Northleigh, Colyton, Devon, EX24

A beautiful 17th-century home with a detached Cottage set in approximately 12 acres.

Description

Tara Springs is a rare and beautiful country property, believed to date from the 17th century and tucked into a south-facing valley on the edge of Northleigh, East Devon. Despite its secluded setting, it is well placed for access to Honiton, Colyton, the coast, Exeter, and excellent local schools.

Approached by a short drive from a quiet country lane, the house is full of warmth and brims with character throughout, and yet is not a listed property. Following renovations between 2008-10, the house offers three well-proportioned reception rooms, including an historic dining room and a cosy, yet elegant drawing room. The kitchen/breakfast room and the adjoining garden room form the heart of the home and open directly onto a terrace, which is ideal for entertaining and everyday family life. A separate pantry, utility room, WC, and a study complete the ground floor.

Upstairs are five bedrooms. The principal and guest bedrooms both have ensuite bathrooms, while the remaining three bedrooms share a family bathroom.

Outside, the property benefits from two large outbuildings that were renovated in 2018, offering a range of potential uses including workshops, car storage, home offices or even conversion (subject to the necessary consents). These are located west of the main house and are accessed from a separate drive.

The Cottage stands alone with its own access and parking. It provides flexible accommodation, perfect for multi-generational living or as an additional income, and comprises a kitchen/dining room, sitting room, bedroom, bathroom and a separate cloakroom. An external staircase leads to a large loft space above the cottage.

Surrounding the house are areas of formal and informal gardens, including an orchard with a variety of fruit trees, and a delightful large pond behind the cottage. To the north of the house, the land opens out into two fields, lying either side of a gently meandering stream, ideal for livestock or equestrian use. Both fields have good access to the lane, and are also accessible from the garden.

In all, Tara Springs extends to approximately 12 acres.

Location

Situated within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Tara Springs enjoys a private and unspoilt setting, just four miles from Honiton and within easy reach of the coast at Branscombe, Sidmouth, Seaton and Lyme Regis.

Colyton Grammar School, one of Britain’s top-performing state schools, lies just a few miles away. There are excellent independent options nearby, including Exeter School, The Maynard, Blundell’s, Sherborne, and Port Regis. Primary and secondary schools can also be found in Honiton and Axminster.

Road and rail links are excellent, with the A30/A303 connecting to Exeter and London, and direct trains to London Waterloo from Honiton in under 2 hrs 30 mins. Exeter Airport is nearby and offers flights to a growing list of UK and international destinations, including London City Airport.

For leisure, the area offers sailing at the Axe Yacht Club, Seaton, and Beer; golf at Honiton, Lyme Regis, Sidmouth and Woodbury; and racing at Taunton, Exeter, and Newton Abbot. The South West Coast Path and local bridleways offer outstanding walking and riding.

Square Footage: 4,523 sq ft


Acreage: 12 Acres

Directions

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Additional Info

Sewage treatment plant for the main house, with a septic tank serving the cottage. Oil fired central heating. Mains water.

Fibre broadband connected throughout. Three-phase electrics in the agricultural building.

Agents Note: There is a separate Council Tax band for the Cottage (C)