Appetite for a 'Project Home’ Continues Apace

Posted by Greenslade Taylor Hunt on 13th August 2026 -

A busy room and confident bidding defined our recent property auction at the Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster, where a varied catalogue of land, barns, equestrian facilities and renovation-ready cottages attracted buyers from across Somerset.

Several lots exceeded expectations, reflecting continued demand for countryside opportunities and development potential.

The headline result came from Shelves in Isle Brewers (pictured above), near Taunton, a period cottage set within 1.5 acres and described as offering “potential in abundance”.

Nestled in the rural landscape of Isle Brewers it had been in the same family ownership for 100 years. It had attracted a good deal of pre-sale interest with 24 parties viewing the property.

Guided at £250,000, the property quickly became the focus of the room, with competitive bidding pushing the hammer price to £330,000 — a striking £80,000 above the guide.

Another notable sale was Culvercroft Farm in Stoke St. Gregory, a period cottage with a range of outbuildings set within six acres. Despite requiring complete renovation, the property achieved £400,000, underscoring the strong appetite for lifestyle holdings and rural restoration projects.

Development potential also proved popular with Sedgemoor Farm in Butleigh Moor Drove, Walton, a traditional barn with planning permission for conversion. This sold for £245,000, drawing interest from buyers seeking to create bespoke rural homes.

Smaller parcels of land performed well too - 2.09 acres off Station Road, Buscott, Ashcott, sold for £56,000, demonstrating sustained demand for agricultural and amenity land.

Rounding off the auction was an equestrian facility at Coldharbour Farm, Donyatt, near Ilminster, comprising stables, an all‑weather riding arena and pastureland extending to approximately 4.53 acres. It achieved £78,000, appealing to equestrian buyers and hobby farmers.

With strong bidding across the board, the July auction highlighted the resilience of Somerset’s rural property market and the continued enthusiasm for renovation projects, smallholdings and land with long‑term potential.

The next similar auction takes place on Wednesday, September 16th at Batch Country House, Lympsham, near Weston-super-Mare, BS24 0EX. Find out more about our in room and livestream property auctions and contact our team at [email protected].