WEDMORE

Our first bespoke kitchen design commission in Wedmore, which is located on the Somerset Levels just south of the Mendip Hills, was for a Georgian Old Rectory being renovated by its new owners.  The project is now ten years old, and we have more recently been asked to design a bespoke boot room and pantry for the house.

The village, which has a large and growing population, has a fascinating history. Located on raised ground which protrudes from the levels between Glastonbury, Wells and Cheddar, the village was once surrounded by water, and was one of the many islands of the Isles of Wedmore, a mystical medieval landscape once roamed by Alfred the Great who celebrated at Wedmore after winning the Battle of Ethandun.

These days Wedmore is a more genteel place, and not quite as bustling as Bruton.  The village still benefits from being quite isolated, chiefly because it is surrounded by relatively unproductive moorland, a wonderful landscape rich in birdlife.  Because of its proximity to Bristol and the M5, Wedmore attracts commuters keen to avoid the more congested countryside north of the Mendip Hills.

The village is surrounded by several small hamlets such as Sand, Mudgley (home of the famed cider maker Roger Wilkins) and the Allertons.

As villages go, Wedmore punches above its weight somewhat, boasting several retail offerings including a deli, a pharmacy, three good pubs including The Swan, an Indian restaurant and even an excellent craft beer shop and tasting rooms called Crafty Fingers.  The schools are also excellent with Hugh Sexey’s Church of England Middle school often being rated outstanding by OFSTED.

From a transport perspective, Wedmore is less well served.  The nearest train station is Yatton (about 30 minutes drive) which goes to Bristol where most travellers must change.  Because of its relatively isolated location it is also some distance from major supermarkets, the closest being in the city of Wells or the Somerset town of Glastonbury to the south.

There are some busy festivals in the Wedmore area including an annual arts festival, Wedmore by Lamplight Street Fair at Christmas and Harvest Home, the annual party to celebrate the end of the Summer harvest.

Our kitchens sit well in Wedmore houses, particularly the later Georgian and Victorian houses which tend to offer grander proportions.