The Annexe
The Annexe was added by the previous owners in 1996. There were outbuildings on the plot and parts of these were re-used, including the rear wall which retains the higher level land behind. The original plans seem to have been for a full height two-storey extension which got planning permission. but something changed and the final planning was for the two-storey chalet style seen today. It has two rooms downstairs and two upstairs together with a small shower/toilet room. At the same time the utility room was added to the main house.
Originally the annexe was a full extended space (maybe a granny flat?) for the main house. Later they applied for planning permission to change use to a holiday let, and we think it was at this time the layout was marginally changed to keep the bigger downstairs room with the main house, but still internally connected to the Annexe's other rooms. In 1999 they changed planning permission again, back to having the Annexe as a integral part of the main house.
When we bought Gorge View, we considered having a lodger, but Mary had a nicer thought: to make it a pair of practitioner rooms for hire upstairs, whilst downstairs the main room could be used as a waiting area. And we included the bigger downstairs room as a workshop space. We knew counselling therapists and alternative therapy practitioners in the area were desperately short of space, especially at reasonable and flexible prices. Mary was also starting to learn Ayurveda and this would be a base for her to practise too. We re-decorated the interiors and got new carpets (it was grubby). We did our homework on demand and a business plan. We took the initiative to create and publish a directory of therapists and practitioners and even other spaces for hire which was very well received.
Then we put in for simple change-of-use planning permission! Everyone seemed happy. The highways planners were initially a little concerned over cars coming in and out of the drive, but a meeting resolved that. And we were going to encourage walking/biking for locals. However when the chief planner reviewed things, he said no. Too much traffic would be generated. We disagreed as at worst the comings and goings if we were wildly successful and fully booked would be modest, but we compromised and agreed with the officer who came out to limit to only one therapist at a time. And again the Chief planner baulked and said no. We considered appealing but didn't have the energy. So the idea died.
More recently we have had some lodgers in there. Firstly Megan, a gentle artist and a few years ago Daygan. Daygan we already knew and has proved to be a lovely soul to have here. He plays primarily mandaolin in several bands - notably the local established folk group Dragonsfly, and now also with Celtech and his solo work. It is lovely when the bands come to the house and practise in the big room.
Now though, more recently, the annexe has proved it has a use more in line with our original aim. Not a commercial venture but a place that Mary can practise her psychotherapy from, sifting her work slowly from Bristol to Cheddar with the huge list of positives that brings in terms of flexibility, time and petrol, and costs and a better environment for her clients. Sadly that meant after nine years Daygan had to move on but it seems it was a timely shift of gear for him.
Originally the annexe was a full extended space (maybe a granny flat?) for the main house. Later they applied for planning permission to change use to a holiday let, and we think it was at this time the layout was marginally changed to keep the bigger downstairs room with the main house, but still internally connected to the Annexe's other rooms. In 1999 they changed planning permission again, back to having the Annexe as a integral part of the main house.
When we bought Gorge View, we considered having a lodger, but Mary had a nicer thought: to make it a pair of practitioner rooms for hire upstairs, whilst downstairs the main room could be used as a waiting area. And we included the bigger downstairs room as a workshop space. We knew counselling therapists and alternative therapy practitioners in the area were desperately short of space, especially at reasonable and flexible prices. Mary was also starting to learn Ayurveda and this would be a base for her to practise too. We re-decorated the interiors and got new carpets (it was grubby). We did our homework on demand and a business plan. We took the initiative to create and publish a directory of therapists and practitioners and even other spaces for hire which was very well received.
Then we put in for simple change-of-use planning permission! Everyone seemed happy. The highways planners were initially a little concerned over cars coming in and out of the drive, but a meeting resolved that. And we were going to encourage walking/biking for locals. However when the chief planner reviewed things, he said no. Too much traffic would be generated. We disagreed as at worst the comings and goings if we were wildly successful and fully booked would be modest, but we compromised and agreed with the officer who came out to limit to only one therapist at a time. And again the Chief planner baulked and said no. We considered appealing but didn't have the energy. So the idea died.
More recently we have had some lodgers in there. Firstly Megan, a gentle artist and a few years ago Daygan. Daygan we already knew and has proved to be a lovely soul to have here. He plays primarily mandaolin in several bands - notably the local established folk group Dragonsfly, and now also with Celtech and his solo work. It is lovely when the bands come to the house and practise in the big room.
Now though, more recently, the annexe has proved it has a use more in line with our original aim. Not a commercial venture but a place that Mary can practise her psychotherapy from, sifting her work slowly from Bristol to Cheddar with the huge list of positives that brings in terms of flexibility, time and petrol, and costs and a better environment for her clients. Sadly that meant after nine years Daygan had to move on but it seems it was a timely shift of gear for him.