Ilminster
The Town
Our Recoco buying agent will be delighted to show you Ilminster, just east of two major West Country routes: the A358 road connecting Taunton with Chard and Axminster, and the A303 London to Exeter road. If you’re a property buyer drawn to understated charm, Ilminster may well fit the bill. Our boutique buying agents may point out appealing street names like Strawberry Bank. Your property search company can confirm the climate, like the rest of the West Country, is temperate and mild, although generally wetter than the rest of England. The town’s population is under 6,000 – ask your Recoco property finder for recent figures.
Transport
Your real estate buyers agent can outline transport options for your property search. The nearest railway stations are Crewkerne, just over 8 miles away, or Taunton, 12 and a half miles distant, as the independent buying agents can confirm. Several bus lines serve the town, including a daily Berrys Superfast Coaches express service to London. Ask your real estate buyers agent about road links, including the B3168, the A303, and the A358 Taunton road, leading to Axminster and Chard.
History
As our boutique buying agents can tell you, the town was already thriving by 1086 when the Domesday Book mentioned Ileminstre. Your Recoco buying agent will tell you it’s thought the town takes its name from the Grade I listed church of St. Mary, known as the Minster, and the River Isle. Ask your property buying agent about the tombs of the Wadham family inside the church, and if you’re a property buyer who enjoys historic buildings, some of the oldest are close to the churchyard. Our independent buying agents can confirm that includes the grammar school, founded in 1549.
Education
State schools in Ilminister include pre-schools Sunny-Ile, primary school Greenfylde Church of England First School, and middle school Swanmead Community. Nearby independent schools include King’s College and Taunton Preparatory in the county town of Taunton and Wellington School.
Leisure and Events
As our real estate buyers agent can tell you, the town has a range of shops for essentials and extras, including a Tesco superstore. Ilminster Meeting House is a 16th-century grammar school building in town, also serving as the town’s concert hall and art gallery.
Each November, as your buyers agents can tell you, the switching on of the Christmas lights is celebrated, Victorian style, with rum and cakes supplied by local shops. Although the Victorian evening did not go ahead in 2020, the lights were still switched on - via WiFi. Or ask your property buying agent about the literary festival.
If you’re a property buyer who enjoys independent retail, your Recoco buying agent might suggest West Street, Swan Precinct, Station Road, Silver Street, North Street, Silver Street, East Street, and Ditton Street.
Independent buying agents might also ask if you’d like to see how the local cider is made at Perry’s Cider Mill; our Recoco property finder might mention other crafts at Rose Mills. Our property search company can tell you about other local attractions like Barrington Court and Dennis Chinaworks.
Ask your boutique buying agents about locations to take a breather from your property search: brush up on your antiques at Arts & Graces or Phoenix Rising, pick up a unique gift at Ilminster Arts Centre or Remains to Be Seen, or enjoy a Wellness and Yoga session at Jordans Courtyard. Film buffs and drama lovers might like to ask their buyers agents about the Starlight Cinema or the Warehouse Theatre, while for those of a crafty persuasion, your property buying agent might suggest taking a peek at Fruitbat Textiles.
Celebrity Connections
Before emigrating to Australia, John Baker was born in the town; he later became the South Australia Premier. When it comes to modern celebrities, for a unique experience, head to Somerset Studios. This new venture from Alice Temperley includes an atelier and training workshops, with personal shopping appointments by arrangement. There’s even the option of chilling in the bar over a cocktail or cider from Alice’s parents’ farm.
Foodies’ Corner
To add a little foodie delight to your property search, ask your Recoco property finder about the weekly Thursday market. It sells fresh produce, fish, bread, and other victuals and dates from 1086. Buyers agents might also suggest lunch or coffee and cake at the Meeting House Arts Centre.
Fun Fact
In 1819, while still a baby, the future Queen Victoria spent the night at The George Hotel, which was then the main coaching inn in the town.
