Introduction
Nestled in the heart of the countryside, Wolleigh House stands as one of the region’s most exquisite homes. This private residence boasts stunning views and luxurious living spaces. Having facilitated its sale to the current owners in 2011, I am thrilled to assist in finding its next fortunate owner. Wolleigh House offers more than just a residence; it provides an exceptional lifestyle. This is a truly unique opportunity.
Constructed in 1891 for railway engineer Henry Tanner Ferguson, Wolleigh House has largely remained within the family over the past century. The house, built from local granite in a striking Gothic style, overlooks 43.8 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, pastures, and woodlands, offering breathtaking views of the countryside and moorlands.
Since acquiring the property in 2011, the current owners, with the expertise of renowned interior design firm Ashton House, have transformed it into a welcoming, comfortable home. This modernisation has preserved the property's historic charm while catering perfectly to contemporary living.
The Owner’s Story
We began our search for a Devon home in 2010, seeking a property to make our own, and Wolleigh House was the perfect fit. We aimed to create a family-friendly environment where our children could thrive. Its location was crucial due to our frequent stays in London, requiring easy access to major roads and amenities. The proximity to Dartmoor and the coast has been ideal, allowing us to enjoy morning walks with our dogs on the moor and afternoons on the beaches of the South Hams. This blend of convenience and tranquility has been a dream.
Upon taking ownership, we collaborated with local designers and trades to remodel the house to our liking. We replaced all the windows and expanded the kitchen, transforming it into a spacious, modern living area. We installed underfloor heating on most of the ground floor and integrated discreet ceiling speakers. The renovation was extensive, but the results were rewarding. The house has been revitalised, ensuring its excellent condition for years to come.
We also significantly updated the cottage for our parents. Originally two small units, we combined and extended them, adding a large Carpenter Oak kitchen extension with underfloor heating throughout. This has created a lovely, comfortable home for them.
Wolleigh House has been the setting for many cherished family gatherings, from Easter egg hunts to summer and Christmas celebrations. The property, with its grass tracks, lake, and forest, has provided a magical environment for our children.
Our intention was always to make Wolleigh our permanent home, but as our children have grown, their activities and friendships in London have made it challenging to spend as much time here. It’s time for a new family to enjoy all that Wolleigh House and its surroundings have to offer. We promise it will be a delightful experience!
The Interior
Ground Floor
Entering through the large oak door, the porch features a vaulted ceiling, stained glass window, and beautiful tiled floor. Glazed doors open into an impressive entrance hall with an engineered oak floor, underfloor heating, an oak staircase, a cloakroom, and a wood burner.
The drawing and dining rooms, to the right of the hall, continue with the engineered oak flooring and underfloor heating. These spaces are elegant, timeless, and filled with natural light from tall windows overlooking the grounds and moorland. The dining area features an antique mirror tile wall and delicate hanging lights above a table seating up to eighteen. The drawing room boasts a marble fireplace with an open fire and granite hearth, perfect for relaxing.
The sitting room, also accessed from the entrance hall, has French doors leading to the terrace, a cozy fireplace with a wood burner, and built-in bookshelves. It’s a serene space ideal for movie nights or reading.
On the left of the hall is the kitchen breakfast room, featuring an island with a granite top, bar stools, and ample preparation space. The kitchen, equipped by Smallbone, includes a Gaggenau electric oven, fridge freezer, and a Lacanche range cooker. A snug area off the kitchen leads to a utility room.
The bright, spacious orangery, accessible from the kitchen, is perfect for morning coffee and connects seamlessly to the garden. It features windows on three sides and an electronically operated roof lantern.
A playroom/TV room off the kitchen, with engineered oak and underfloor heating, provides plenty of storage for toys and games. This room could also serve as a study.
The rear hall, accessed from the kitchen and playroom/study, features a secondary staircase to the upper floors, a staircase to the cellar, a boot room, and a cloakroom.
The cellar, with plastered walls and engineered oak flooring, includes a temperature-controlled wine storage room and three large rooms suitable for a gym, indoor cycling studio, games room, or home cinema.
First Floor
The main bedroom is a beautifully designed space with a large bay window, built-in window seat, seating area, and stunning views. It leads to a dressing room with built-in wardrobes and a luxurious en-suite bathroom with a tiled floor, twin basins, a freestanding bath, and a walk-in shower.
Bedroom two offers moorland views, painted floorboards, and access to a shared bathroom with a bath, separate shower enclosure, WC, and basin.
The second landing provides access to three additional large double bedrooms with views over the grounds or moorland, a steam room with shower, a bathroom, and a separate WC. The secondary staircase is also accessible from this landing. The second floor features a bathroom, three double bedrooms, and loft space access.
The Cottage
Opposite the driveway, the cottage has been transformed from two storage units into a comfortable home. It includes a long room used as a dining/study space, a living room with a wood burner, and a cloakroom. A half-flight staircase leads to the kitchen breakfast room, featuring a vaulted ceiling, oak beams, Velux windows, and French doors to a private patio with moorland views. Another half-flight staircase leads to an en-suite bedroom with built-in wardrobes. The cottage has engineered oak and underfloor heating throughout.
The Exterior
Wolleigh House is set within 43.83 acres of land, including gardens, an orchard, a lake, grass fields, and a forest. The main garden, visible from the house, features a circular rose bed, level lawn, and a large terrace extending the width of the property.
The land has been maintained to preserve its natural habitats. Pathways cut through the fields lead to the lake, which has been enlarged and has a pathway around it, and into the woodland. There is a gate which gives you access into the National Trust, Parke estate. This means you can enjoy lovely extended walks, along the river or disused railway line, without the need to get in the car.
Outbuildings
The property includes ample parking with a resin-bound driveway leading to multiple garages, including a treble garage, two double garages, and a single garage. The water filtration pump, storage, and oil-fired central heating boilers are located here. There is also a greenhouse, potting shed, and machinery barn.
Location
Wolleigh House enjoys a prime location on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, within a short drive of numerous tors and open moorland. The property is 1.5 miles from Bovey Tracey, a bustling town with shops, amenities, and services. Newton Abbot, offering more comprehensive shopping, is nearby, with Exeter, featuring an international airport, just 16 miles away. The A38 Devon Expressway provides quick links to the M5, Exeter, Plymouth, and Cornwall. Newton Abbot’s mainline railway station offers fast trains to London Paddington, while coastal resorts like Teignmouth and Shaldon are within a 20-30 minute drive, and the South Hams within around 40 minutes.
Useful Information
Tenure: Freehold
Title Number: DN84981
Local Authority: Teignbridge District Council
Council Tax Band: Wolleigh House: H (£4759.32 for 2024/25), Annexe: B (£1850.85 for 2024/25)
EPC Rating: Wolleigh House: E, Annexe: F
Broadband: Fibre to the Property (up to 900 MBPS via BT)
Services: Mains electricity, private water and drainage, oil-fired central heating.
Construction: Construction finished in 1891 and is built with granite stone.