Meadfoot, Torquay

Villa St Christopher is an elegant detached Victorian residence, originally built for an army officer circa 1852, set in a cul-de-sac location in one of Torquay’s most exclusive locations on the South Devon Coast. A loved home to our clients family for circa 60 years and retaining a wealth of period detailing complete with lofty ceiling heights, ornate ceiling plasterwork, and open fireplaces. Affording commodious yet comfortable living space, the property has been priced to reflect the need for general modernisation whilst presenting a rare opportunity for those seeking a fine home which can be enhanced to meet personal taste and style. The garden is equally a blank canvass, facing southerly with sloping lawn.

Hesketh Road stands a mere pebble throw from the picturesque Meadfoot Beach, a haven for water sports. To the head of the cul-de-sac is pedestrian access into the Lincombe Woods running above the beach to Ilsham Green and through the Ilsham Valley to Wellswood with its village ambience, renowned Primary School and well supported St Matthias Church. Approximately one mile to the west lies Torquay's Harbour and Yacht Marina where the sea front promenade sweeps around to the flag ship Tor Abbey Sands, Torquay Tennis Club and Leisure Centre.

OWNER'S INSIGHT

"Having been our family home for 60 years and grown up at Villa St. Christopher, it is certainly emotional knowing it will soon be changing custodianship. Over our parents first 40 years, and throughout our childhood, it was both our home and business running as a busy B&B with many a weekend spent helping our parents with chores. We can't complain though, having Meadfoot Beach on the doorstep and Ilsham Woods at the top of the road there could have been a lot worse places to grow up! We have never taken the location for granted, and we hope the new owners take as much enjoyment as we have. The Little Theatre is a within a 10 minute stroll from the house. Torquay's Harbour is a short distance further and selection of first class restaurants including the Michelin starred Elephant. We will no doubt shed a tear or two when we close the door for the last time, but have comfort knowing another family will be starting their chapter at the old house."

STEP INSIDE

A heavy panelled door with leaded light detailing opens to the ENTRANCE VESTIBULE with mosaic decorative tiled floor. Inner door leads to the IMPRESSIVE RECEPTION HALL featuring a tiled fireplace with oriental surround and mantle. Decorative cornice work and sash window with working shutters. The DINING ROOM boasts striking ceiling plaster work, Adams style fireplace, and southerly bay window overlooking the garden. The SITTING ROOM equally enjoys a southerly aspect from the bay window over the garden, ornate cornice work and Adam style fireplace with gas fire (not checked). Leading from the reception hall is the REAR INNER HALL retaining the servants call bell panel.

BREAKFAST ROOM, KITCHEN & AUXILIARY ROOMS

The BREAKFAST ROOM was once the original kitchen and could easily be reverted to make a fine room at the heart of the home. Retaining a tiled fireplace recess ideal for a range cooker, quarry tiled floor and sash window with working shutters. A sealed door could be reinstated to the adjoining kitchen, which would admirably suit a sizeable utility and larder. The KITCHEN is fitted with a range of units in solid pine, roll edged work tops with inset sink. Fitted cupboards to one alcove, quarry tiled floor and window. Off the lobby is a SHOWER ROOM, WORKSHOP/STORE, and BOOT ROOM with sink and GlowWorm gas boiler.

STEP UPSTAIRS

From the Reception Hall the elegant staircase with heavy carved newel posts and spindles sweeps to the first floor. Off the half landing are TWO SMALLER DOUBLE BEDROOMS both with sash windows and fireplaces, and the FAMILY BATHROOM and separate WC. Stairs continue to the main landing with overhead obscure glazed window allowing ample natural light. BEDROOM 1 with bay window overlooking the private garden enjoying a view over the neighbouring Hesketh Crescent towards the sea and the surrounding wooded area. Marble fireplace with tiled hearth. EN-SUITE BATHROOM. BEDROOM 2 has been sub divided into a primary bedroom with bay window overlooking the garden, inner hall, and SINGLE BEDROOM which would admirably suit a nursery, dressing room, or potential to create an ensuite. Two further DOUBLE BEDROOMS, both with fireplaces and one having an EN-SUITE SHOWER ROOM.

CELLARAGE

From the rear inner hall, Stone steps lead down to a cobbled floor CELLARAGE with main room and additional store room which retains the deep slate shelving originally for cold storage.

STEP OUTSIDE

A five bar wooden gate with limestone pillars leads to the substantial driveway. There is a separate DETACHED SINGLE GARAGE with personal door, and sizeable GARDEN STORE. The main gardens of the villa are positioned to the southerly aspect with gravelled terrace running the front of the property and steps leading down to the lower sloping lawn with central palm tree and enclosed with stone walled and hedged boundaries. A patio area stands to the easterly side close to the house, and access around the house with stepped approach back to the garage and driveway.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

GENERAL: Gas Central Heating COUNCIL TAX BAND - G (Torbay Council).

OUR AREA

Torquay is nestled on the warm South Devon coast being one of three towns along with Paignton and Brixham which form the natural east facing harbour of Torbay, sheltered from the English Channel. Torbay's wide selection of stunning beaches, picturesque coastline, mild climate and recreational facilities reinforce why it has rightfully earned the renowned nickname of the English Riviera.

TORQUAY IS WELL CONNECTED

By Train: Torquay Train Station has some direct lines to London Paddington and Birmingham and is just one stop from the main line Newton Abbot. By Air: Exeter Airport provides both UK and international flights. By Sea: Torquay Marina provides a safe haven for boats in all weathers, sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly winds. Regional Cities of Exeter & Plymouth approximately 22 miles and 32 miles respectively. Magnificent Dartmoor National park approximately 12 miles.

DIRECTIONS

SAT NAV: TQ1 2LN. WHAT3WORDS: drove.places.custom.

Garden

Sloping southerly facing garden.

Parking - Garage

Parking - Driveway