Stowford, Lewdown, Okehampton, Devon, EX20

An exceptional and charming Grade II listed home with superb proportions, established gardens and substantial outbuilding incorporating a workshop and garaging

Description

Dating back almost 400 years and originally forming part of the Hayne Estate, this wonderful Grade II listed character cottage is steeped in history. Owned by various prominent families through history, and at one time incorporating many of the properties in the local area, the estate was broken up in 1922, and Hayne Barton was included in the "Plan, Particulars and Sale of the Hayne Estate" in 1922. In later years, Hayne Barton became the village school, with the original front door to the school house now providing a stunning focal point in the sitting room.

Nestled in a stunning position overlooking the surrounding open countryside with the church tower as a backdrop, this charming cottage has been lovingly restored and extended over the years to create a surprisingly spacious and bright family home.

The thatched porch beautifully finishes the south-facing facade of the cottage, and opens into a very useful area for muddy boots. The dining room still boasts much character and period features including flagstone floor, an inglenook fireplace with clome oven, beamed ceiling and area of original screening still visible. The kitchen extension, added approximately 24 years ago has been carefully and sympathetically added to create a seamless transition. This bright, open room is fitted with a range of modern base units, silestone worktop, double sink with a magical view and integrated dishwasher. There is both a traditional electric, four oven Aga, as well as modern Aga companion standalone unit, which allows for all the modern convenience and control of modern electric cooking as well as the beautiful, nostalgic feel of the traditional Aga, bringing warmth and charm to this lovely room and additional options when entertaining. There is ample space for a large kitchen table as well as seating area and the highly sought-after addition of a North-facing pantry with appropriate ventilation and useful and attractive shelving, as well as additional cupboard alongside for further storage options. This lovely extension continues the traditional flagstone floors throughout, adding continuity and enjoys lovely views across the garden and fields beyond.

The generous and bright sitting room is flooded with light from double aspect windows to the south and east, with engineered oak flooring and beamed ceilings as well as a traditional open fire with clome oven providing much character and charm to this spacious room. The remains of the entrance vestibule for the old school house creates a lovely feature and additional light.

To the rear of the property is a very useful room, currently used as an office and studio, but also as a fourth bedroom enjoying lovely views over the garden and built in shelving. Adjacent is an inner boot room with flagstone floor providing plenty of space for muddy boots and coats with useful rear access via a charming porch built in traditional wooden seats with internal log storage. There is also a utility room with a range of wall and base units , secondary sink and space for an integrated washing machine as well as downstairs WC.

To the first floor, there are three very good sized double bedrooms, each with en suite, set slightly into the eaves whilst maintaining excellent ceiling heights throughout. Each retains much period character and charm alongside their own identity. Throughout the house, multiple, individual niches can be found to give much interest to a delightful property. The principal bedroom benefits from a double aspect with feature fireplace and charming window seats overlooking the garden and fields beyond. There are useful, built-in wardrobes and plenty of additional space for storage. There is a modern, good sized en suite bathroom enjoying plenty of light from a deep set traditional window with far reaching views.

There are two further double bedrooms on this floor, each with much character and with lovely cottage windows providing peaceful, rural views and ensuite, shower and bathroom. There are built-in wardrobes in each bedroom providing plenty of storage options which is often a rarity in these properties and an excellent benefit.

Gardens and Grounds
Outside, the property enjoys charming aspects overlooking fields and the church, as well as neighbouring period properties. The cottage benefits from access from two sides, providing two parking areas for at least seven cars in total, as well as the impressive detached garage and carport. The private gardens are an absolute delight, wrapping the property and enjoying a southerly aspect. Mainly laid to lawn, the gardens are immaculately presented with a beautiful array of established beds and borders, traditional walling and an incredible sweet chestnut tree, thought to be 350 years old. There is a charming area of orchard and vegetable plot with a potting shed/greenhouse, as well as gravelled seating area and covered patio overlooking the open countryside, this provides a perfect place to enjoy the sunset on a warm evening. Bespoke timber screening has been created as an optional addition to this area to create further privacy if required or indeed to separate the workshop area more definitely.

The bespoke and impressive workshop/studio and garage building with timber cladding has been constructed to a very high standard, with plastered cavity walls and excellent insulation, creating a warm and inviting space for an office or studio. It has its own power supply; alarm; smoke detector; and internet access linked to the main house. Upstairs there is a large area currently used for storage that could have other uses subject to any necessary consents.

Location

Hayne Barton lies in a peaceful location in the heart of the highly regarded hamlet of Stowford, a small village with a church and thriving village centre with village hall, annual crafts event, monthly quiz and monthly coffee mornings. The hamlet is situated in the heart of the rolling West Devon countryside, between Okehampton and Launceston and close to the beautiful River Lyd valley and the Devon/Cornwall border.

Lewdown village, 1 mile away, has a post office/general store and pub.The sought after village of Lifton is 4 miles away with a post office/general store; restaurants, delicatessen and coffee shop, including the renowned Arundel Arms and fabulous Strawberry fields farm shop just 10 minutes away. Conveniently located, the larger towns of Okehampton, Launceston and Tavistock are all less then 12 miles away and offer a comprehensive range of facilities.

The ancient stannary town of Tavistock possesses a full range of facilities, charming independent shops and supermarkets. There are also good local amenities in either Launceston or Okehampton, where there is a Waitrose store. The North Cornish beaches are only about 25 miles away and the property lies just outside the Dartmoor National Park boundary, renowned for its spectacular scenery and providing excellent opportunities for walking, riding and fishing. For water sport enthusiasts, Roadford Lake offers a great deal of choice and opportunity.

There is quick access onto the A30 dual carriageway leading west into Cornwall and east to the university and cathedral city of Exeter (33 miles distant), where there is access onto the M5 motorway, an international airport and stations with mainline connections to London.

Okehampton train station provides a regular hourly service to Exeter which takes 37 minutes. The Cathedral City of Exeter is a thriving city, which boasts The Princesshay Shopping Centre, Guildhall Food Halls, a John Lewis Department store as well as an extensive selection of independent schools, shops and eateries, theatres, an award-winning museum and a world class University. Exeter St David’s mainline train station also has regular trains to London and The Midlands.

There is a vairety of schooling option to chose from with primary schools in Lewdown and Lifton, and a registered childminder in the village. There are Secondary schools in Launceston, Tavistock and Okehampton and various private schools in the area, including for example Mount Kelly in Tavistock, Exeter School and The Maynards in Exeter.

Square Footage: 3,520 sq ft



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Additional Info

Mains water and electricity
Private drainage
Oil central heating