Old Slade Quarry, Ilfracombe

For sale by informal tender -cash buyers only please. - A 2 bedroom single storey property together with range of outbuildings [1,245 sq ft], built within a former stone quarry which covers about 2.4 acres and is arranged over several tiers, linked by a grass track. From the top there are delightful valley views. The property may lend itself to possible home with income uses, subject to planning permission, such as camping, holiday lodges etc. EPC Band F.

Situation & Amenities - The property is approached via a private ‘no through’ track and is elevated well above the road below. As one climbs the land, there is a continuation grass vehicular track to the top and delightful views into the wooded valley below. Ilfracombe town centre is within a short drive. The town nestles on the glorious, dramatic North Devon coastline with picturesque harbour and offers a variety of shops, restaurants, building society, health centre, schools to all ages etc. Lee Bay, which is within easy access, is a quiet rocky inlet on the North Devon coast and one of the area’s few remaining unspoilt coastal locations. The well known coastal resort of Woolacombe is also nearby, known worldwide for its surfing sandy beach. The market town of Barnstaple is around 12 miles and as the regional centre, houses the area’s main business, commercial, leisure and shopping venues, as well as pannier market and District Hospital. The sandy beaches of Saunton (also with championship golf course), Croyde and Putsborough are also within easy reach, as is Exmoor National Park. The nearest international airports are at Bristol and Exeter.

Description - This is a most unusual property, where the components include a detached two bedroom character bungalow, two connecting outbuildings, an ancient caravan, extensive parking and approximately 2.4 acres of tiered land, within the original quarry which we understand was last mined around 100 years ago.
Although the current vendor has lived in the property for over 40 years and pays council tax, the planning records show that an application previously made in 1978 to build a dwelling, was refused. Therefore, in reality there is no formal consent in place. However, the vendor’s solicitors are in the process of applying for a ‘Certificate of Lawfulness’, from the local planning authority, which should formally recognise that the dwelling exists.
The bungalow has a concrete and block base, timber frame, timber clad, beneath a felt and corrugated roof. There is a LEAN-TO GREENHOUSE/ SUN ROOM which gives access to a SITTING ROOM, KITCHEN/DINING ROOM, INNER HALLWAY, TWO BEDROOMS and BATHROOM. There are electric radiators strategically placed throughout the dwelling. Beneath is a STORAGE VOID, also housing an electric pump from the dwelling to the septic tank. Across the driveway, there is a BARN/WORKSHOP and ADJOINING SHED/STORE and behind this a dilapidated CARAVAN. The driveway continues above the dwelling, through a gateway onto a grass track which leads to three further levels of GARDEN, mainly laid to grass, interspersed with mature specimen shrubs and trees, opening out into open countryside and a natural haven for wildlife. The three level areas, as one ascends the hill, would seem ideal locations to erect holiday lodges or for camping pods etc. (subject to any necessary planning permission being obtained).

Services - Mains electricity and water. Private drainage. According to Ofcom Ultrafast broadband is available at the property and mobile signal may be likely by O2 and Vodafone. For more information please see the Ofcom website: checker.ofcom.org.uk

Directions - Entering Ilfracombe from Mullacott Cross, proceed down the A361 and follow the road until you get to a cross roads, at this take a left up ‘Church Hill’ and the next left onto ‘Belmont Road’. Keep on this road heading towards Slade, until you get to Higher Slade Road. Stay on this road for around 1 mile, you will then see Saltmer Close on your left, the quarry will be found on the right, just past two new build houses, identified by our ‘For Sale’ board.

WHAT3WORDS///skyrocket.rapport.diverting

Special Note - The access track to the property should only be negotiated using a 4x4 vehicle, otherwise please leave your vehicle on the roadside and walk up the track.