Stowford, Lewdown, Okehampton, Devon, EX20

An exceptional and charming Grade II listed cottage with superb proportions, established gardens and an additional detached two storey building with a variety of potential uses.

Description

Dating back almost 400 years, this wonderful South-facing Grade II listed character cottage is steeped in history. Originally forming part of the Hayne Estate up until 1922, Hayne Barton (or ‘farmstead’) assumes a commanding location in the village’s centre. During the 20th century the property served as the village school, with the original front door to the school house now providing a stunning focal point in the sitting room. The property retains numerous period features showcasing this rich history. 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 inviting 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 running through to the kitchen, an inglenook fireplace with clome oven, beamed ceiling and an area of original screening still visible.

The triple aspect farmhouse kitchen provides a bright ample space for a large farmhouse kitchen table and additional seating area. A traditional electric four oven Aga brings nostalgic warmth and charm to this lovely room, whilst an additional freestanding Aga with fan oven provides all the convenience and control of modern cooking and additional options whilst entertaining. Recently updated, the room boasts a North facing walk-in pantry, range of modern base units, integrated dishwasher, Silestone worktops and a double sink with a magical view across the garden and fields beyond.

The generous sitting room is flooded with light from double aspect windows and French doors leading onto a South-facing patio area with ample seating for entertaining. The engineered oak flooring and beamed ceilings, as well as a traditional open fire with clome oven provide 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 the fourth bedroom, currently used as an office and studio. This bright yet cosy room enjoys lovely views over the garden and encompasses floor-ceiling built in bookcases/cupboards flanking a quaint fireplace.

Adjacent is a large entrance hall with flagstone flooring providing plenty of space for seating, muddy boots and coats. A bespoke period style hardwood backdoor leads out into a gravelled parking area via a charming porch with built-in traditional wooden seats and log storage.

There is also a stylish utility room with a range of wall and base units, ceiling mounted clothes airer, ceramic butler’s sink, integrated washing machine and tumble drier. An adjoining downstairs WC incorporates attractive period features.

To the first floor, there are three very good sized South-facing double bedrooms, each with en suite, set slightly into the eaves whilst maintaining excellent ceiling heights throughout and sweeping views across the countryside. 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 lovely cottage windows providing peaceful rural views. There are well appointed en suite bathrooms and 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
The property boasts a large traditional style detached two storey building, constructed to a very high standard with timber cladding, plastered cavity walls and excellent insulation, creating a warm and inviting space. Mains electrical supply, WiFi and a sophisticated smoke/intruder alarm (which can be monitored remotely) have all been installed. The ground floor benefits from an oak timber walkway with covered seating area and three large distinct areas, currently in use as a workshop/office, garage and carport. Upstairs is a vast area spanning approximately 11.7 x 7 metres, currently used for storage but with huge potential. Overall, the building has fantastic development potential for use as an annexe for multigenerational living, home office or holiday let (subject to obtaining the necessary consents). With dedicated vehicular access, parking area and attractive gardens, it is an excellent potential investment opportunity in an area popular with visitors.

Outside, the property enjoys charming aspects overlooking fields and the church, as well as neighbouring period properties. The cottage benefits from gated access from two sides, providing two parking areas for at least seven cars in total and easy vehicular access to the impressive detached garage and carport. The mature 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 shrubs, traditional walling and an incredible sweet chestnut tree, thought to be 350 years old. A charming small gate leads to a lawned area and vegetable plot with soft fruit bushes and a greenhouse adjacent to the two storey detached building. A gravelled seating area and covered patio overlooking the open countryside provides a perfect place to enjoy the sunset on a warm evening. Bespoke oak screening has been created as an optional addition to this area to create further privacy if required.

Location

Hayne Barton lies in a peaceful location in the heart of the highly regarded hamlet of Stowford, with a church and thriving village centre including: a 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 10 minutes away. The village benefits from access to Fibre broadband with installation of Ultra Fast Fibre broadband due to be completed by December 2026. Airband is already available in the village.

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 historical Pannier market, charming independent shops and supermarkets. There are also good local amenities in either Launceston or Okehampton, where there is a Waitrose store.

A variety of beaches in Devon/Cornwall are accessible within 40 minutes 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.

The property lies 7 minutes from the A30 dual carriageway taking you West into Cornwall in just 10 minutes and East to the university and cathedral city of Exeter in 40 mins, where there is access onto the M5 motorway, an international airport and Exeter St. David’s station with its mainline train connections to London (with journey times from 2 hours and 4 minutes) and the Midlands. Okehampton train station provides an hourly train service to Exeter which takes 37 minutes.

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. The historical ‘Ocean City’ of Plymouth lies 45 minutes away.

There are a variety of schooling options to choose 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 prestigious private schools in the area, including 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