Horns Cross, Bideford, Devon, EX39

Stunning 16th-century Grade II listed Devon Longhouse in an elevated rural setting with 3 beds, 3 receptions, 8 acres of gardens, paddocks & woodland. Beautifully restored with original features, outbuildings & barn with conversion potential. Peaceful, private & well connected.

DESCRIPTION

Set in an elevated position amidst rolling farmland, Lower Holwell enjoys far-reaching views across the valley towards the village of Parkham. This Grade II listed Devon Longhouse, believed to date from the early 16th Century, is a fine example of traditional rural architecture that has been extensively and sympathetically improved by the current owners, both inside and out.

Constructed of stone and cob beneath a beautiful water reed thatched roof, the property blends timeless character with modern comfort. Internally, the accommodation is light-filled, spacious, and full of charm, featuring exposed beams, inglenook fireplaces, and a wealth of original period details throughout.

The ground floor offers three generous principal reception rooms—a kitchen, dining room, and living room—each of similar size and character. These are complemented by a utility room, a secondary kitchen area, a shower room, and several useful store rooms. Two staircases lead to the first floor, where there are three well-proportioned double bedrooms, including a master suite with en-suite facilities, a further family bathroom, and airing cupboard.

Outside, Lower Holwell is approached via a private sweeping driveway leading to formal south-facing gardens, two detached garages, and a variety of traditional stone and modern outbuildings. The property sits within approximately 8 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, pastureland, and woodland, providing a tranquil setting with exceptional privacy and versatility.

A substantial detached barn currently serves as garaging and storage but offers potential for conversion into ancillary accommodation or holiday cottages (subject to the necessary planning consents), creating valuable home-and-income opportunities.

Lower Holwell represents a rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored period home in an idyllic setting with great transport links. Combining historic charm with modern living, and complemented by extensive gardens, outbuildings and land, it offers exceptional lifestyle potential in one of North Devon’s most picturesque locations.

SITUATION

Lower Holwell is set within the semi-rural hamlet of Hoops, just off the A39, ideally positioned to enjoy local amenities and the dramatic North Devon coastline. The nearby village of Parkham (approx. 2 miles) offers a primary school, butcher, and church, while the renowned Hoops Inn & Country Hotel lies close by.

The historic coastal village of Bucks Mills is around 3.4 miles away, providing access to a pebbled beach and scenic coastal footpaths with stunning sea views. The port and market town of Bideford (approx. 5.7 miles) offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, and schools, as well as the Atlantic Village retail complex. The regional centre of Barnstaple (approx. 14 miles) provides extensive shopping, business, and transport links via the A361 North Devon Link Road, connecting to the M5 and mainline rail services.

To the west, the popular coastal town of Bude (approx. 18 miles) offers beautiful sandy beaches, excellent surfing, and a vibrant selection of independent shops, cafés, and restaurants, making it a favoured destination for leisure and recreation.

ACCOMMODATION

GROUND FLOOR

PORCH
Timber-glazed porch overlooking the garden, ceiling light, tiled flooring, timber multi-pane stained glass door leading into:

HALLWAY
Ceiling light, stairs rising to the first floor, tiled flooring, doors to:

KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM
A range of matching eye and base-level units with work surface over, incorporating electric hob with extractor hood above, bay window to the front aspect overlooking the lawn with distant countryside views. Matching kitchen island boasting further storage. Feature log burning Rayburn, pendant lighting, built-in NEFF double oven, space for free-standing fridge/freezer. Continuation of tiled flooring, space for breakfast room table. Understairs storage cupboard, doors and openings too:

DINING ROOM
Fine-sized reception room with timber glazed window to front aspect with secondary glazing, ceiling light, radiator, ample space for dining room furniture, continuation of flooring.

LIVING ROOM
Fine-sized reception room with fantastic feature fireplace, oak mantel over slate hearth and bricked backing housing log burning stove. Timber glazed bay window to the front aspect overlooking the gardens with secondary glazing, ceiling light, radiator, beautiful oak flooring. Doors to:

STORAGE ROOM
Timber double-glazed window to the front aspect, ceiling light.

