Stockland, Honiton, Devon

THE PROPERTY.
Higher Ridge is located in a glorious country setting within the Blackdown Hills National Landscape in a sheltered yet slightly elevated position commanding superb views south-eastwards over a typical Devon patchwork landscape. It sits within beautifully established gardens, grounds and fields which offer great privacy and quietude, extending to about 13 acres with two glorious lakes creating a tranquil haven for an abundance of wildlife and bird life.

The property itself is Grade II Listed with origins dating back to the early seventeenth century and was thought to have been built in 1608. Its function for many years was as the parish Tithe Barn, a building used to store the tithe (a proportion of profit made by parish farms) paid to support the church and clergy, then subsequently as a farm building for many years, before being sympathetically converted in the late 1980s into the attractive home of great character we find today.

Higher Ridge is traditionally built with mellow stone walls under a thatched roof with hand-made oak double glazed windows and doors. It exudes period character and ambience with many exposed timbers including magnificent cruck beams on the first floor. The accommodation is superbly presented and has been significantly enhanced over the period of the current owners stewardship, resulting in the very special home we find today which blends superb ancient features with all the modern conveniences one would expect.

GARDENS & GROUNDS.
From the lane, a right of way leads to a long private driveway which provides a very attractive approach and sweeps up to a large gravelled parking and turn around area with space for a number of vehicles. Adjacent to this is a very useful L-shaped outbuilding which comprises a studio with fitted units and Belfast sink, workshop/store and a single garage. This building has a variety of uses and could no doubt have further potential for conversion to ancillary accommodation, home office etc (subject to planning). There is also a further substantial detached garage building which offers a double carport with garage beside.

The gardens immediately surround the property and are laid principally to areas of lawn, interspersed and bordered by colourful plant and shrub beds and specimen trees which are retained by low stone walls. Immediately in front of the house is a raised paved terrace, a delightful place to sit and enjoy the wonderful far-reaching views. There is also a summerhouse, potting shed and implement store. To the rear are further lawned areas on raised terraces as well as a paved terrace.

The land lies principally to the south and east and has a slight easterly slope, being divided into a number of enclosures. Further to the southeast is the stunning wildlife retreat which is beautifully mature with two inter-connecting lakes (extending to about 0.4 acre), both with small islands. This is a wonderful setting, away from it all, and where one can sit and be at one with nature.

SITUATION.
Although semi-rural, Higher Ridge is readily accessible to the highly desirable conservation village of Stockland which is about 3 miles away. Stockland has a thriving community with a well-respected pre school and primary school, public house (Kings Arms), village hall with playing fields and tennis courts and the ancient Church of St Michael and All Angels. About 3 miles to the south of Stockland is the village of Dalwood and this also has a community run shop and popular public house.

Approximately 7 miles to the south west is the busy market town of Honiton which has a variety of shops including many antique shops, sports centre/swimming pool and mainline rail link to London Waterloo. The Cathedral City of Exeter lies some 25 miles to the west with an excellent shopping centre, sport and leisure facilities, mainline express rail link to London Paddington, M5 access and international airport. The market town of Axminster is also close at hand being about 7 miles away.

The picturesque World Heritage Coastline at Lyme Bay, known as the Jurassic Coast, is about 10 miles to the south and is a popular tourist destination with its dramatic cliffs and stunning coastal walks. The renowned Colyton Grammer School, one of the country’s top state schools, is located about 8 miles away.

DIRECTIONS.
From Honiton, proceed out of the town on the A35 Axminster road and continue on this road through the village of Wilmington. Shortly after leaving the village, turn left by a bridge and follow this lane to Moorcox Cross. Turn left here and proceed past the TV mast and then right at Ridge Cross signposted Ridge ¾ mile and Ham 1¼. Follow this lane down the hill until a farm is reached, turning right immediately by the farm and continue down this private lane for a few hundred yards. Turn right into the private drive of Higher Ridge which sweeps up to the house itself.
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TENURE & SERVICES
Freehold. Mains electricity. Private water (mains available) and drainage. Oil-fired central heating.

LOCAL AUTHORITY & EPC.
East Devon District Council - .
Council Tax Band: F.
An EPC is not required due to the Grade II Listing.

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

BROADBAND & MOBILE.
The seller has advised us that 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