Dittisham, Dartmouth, TQ6

Downton Barton is a property of immense charm and character, located in the working, rural hamlet of Downton - close to the popular riverside village of Dittisham and the vibrant, historical naval port of Dartmouth.

Surrounded by South Hams rolling hills and distant sea views beyond, the farmhouse has an air of peace and tranquility that only a building of this age and provenance can deliver. It features many original features, including in what would have been the great parlour - now the dining room - a fine early 17th century moulded plaster overmantel with an achievement of arms flanked by pilasters. An attractive, heavy wood stud partition enhances what is now the drawing room, with a handsome working open fireplace and slate hearth, ideal for cosy winter nights and festive occasions. Lustrous flagstone floors lead from the hallway passage to the kitchen wing of the house, featuring an Ovolo moulded doorframe with a scratch-moulded plank door. The kitchen has a high ceiling with unchamfered beams, and a long window seat. The light and airy appeal continues on into an equally convivial, dual aspect sitting room with fireplace and wood burner. A former integral dairy makes a charming utility room and a boot room and useful store complete the accommodation on the ground floor.

The light floods on to the first floor galleried landing from the joining of the space between the two original rear stair towers constructed in the late 18th century. The vaulted ceiling master bedroom suite and family bathroom are accessed from this spacious landing and vestibule, which then links the further four double bedrooms and one ensuite, all enjoying views over the garden and grounds.

A particularly delightful feature of Downton Barton are the gardens and grounds around it. From both the house and the driveway the large swimming pond, flower garden and orchard can be enjoyed, and the planting of the grounds is both established, experimental and ephemeral, with numerous seating areas, sun decking, greenhouse, bluebell walk, former walled kitchen garden and charmingly private, walled flagstoned courtyard with gated archway leading to the lane, a gateway into the kitchen garden and doorways into the house.

Nestled in the sweeping driveway, the current owners have transformed a detached barn into a contemporary, adaptable studio, currently used as an art room and workshop. Aesthetically choosing materials that acknowledge its former agricultural history, but also providing a comfortable and modern specification that both looks and feels established in its surroundings. A well-appointed kitchen, shower room and external store make the layout multifunctional and multi-generational in use. The studio uses water from the main house supply and is heated by electric radiators that can be Wi-Fi controlled. We understand all the new studio and barn windows, from IQ Systems, have marine grade paint upgrades and the south and west facing windows use Solar Control glass to control the temperature from getting too hot in summer.

Across the lane, the conversion skills are showcased still further, where three barns have been masterfully remodeled into an impressive three-bedroom residence, currently a successful holiday let. Set in its own grounds, it features an expansive sun terrace, generous parking, electric car charger, a Devon bank, estate fencing and wild flower meadow land concealing the solar panels that power the property. The main source of power for the barns is the solar power, then battery power and any surplus energy generated is sent to the Grid and payment is received for this. The power runs the heat pump, which provides hot water and the underfloor heating on a separate account to the electricity for the main house.

A fastidious eye for detail and desire for green energy shine through in this stunning conversion, which delivers eye-catching architectural skill and uncompromising quality in the 157.7 sq metres (1697sq feet) of desirable living space with a super-efficient wood burner as a focal point in the living room, and oil fired radiators in the two bathrooms that can be Wi-Fi controlled ahead of arrival home. A log stove heats the hot tub overlooking the garden.

Generous parking for both guests and visitors sweeps around the barn.

The rural hamlet of Downton is set in glorious countryside in the heart of the South Hams and is ideally located for both access to Dartmouth and Totnes. The unspoilt riverside village of Dittisham is two miles upstream from Dartmouth, where costal walks, crabbing, the Ferry Boat Inn, the Anchorstone Café, the Ham recreational ground, Dart Valley trail, seasonal passenger ferries to Dartmouth and the Greenway National Trust property keep leisure pursuits local. Dartmouth provides all the amenities expected of a maritime town and Totnes Railway Station is a major lynchpin on the Great Western Railway service from London Paddington to Penzance.

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