Wonford Road, Exeter, Devon

Designed by David Sheppard, this superb RIBA award-winning house is in sought-after St Leonards, Exeter. The house is defined by clean lines of render, timber cladding and a bank of clear and opaque glass that invites dramatic shards of light to stream in. Cleverly conceived living spaces come to life with playful material touches and fun pops of colour, blending seamlessly with the beautifully landscaped private terraces and gardens, while balconies extend from the front and back to provide elevated views across the surrounding countryside.



The Tour



Set back from a quiet residential road, the house makes a striking first impression. A private front driveway comfortably accommodates two cars, with plenty of space for bike storage too. The primary entrance is seamlessly concealed on the easterly aspect, leading through to a double-height entrance hall and central circulation area.



The principal rooms that follow are well considered, with a playful approach to layout, colour and material palette. Open-plan, the living room has sliding glass doors to the garden and exceptional natural light. A dining area lies to one side, forming a more intimate setting, with the open kitchen directly adjacent, creating a natural, sociable flow. Dinesen flooring runs underfoot and has underfloor heating. A separate pantry and utility room are neatly tucked away to one side.



A wonderfully sculptural staircase rises through the central atrium, with glass panels that allow light to douse the stairwell. Expansive ribbons of glazing wrap the first-floor level, which has been cleverly designed with a flexibility of use in mind. Wide, open landings are loosely partitioned, producing bright nooks.



Two bedrooms and a family bathroom lie on the first-floor level, both with an excellent provision of storage. There are also bedrooms at the top of the house; both are quiet retreats, and each has an en suite bathroom. Internorm doors open onto private terraces, with far-reaching views across the Devonshire hills.



While the house feels perfectly complete, architectural plans are also available for additional interventions, such as a winter garden.



Outdoor Space



The outside space is an immersive celebration of local wildlife, rich in biodiversity and teeming with flora and fauna. The gardens have been both expertly designed and lovingly tended: a sea of carefully curated herbaceous perennials and grasses cultivates a sensory experience, and a central lily pool reflects light from the terrace.



Seating areas have been strategically placed to follow the course of the sun, and a pathway winds through beds and borders to the canopy of mature trees forming the boundary and bringing a welcome dappled shade. A shed at the foot of the garden provides external storage. There is also a useful side passageway that circles back to the front driveway.



The Area



Exeter is a vibrant cultural centre based around the Exeter Cathedral, with an excellent selection of restaurants, shops, theatres, cinemas, a museum, football, rugby and leisure centres and a vibrant riverside with water sports and cycling trails.



This particular part of the city, St Leonards, is a handsome, tree-lined residential neighbourhood with a lively community spirit and a hive of independent restaurants, coffee shops, retailers and delis which line nearby Magdalen Road. Local favourites include Stage, 18 Grams, Leaf Street, Ben’s Farm Shop, Magdalen Cheese and The Mount Radford pub.



The area is also renowned for excellent private and state schools at all levels, together with the University of Exeter and an excellent college.



Exeter has an extensive transport network with the M5 and Exeter St David's station, which runs services to London Paddington in just over two hours. Exeter Airport is around 15 minutes away by car, providing air services within the UK and international destinations.



Council Tax Band: G