The 2010 Conservation Area appraisal document shows 71 Chilkwell Street, the late farmer Harry Carter’s old house, as an unlisted but “positive building” contributing to the street scene.

  The property stood vacant for some years and deteriorated but has now taken on a new life, thanks to its new owner Samantha Doble and her family’s building acumen. The Dobles bought it and the quarter-acre garden from Harry’s daughters Catherine and Rachel a year ago, in spring 2015.

  Mrs Doble said: “I think we got it, rather than others who made offers, because we didn’t want to demolish the original cottage.”

  The house dates back to the 1600s at least, but has been much altered with later additions. Advice was sought from Mendip conservation officers, but because the building is unlisted there was more scope for a flexible approach to upgrading it.

  Replacing the deteriorating steel window frames with wooden windows that are more in keeping has transformed the frontage. A rough render gives the property an overall matching appearance along Chilkwell Street.

  The inside was “totally and utterly gutted,” Mrs Doble said, “yet retained all the original features.” An inglenook was restored. It is now a delightful residence: walls repaired and plastered, a new staircase, kitchen and bathroom with surprisingly spacious living accommodation — still four bedrooms.

  A major setback occurred when the lean-to wall at the rear, lacking proper footings, parted company and had to be rebuilt. Again modern building materials were permitted.

  Stone blocks and lias slabs were salvaged. Mrs Doble generously donated one slab to the National Trust to become a seat in St Michael’s tower on the Tor.

  Redundant outbuildings were demolished, though one pavement wall remains, as it holds a reputed Banksy mural. Its later removal is intended.

  Harry Carter, who grazed cows near the Tor, had his dairy in these outbuildings, and in retirement repaired lawnmowers there. Part of the house was once used as a hairdressing salon. Mr Carter sold his pasture land to the National Trust.

  There are no plans at the moment to alter the garden frontage at the right of the house. The Carter daughters failed to get planning permission — first in 2012 for two executive houses set back, with car provision in the front, and later for a large terrace with rear parking cut into the bank. It is likely that infill, if given permission, would have to be small-scale and respect the existing pavement line.

  Samantha Doble was born at Charlton Mackrell; her family name was Seaward. She and her husband have renovated four houses, including one in Australia during their three years there. The latest project before Chilkwell Street was a big old stone house in Vestry Road, Street, and before that one at Overleigh, both with the help of her father and brother.

  “It’s in the blood,” she said. “Old properties call me. I love it.”