Larkbeare House, Topsham Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4NG

The historic 19th century Larkbeare House was shown in a sales catalogue of 1875 as being owned by John Charles Bowring and as 'newly built'. The sales catalogue referred to the property as a 'capital stone-built mansion house with mullions and dressings of hewn stone, erected some years since, without the regard to cost, by J.C. Bowring Esq for his own occupation'. The property was later purchased by the council in October 1876 for judges accommodation until fairly recently with the house being currently utilized for civil marriage ceremonies and birth/death registrations.

The property retains its stunning Elizabethan style character features and originally had a drawing room, dining room and billiard room on the ground floor, five bedrooms with dressing rooms on the first floor and a library overlooking views to Haldon and staff quarters on the second floor. The large basement cellar would have been used for food storage and the main front door is Tudor style which maintains an impressive entrance to the former manor house.

Another feature of the property are the attractive landscaped gardens originally designed by Veitches nursery with a full range of trees and shrubs and numerous outbuildings some or which are still in situ today.

Please note, the site is located within Southernhay & the Friars Conservation Area which provides an element of protection to the trees on site. Please rely on your own investigation

The wall of Larkbeare House fronting the river is recorded by Historic England as being Grade II listed being of scenic value. (Listing NGR:SX ).



Location

Larkbeare House is located in the city of Exeter which is the County town of Devon approximately 45 miles Northeast of Plymouth and 80 miles Southwest of Bristol. The property itself is situated between Exeter's historic Quay and the affluent St Leonards to the East side of the River Exe.

St Leonard's is a highly sought after residential location in the city and within easy walking distance to the city centre. There is also a bus route on Topsham Road that gives access in and out of the city. In addition to housing there are a number of independent shops on Magdalen Road along with St Leonards Church situated adjacent to the property.

With the Quayside located to the South of the property there is ease of access to the waterfront with its rich and varied history, heritage and various leisure activities in close proximity. The Quay also benefits from waterside activities such as canoeing, kayaking and climbing in addition to stunning cycling routes over the estuary.


Accommodation

All areas are approximate and measured in accordance with the RICS Property Measurement (2nd Edition).

Sq M Sq Ft
Main House
Basement 420.33 4,524.40
Ground Floor 465.02 5,005.43
1st Floor 374.65 4,032.70
2nd Floor 289.97 3,121.21

Sub total 1,549.97 16,683.74
Out-buildings
Storage block 262.76 2,828.32
Overall Total 1,812.73 19,512.06

Site area circa 5.403 acres (2.186 hectares)


Rent / Price

Guide Price £4,000,000

Business Rates

From the Valuation Office Agency website ( we understand that the current Rateable Value is £78,500 for 2023/24.

Interested parties are advised to confirm the rating liability with Exeter City Council

Services

We understand that mains electricity, gas, water and drainage are connected to the property however these services have not been tested by the agents. Interested parties should make their own enquiries.

EPC

Contact the Agent for further details.

Legal Fees

Each party to be responsible for their own legal fees in relation to this transaction.

VAT

All figures quoted are exclusive of VAT if applicable.