownership and all through his.

I'd be keen to find out if anyone has any other pictures or videos before it was demolished.