Yarcombe, Honiton, Devon

THE PROPERTY.
Hillside comprises a particularly attractive detached period residence which has had an interesting history and is thought to have previously been a smallholding and subsequently a tilery, being called Tilery Cottage as seen on a date stone of 1866 on the gable of the house. The house is of traditional construction with stone and rendered elevations under a slated roof and was the subject of a large single storey extension in 2008, resulting in a spacious and superbly appointed home. It has been the subject of a comprehensive programme of improvement over the past 6 years and is found in exceptional order with great care and attention given to the fittings and overall finish. Hillside blends all the charm and character of a traditional cottage, however, is decorated with a more modern approach and the rooms are all light and take full advantage of the outstanding views.

The heart of the house is the sun/drawing room which is a large vaulted room with magnificent views, huge oak cross beam, wood burner and French doors to an attractive stone terrace. There is a welcoming entrance hallway which gives access to the sitting room which features a fine inglenook fireplace with flagstone hearth and wood burner, and the farmhouse kitchen/breakfast room which is well-appointed and has a range cooker and a double Belfast sink. There is also a beautiful ground floor wet room, utility and useful boot room. It is worth noting that there is underfloor heating in the sunroom, utility and wet room.

As you climb the stairs there is a window on the landing which hits you with the jaw-dropping views. To the first floor there is a superb double-aspect principal bedroom (which was previously two separate bedrooms) which has an en-suite shower room. There are two further bedrooms and a family bathroom with shower above the bath.

Hillside was very much designed with efficiency in mind and has a sophisticated heating and electrical system with a ground-mounted 9Kw solar panel array, 10Kw battery storage, all linked to a 12Kw air-source heat pump with dual tank heatstore. This makes it incredibly efficient for a property of its type. It also benefits from a modern sewage treatment plant which serves the house, Hillside Lodge and the office.

GARDENS & GROUNDS.
Undoubtedly one of the main features of Hillside is its outstanding setting which offers your very own secluded rural retreat, perched on the gentle slopes of the Yarty Valley and gaining what can only be described as breathtaking 360-degree views which draw your eye to a glimpse of the sea at Seaton . This must be one of the finest views in the county with the valley’s wide basin, undulating countryside and patchwork fields which stretch out for miles. The property benefits from an excellent range of buildings which include a superb detached lodge, a cabin used as a home office, and a huge workshop (previously with commercial use), so is extremely adaptable and would suit those looking to generate an income (no doubt with a great deal of additional potential), light commercial, smallholding, or studio/hobby space.

The property is approached over a driveway (over which a neighbouring property has a right of way) which leads to a parking area with space for numerous vehicles. Steps then drop down to the house, passing a waterfall and pond, and around to the side where there is a timber garden shed and access into the cottage garden. This is attractively laid out with a productive kitchen garden with raised vegetable and herb beds, greenhouse, level lawns and several apple trees. To the east of this is a superb orchard which is particularly sheltered due to it high laurel hedging which surrounds it and has a variety of established trees including apple, pear and plum. From the main parking area the driveway sweeps around the house to further parking to the east where there is an attractive stone terrace outside the sunroom.

As previously mentioned, Hillside benefits from a great range of buildings which offer enormous potential. These are in very good order and have been the subject of a considerable amount of work which has included re-roofing the workshop and office, along with the complete refurbishment of Hillside Lodge. The buildings briefly comprise: -

Hillside Lodge – A stunning detached lodge with timber clad elevations under a tiled roof. This has been fully refurbished and offers very comfortable, spacious and beautifully light accommodation which takes full advantage of the spectacular views.

A porch leads you into an impressive vaulted open-plan living/dining room with pine floors and sliding doors onto the large (recently installed) decked terrace. There is a well-fitted kitchen, shower room with large walk-in shower and two large double bedrooms. The lodge is well insulated and has modern electric radiators. It provides superb ancillary accommodation, perfect for multigenerational living, or could provide an income subject to any necessary planning consent required.

The Workshop – A huge commercial sized workshop which is very well fitted out, fully insulated and could suit a variety of uses. This is divided into three main rooms, part of which has a loft over and houses the battery storage and inverter. It has a large roller door to one end and an excellent implement store/garage which has double doors to the front and rear.

Cabin/Office/Studio – A useful detached home office which also has a shower room. This could have further potential and has a timber deck and delightful views.

There are several other outbuildings/stores which include a detached Yoga Hut which sits in the most breath-taking position with 360-degree views and where there is a hardstanding with a small above-ground swimming pool which is heated with solar mats and a small air source heat pump. There is also a large log store/implement store in the field to the north.

The grounds at Hillside surround the property and have been thoughtfully designed in order to create the most idyllic setting and the most wonderful haven for wildlife and bird life. They are dominated by the spectacular views and every part of the property has its own unique vista. To the east is a large field with mown pathways which meander past wild areas and flower meadows and have recently been planted with a copse of Eucalyptus and Paulownia. There is also a further, more mature copse with a variety of trees including Sweet Chestnut, Cherry, Birch, and Alder. Above this field is a stunning secluded meadow with Yoga Hut and pool area.

The field to the north is a similar story and is beautifully arranged with several strategically placed seating areas including a large barbeque terrace. This has also been recently planted with young Eucalyptus and within this field is a substantial ground mounted solar array and the log/implement store. In total the gardens and grounds extend to circa 4.3 acres.

SITUATION.
Hillside is located in a superb position on the country outskirts of the popular village of Yarcombe, which in turn lies within the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Yarcombe nestles in the River Yarty Valley (over which Hillside has magnificent views), amongst some of East Devon’s most picturesque countryside and has a friendly and active community, pretty Church of St John the Baptist and soon to reopen historic Inn, and is home to the hugely popular Summer Yarcombe ‘Terrier Races’. Although semi-rural, Yarcombe is conveniently positioned with excellent road links via the old A30 and the A303 which is less than 2 miles away. Hillside lies between the towns of Chard and Honiton, both of which have a good range of amenities. These
include the usual multiples, as well as many independent shops, leisure facilities, schools, restaurants and doctor’s surgeries. Honiton, which is also well known for its many antique and book shops, benefits from a main line rail link on the Exeter to Waterloo line.

Taunton, the county town of Somerset is approximately 12 miles to the north and affords a wider choice of shopping facilities, an express rail link to London Paddington and M5 access. The Cathedral city of Exeter lies about 24 miles away and has an excellent shopping centre and an international airport. The property lies about 15 miles from the coast and there are several popular seaside towns including Sidmouth and Lyme Regis. This stretch of coastline is well known for its beautiful walks, high cliffs and dramatic scenery and sits at the heart of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

DIRECTIONS.
From Honiton, proceed out of the town in an easterly direction onto the A30 and continue for about 5 miles, turning right signposted Yarcombe. Drop down through the woods and the driveway to Hillside will be found on your left hand side immediately after the ‘Welcome to Yarcombe’ sign.

SERVICES & LOCAL AUTHORITY.
Mains electricity and water. Private drainage (treatment plant). Air source heating. Photovoltaic array with battery storage.
East Devon District Council - .
Council Tax Band: F. Freehold.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE.
Rating: D.

FLOOD RISK.
Flood risk information can be checked through the following:

BROADBAND & MOBILE.
The seller has advised us that fast fibre broadband is available at the property Broadband availability at this location can be checked through: checker.ofcom.org.uk/
Mobile coverage can be checked through: checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/mobile-coverage