Plympton St Maurice

Dating in parts to the early 19th Century, this outstanding detached barn was converted and substantially extended in 2018 by the current owners, creating a wonderful family home full of charm and character, which also boasts spacious rooms with an abundance of natural light from large windows and Veluxes throughout.  Set in a plot just shy of one acre, over three large walled gardens, this hidden gem enjoys a plethora of features, both beautiful and practical, which enhance the living experience beyond the commonplace.

Internally, the old has been seamlessly united with the new, pairing original oak beams, vaulted ceilings, oak plank lift-latch doors and exposed brickwork, with oak and glass balustrading, extra-wide oak plank flooring to most rooms and slate tiled flooring in the kitchen, bathrooms and entrance.  Other mod-cons include underfloor heating throughout the ground floor with individual thermostats in each room, CAT5 hard wired Wi-Fi points and superfast fibre broadband to the property.

A part-glazed front door with frosted sidelights and transom leads to the Entrance Hall which has a useful double cloaks cupboard and leads to the bedrooms to the right and living accommodation to the left.  Two steps lead up to the Sitting Room, which is a truly impressive vaulted room, yet retains a warm feeling with French windows leading to the rear garden, a useful storage cupboard and a large feature wood burning stove set on a slate hearth.  Steps lead up to the Kitchen/Dining Room, which has an oak and glass balustrade overlooking the sitting room, two sets of French windows and a stable door to the rear.  The Kitchen area is fitted with a range of matching wooden base units and substantial island unit with granite work surfaces over and cupboards and drawers under incorporating a Belfast sink with mixer tap, a Rangemaster Classic 100 cooker with five ring gas hob and double electric oven, Rangemaster extractor over, and an integral dishwasher.  Feature display shelving and ample space for a large fridge/freezer complete this comfortable and practical yet impressive kitchen.  There is a convenient Utility Room which is fitted with wall and base units with work surfaces over and a cupboard under incorporating space and plumbing for a washing machine and tumble dryer, wall mounted Ariston boiler and a good sized understairs storage cupboard.

From the sitting room, stairs rise to an excellent mezzanine level which overlooks the living accommodation but could easily be partitioned to create a more intimate space if required.  This space is currently used as a TV area but lends itself to use as a home office, snug, gym, etc. according to individual requirements.  A door leads from here to Bedroom 2, which is an ideal guest or granny suite with an en-suite shower room.

The remaining bedrooms and bathrooms are accessed by proceeding to the right from the entrance hall into the new part of the house.  On the ground floor there are three generous double bedrooms, each featuring window seats providing delightful views over the garden to the church beyond, two having useful double fitted wardrobes and one with an under stairs cupboard with hanging rail and shelving space.  In addition, bedroom 3 benefits from an en-suite shower room and there is also a good-sized family bathroom.  All bath and shower rooms are fitted to a high standard with feature tiling, rainfall showers and heated towel rails.

Stairs rise from the hallway and turn to the Master Bedroom which is a superb, dual aspect room with shuttered windows to the side and rear boasting a truly stunning view over the orchard to the church beyond.  There is a walk-in wardrobe and spacious En-Suite Bathroom fitted to a consistent standard, with the added luxury of a large freestanding Italian stone bath.

The gardens are a truly spectacular feature of this property, facing due south and comprising the original kitchen gardens for the main Plympton manor house in addition to what is thought to be a siege mound used circa 1224 in the siege of Plympton Castle by King Henry III’s Sherriff of Devon, which culminated in the surrender of the rebel occupiers of the castle.  Comprising three sections, the gardens are surrounded and partitioned by high stone walls, providing security and privacy, and creating a natural haven within this historic suburb of Plymouth.

The Mound Garden features a large paved patio immediately to the rear of the house and accessed from the sitting room, dining room and kitchen, with a brick-built barbecue and prep area.  Planning permission exists to create a frameless glass garden room here, if additional living space is required.  Adjoining the patio lies the siege mound, which now has a mature oak tree atop providing shade and a convenient branch for a swing.  Below the mound is the orchard which is planted with a wide variety of mature apple trees, and which put on a stunning display of blossom in the spring.  There is the added benefit of a large bike/storage shed with adjoining wood store and wood chopping area, and a pedestrian gate giving access to the front.

Pathways lead to the next section which is mainly laid to lawn with a large mower shed (mulching ride-on mower may be available by separate negotiation) and a historic wooden framed greenhouse with attached potting shed and walled vegetable patch.  Reminiscent of those at Mothecombe House and Gardens, and whilst currently dilapidated, if restored to its original condition, the greenhouse would be a wonderful and practical piece of history.  There is also an excellent tree house with climbing net and parallel rope walk.

The final portion of the garden is also mainly laid to lawn with a composting area.  The grounds are ideal for family life, providing ample spaces for relaxing, socialising and playing in a secure and private environment.  The gardens are well established with a wide variety of mature specimen trees, shrubs and other plants providing interest throughout the year including a fig tree, smoke tree, holly, hydrangeas, roses, eucalyptus, honeysuckle, cordylines, a beautiful wisteria on the rear elevation of the house and, of course, numerous apple trees dotted around the garden in addition to the orchard.

To the front of the property, the house is approached via the electrically-operated gates leading into Plympton House Estate and where there is a large parking area with pedestrian gate to the rear and electricity supply for provision of an EV charging station.  There are well-stocked flower beds running along the front elevation, planted with aromatic specimens such as rosemary and lavender.