KITCHEN WASHROOM
Range of matching base-level units with work surface over incorporating two bowl stainless steel sink with drainer unit. uPVC double-glazed windows to the rear aspect, ceiling light, radiator, dishwasher, ample storage. Doors to:

UTILITY ROOM
uPVC double-glazed window to the rear aspect, ceiling light, stairs rising to the first floor with understairs storage cupboard, space and plumbing for washing machine and tumble dryer with storage above, radiator, continuation of flooring. Door to:

BATHROOM
Three-piece suite comprising walk-in shower enclosure and combination vanity unit with WC and handwash basin. uPVC double-glazed windows to the rear and side aspect. Ceiling lights, radiator, tiled flooring, door to:

STORAGE ROOM
Timber-glazed window to the front aspect, ceiling light, continuation of flooring.

REAR ENTRANCE
Timber part glazed door to the rear, ceiling light, consumer board, wall-mounted boiler running domestic hot water and heating systems, radiator, continuation of tiled flooring. Door to:

STORAGE ROOM
Handy storage for coats and boots. Stairs rising to further eaves storage.

FIRST FLOOR

LANDING
Ceiling lights, sliding door to:

SECOND LANDING
Radiator and doors to:

BEDROOM ONE
Good-sized double bedroom with dual timber glazed secondary glazing windows to the front aspect overlooking the garden, ceiling light, overstairs storage cupboard, radiator, timber flooring and door to:

ENSUITE
Elegant and expertly-crafted three-piece suite comprising walk-in shower enclosure with drench showerhead over, mid-flush WC and vanity unit with inset handwash basin with electric mirror over. Dual aspect with timber-glazed with secondary glazing window to the front aspect and uPVC double-glazed window to the side. Loft hatch access, ceiling light, tiling to walls, heated towel rail, tiled flooring.

BEDROOM TWO
Excellent-sized double bedroom with twin single-glazed windows with secondary glazing to the front aspect overlooking the garden. Extensive built-in wardrobes, ceiling light, radiator, ample space for bedroom furniture, fitted carpet.

BEDROOM THREE
Double bedroom with single-glazed timber window with secondary glazing to the front aspect overlooking the garden. Ceiling light, built in wardrobe, radiator, timber flooring.

BATHROOM
Three-piece suite comprising panel-enclosed bath, vanity unit with inset handwash basin and WC, uPVC double-glazed obscured window to the rear aspect and timber glazed window to the side. Ceiling light, heated towel rail, floor to ceiling tiling.

AIRING CUPBOARD
A very generous walk-in drying room with uPVC double-glazed window to the rear aspect, ceiling light, radiator, built-in racking, cupboard housing hot water tank, timber flooring.

OUTSIDE

Lower Holwell is approached via a private sweeping driveway, leading to a generous parking area with space for several vehicles. The drive also gives access to the land, two detached garages/workshops. A second drive leads to the generous barn/garage.

The gardens are a true feature of the property — beautifully landscaped and predominantly south-facing, they wrap around the house and provide a wonderful sense of privacy and tranquillity. An expansive lawn is set to the front of the property boasting stunning countryside and valley views and is interspersed with mature trees, established shrubs and colourful borders, steps and archway lead to the enclosed side garden which is bursting with planting and seasonal colour, also boasting a covered seating area.

To the rear of the property are two traditional stone outbuildings, divided into four useful stores, one benefitting from light and power, providing excellent potential for workshop, studio or garden storage use. A pedestrian gate leads beyond to the substantial detached barn/outbuilding with power and water connected, currently used for garaging and general storage, but offering exciting potential for conversion (subject to the necessary planning consents).
A path leads past the stone barns to a hard standing area providing access to a hay barn with power and water connected and also to the first of the paddocks.

In total, the property extends to approximately 8 acres, comprising formal gardens, well-maintained pasture divided into three paddocks and small area of woodland, creating a versatile outdoor environment suited to a variety of lifestyle or leisure pursuits.

SERVICES

Mains electricity and water. Calor gas central heating. Private drainage.

COUNCIL TAX BAND: F

EPC RATING: EXEMPT