The Old Stables, Exeter, Devon

Thought to have been built in the late 18th century, this warm and welcoming four-bedroom home lies in a peaceful rural position near the banks of the River Exe in Devon. It was recently renovated by its current owners, who have created modern and comfortable spaces between impressive proportions and period features. Accommodation spans over 2,315 sq ft across two levels; in the summer, a private rear garden acts as a natural extension to this. Exeter is a short 10-minute drive away, and the National Parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor are within easy reach.



The Tour



Approached from a quiet, country road, this semi-detached house sits in a quiet court removed from the traffic, with plenty of parking space at the front. Its neat, white-rendered façade rises across two storeys, punctuated by large casement windows set in hardwood frames and topped by a slate-tiled roof.



There are several points of access to the house and garden; at the front, an enclosed porch opens directly to a bright reception room with exposed brickwork and tiled floors.



To the right, a hallway opens to both the outdoor terrace and the sitting room; a wonderfully welcoming room with a cosy log-burner at its heart. A soft afternoon light pours in from two south-westerly windows.



Further down the hallway lies an open-plan kitchen and dining room, set beneath high vaulted ceilings and framed by glazing on three aspects, ensuring excellent illumination throughout the day. Exposed brickwork and beams are paired with crisp, white-painted walls, and some of the original stone floors have been retained. A stable door provides access to the front, while French doors open to the garden.



A raised section houses a generous kitchen. White shaker units are topped with solid elm surfaces and complemented by a large island and open shelving. Appliances include a powder-blue range cooker by Mercury, a diswasher and tumble dryer. An inviting seating area is anchored by a wood-burning stove.



Also on this floor is a spacious storeroom with a separate WC and a door connecting to the garage.



Stairs ascend to the upper level, where an airy landing connects to four spacious bedrooms and a bathroom. Two of the bedrooms, both large doubles, sit beneath high vaulted ceilings at either end of the plan, with east-facing windows framing views of the garden and the playing fields beyond.



Outdoor Space



Set at the far end of the court, the front yard has parking space for several vehicles and is home to a garage and a large log store.



An east-facing garden extends to the rear, mainly laid to lawn and wonderfully private. A paved terrace stretches along the rear elevation and unfolds to a covered outdoor dining area, the perfect spot for a long lunch in the warmer months. There are also vegetable beds and a handy storage shed.



The Area



Positioned along the leafy banks of the River Exe, The Old Stables benefits from both a tranquil rural setting and proximity to Exeter’s city centre, a mere 10 minutes’ drive away, and the vibrant Exeter Quay a 20-minute walk through the Exe County Park.



Based around the 15th-century Exeter Cathedral, Exeter is a vibrant cultural centre, offering a fantastic selection of restaurants, independent shops, and cafes. Favourites include Stage, popular for its tasting menus inspired by seasonality; The Ivy, a go-to for British classic cuisine; and the family-run Harry’s Restaurant, a local institution. There is also a Vue cinema and Ramm Museum, home to a diverse collection spanning natural science, fine art and costume design. Exeter Golf and Country Club is a five-minute drive from the house, with tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness facilities and a wellness spa.



The house is ideally placed to make the most of the region’s scenic landscapes, offering plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling and water sports. Dartmoor National Park and the Southwest Coast Path can be reached within a half hour’s drive, while the National Park of Exmoor and the north coast are around an hour’s drive away. Managed by the National Trust, the 18th-century Killerton Estate is also within easy reach, surrounded by acres of landscaped gardens and enchanting parkland.



The area offers brilliant private and state schools at all levels, including The Maynard School, Exeter School and Exeter College.



The house is well served by an extensive transport network. Exeter St David’s station runs railway services to London Paddington in just over two hours. There is easy access to the M5, providing connections to the rest of the UK. Exeter Airport is a 14-minute drive away and Bristol Airport can be reached in under 90 minutes.



Council Tax Band: F