In this blog post we profile the village of Chilcompton, Somerset, BA3.
Located 12 miles South and 8 miles North of the historic cities of Bath and Wells respectively, lies Chilcompton; a decent size village with a population of approx. 2500.
Situated just to the north of the Mendip Hills and within a mile or so of the Fosse Way Roman Road which runs through its sister village of Stratton on the Fosse, Chilcompton comprises upper and lower residential settlements linked by Bowden Hill, itself lined with a blend of period and modern homes.
The village is a mix of architectural styles indicative of its heritage and provides examples of both extensive and more modest homes in both the lower part and upper areas. Most modern developments are of small closes and cul-de-sacs.
From time to time an assortment of properties enter the market, from 1-bedroom flats through to large 5-bedroom family homes and beyond.
The village is generally surrounded by farmland and open countryside with an abundance of walks and ample bridleways. There are further extensive areas of countryside within a few minutes walk of the village and of course the mendip hills are within a few minutes drive.
The village used to have its own railway station on the Somerset and Dorset line which closed in 1966. In nearby Midsomer Norton some renovation of the line has been undertaken but at the Chilcompton end the old railway line is now a mixture of private land and farmland with a public footpath running along it.
The vast majority of the village is serviced by roadside public footpaths and there are pedestrian crossings on the main Wells Rd near to the local school.
St Johns Church (CoE) is particularly active in the community and maintains strong links with the village Primary School, St John & St Vigor, which has a long standing excellent reputation and in more recent years has benefitted from the addition of The Mill Children’s Centre Nursery. There is also a Catholic Church with links to beautiful Downside Abbey in Stratton on the Fosse.
Chilcompton is in catchment for The Blue School, Wells, and right at the edge of the area for Norton Hill and Summervale in Midsomer Norton. The two public schools of Downside and Wells Cathedral School are also easily accessible from Chilcompton.
The Parish Council works hard to help maintain and improve the local community though a range of initiatives. There is a village hall which is well used and there are two public houses, The Redan and the Somerset Wagon within the village, along with The Old Down Inn which is a short distance outside of the village at Emborough. The local village shop is a thriving Co-op with Post Office and there are two hair dressing salons.
A host of sports and social clubs are also active; Youth and Adult Football, Tennis, French Twinning, Gardening, The Chilcompton Society, Chilcompton Celebrates, Brass Band and Drama groups are all available. There is strong community engagement in the village.
Crime is officially ‘low’ as detailed at http://www.ukcrimestats.com/Neighbourhood/Avon_and_Somerset_Constabulary/Chilcompton
Harrod Property is the only Estate Agency in the village and is able to offer expert advice, along with a Chilcompton area Properties For Sale and Chilcompton area Property Finder service.
Useful links:
Chilcompton Estate Agent: www.harrodproperty.co.uk / facebook.com/HarrodProperty
St Vigor & St John School: https://slp1.somerset.gov.uk/schools/st-vigor-st-john/default.aspx
Parish Council: http://www.chilcompton.org
Chilcompton Sports (Football, Tennis etc): www.chilcomptonsports.com